UNIVERSITY 
Of  ILLINOIS 

977. 7fc4 
HfcZ. 


iu.  HIST.  SURVEY 


HISTORY 


OP 

MAHASKA  COUNTY, 

IOWA, 


CONTAINING 


A History  of  the  County,  its  Cities,  Towns,  &c., 


A Biographical  Directory  of  its  Citizens,  War  Record  of  its  Volunteers  in  the  late  Re- 
bellion, General  and  Local  Statistics,  Portraits  of  Early  Settlers  and  Prom- 
inent Men,  History  of  the  Northwest,  History  of  Iowa, 

Map  of  Mahaska  County,  Constitution  of 
the  United  States,  Miscellan- 
eous Matters,  &c. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


DES  MOINES : 

/ UNION  HISTORICAL  COMPANY. 

1878. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1878,  by 


THE  UNION  HISTORICAL  COMPANY, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


MILLS  ft  COMPANY, 
PRINTERS  AND  STEREOTYPERS, 
DES  MOINES,  IOWA. 


7. 1SH 


-r 


PREFACE. 


In  presenting  this  work  to  the  people  of  Mahaska  county,  we  have  reason  to  heheve  that 
we  are  placing  it  in  the  hands  of  its  friends.  A friendly  disposition  was  manifested  toward 
our  representatives  during  its  compilation,  and  we  trust  the  volume  m its  completed  form 

mav  be  in  no  sense  a disappointment.  .. 

If  we  have  accomplished  nothing  more,  we  have  at  least  rescued  much  ^por  ant  matter 
from  oblivion.  Ten  years  more  would  have  made  the  record  of  many  facte  and 
which  we  present  herewith  an  impossibility.  The  first  settlers  of  Mahaska  have  passed  the 
mountain  tops  of  life.  Memory  is  one  of  the  first  faculties  of  mind  which  shows  signs  of 
decay,  and,  even  among  those  of  the  old  guard  still  living,  another  decade  would  have  found 
many  a link  rusted  out  from  their  chain  of  recollection. 

In  this  history  we  have  endeavored  to  present  to  the  reader  a picture  of  the  past  and  pres- 
ent of  Mahaska.  We  have  labored  to  introduce  him  to  the  wigwams  of  its  aborigines,  to 
seat  him  by  the  hearth-stone  of  its  pioneers,  to  trace  the  history  of  the  county  s orgamzabon, 
to  compile  a sketch  of  its  leading  institutions,  and  to  represent  the  condition  < of  the  county 
while  entering  the  last  quarter  of  the  nineteenth  century.  It  is  not  so  much  the  work  o 
ourselves  as  of  Mahaska’s  own  citizens.  We  have  compiled  what  these  men  have  long 
known,  and  placed  it  in  permanent  form  for  the  present  generation,  and  for  those  to  come. 
We  have  not  the  confidence  to  presume  that  the  work  will  contain  no  mistakes.  The  falli- 
bility of  memory  produces  a hundred  conflicting  statements.  Dates  are  slippery  things  to 
handle  Names. will  get  twisted.  Some  of  these  errors  will  belong  to  our  informants,  some 
to  ourselves.  A charitable  public  will  not  forget  that  “to  err  is  human.” 

Only  one-third  of  a century  ago  a strong  argument  for  locating  the  county-seat  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  county  was  that  there  was  no  likelihood  that  the  present  century  won  d 
'see  the  northern  prairies  of  the  county  populated.  Ten  years  later,  and  the  same  argument 
was  sincerely  used  in  respect  to  the  State  of  Iowa,  by  shrewd  men  on  the  occasion  of  the 
removal  of'  the  State  capital.  Some  of  these  same  men  have  ‘ lived  to  learn.  This  woi 
will  show  the  changes  of  thirty-six  years  in  Central  Iowa. 

It  is  a source  of  regret  to  us  that  diligent  search  faded  to  discover  any  files  of  Mahaska 
county  newspapers  between  the  years  1859  and  1864.  This  very  important  period,  including 
most  of  Mahaska’s  war  history,  is  not  so  fully  presented  on  these  pages  as  we  desired. 

In  our  “ War  Record  ” we  have  endeavored  to  give,  in  epitomized  form,  the  part  taken  by 
individual  soldiers  from  Mahaska.  The  names  of  those  drafted  have  been  omitted,  for  the 
reason  that  we  could  not  secure  a satisfactory  list.  , , , 

The  especial  value  of  much.we  have  presented,  particularly  in  our  biographical  department, 
will  be  patent  a generation  hence.  It  will,  we  trust,  be  endeared  to  hunt  re  so  resi  ®s’ 
We  wish  thus  publicly  to  express  our  appreciation  of  the  kindness  which  has  been  shown 
• us  in  this  enterprise.  To  the  several  hundred  citizens  who  have  co-operated  with  ourrepre- 
sentatives  in  securing  the  information  which  made  the  accompanying  wor  a possi  i 1 , 

tender  our  hearty  thanks-especially  to  the  editors  of  the  Oskaloosa  Herald  The  Standard 
and  the  New  Sharon  Star  for  the  use  of  files  of  papers,  and  general  information ; to  Judge 
M.  T.  Williams,  for  many  items  of  early  history;  to  W.  B.  Street,  Esq.,  for  Indian  1 y, 
to  William  T.  Smith,  Esq.,  for  miscellaneous  matter  and  valuable  manuscript;  to  Henry  ft. 
Kendig,  Esq.,  for  Masonic  history;  to  Judge  Samuel  Thompson,  for  assistance  upon  the 
geography  of  the  county;  to  the  various  county  and  city  officials,  for  access  to  records. 


iv 


PREFACE. 


Among  others  to  whom  we  are  especially  indebted  for  assistance,  might  be  mentioned 
Captain  A.  J.  Comstock,  Hon.  John  N.  Dixon,  Mrs.  E.  Needham,  Mrs.  T.  G.  Phillips,  J.  E. 
Ogborne,  Esq.,  Prof.  H.  H.  Seerley,  Lieut.  W.  H.  Needham,  Porte  C.  Welch,  Esq.,  Judge  J. 
A.  L.  Crookham,  Dr.  E.  A.  Boyer,  Van  B.  Delashmutt,  Esq.,  T.  Baldwin,  Esq.,  Mr.  Ephraim 
Munsell,  Prof.  Woody,  John  A.  Hoffman,  Esq.,  Ben  McCoy,  Esq.,  Samuel  McFall,  Esq., 
James  Winder,  Esq.,  Henry  P.  Ninde,  Esq.,  Captain  C.  P.  Searle  and  Rev.  Thos.  Ballinger. 

The  sketches  on  the  Northwest,  and  the  articles,  descriptive  and  historical,  on  Iowa,  em- 
bracing the  first  two  hundred  and  fifty-six  pages  of  the  work,  were  prepared  by  A.  R.  Fulton, 
of  Des  Moines,  and  we  doubt  not  will  prove  highly  interesting  and  instructive,  as  showing 
the  steps  by  which,  within  the  present  century,  a vast  region,  inhabited  by  savages,  has  de- 
veloped into  mighty  States. 

We  have  also  consulted  the  following  works:  “Pioneers  of  Marion  County,”  “Iowa 
Colonels  and  Regiments,”  “ Iowa  in  the  Rebellion,”  and  a number  of  State  reports. 

Whatever  of  satisfaction,  instruction  or  enjoyment  these  pages  may  bring  to  their  readers, 
will  be  a gratification  to 

The  Publishers. 


I 


CONTENTS 


Page. 

The  Northwest  Territory: 

Early  French  Explorations  in 
the  Mississippi  Valley,  : 7 

Early  Settlements  in  the 
Northwest,  : : : 14 

The  Northwestern  Territory,  22 
The  Louisiana  Purchase,  : 28 

Indian  Wars  in  the  Northwest,  34 
Sketches  of  Black  Hawk  and 
other  Chiefs,  : : 42 

Early  Navigation  of  Western 
Rivers,  : : : 56 

Archaeology  of  the  Northwest,  59 
Sketches  of  Western  and 
Northwestern  States,  : 67 

Expedition  of  Lewis  and 
Clarke,  : : : 86 

Sketch  of  Chicago,  : : 96 

History  of  Iowa : 

Descriptive  and  Geographical 
Sketchy  : : : 105 

Geologyyof  Iowa,  : 117 

Economic  Geology,  : : 125 

How  the  Title  to  Iowa  Lands 
is  derived,  : : : 130 

Early  Settlements  and  Terri- 
torial Organization,  : 141 

Territory  of  Iowa,  : 153 

State  Organization,  : 158 

Educational,  : : : 162 

State  Institutions,  : : 169 

Railroads.  : : : 172 

Official  Record,  : : 174 

The  Judiciary,  : : : 176 

Congressional  Representa- 
tion, : : : 177 

State  Agricultural  Society,  178 

Centennial  Awards,  : 191 

History  of  Mahaska  County: 
Geography— Descriptive  and 
Physical,  : : : 257 

Indian  Affairs,  : : 260 

Early  Settlement,  : : 265 

County  Seat  Contest,  : 267 

History  of  names  Oskaloosa 
and  Mahaska,  : : 269 

Life  of  Mahaska,  : 269 

Commissioner’s  Court,  : 276 

First  Court,  : : 277 


HISTORICAL, 

Page. 

History  of  Mahaska  County: 
Mahaska  County  Court  House,  284 
County  Jail,  : : : 285 

First  School,  : : : 285 

Probate  Court,  : : 286 

Letters  of  1846-7,  : : 287 

Townships,  : : : 288 

Land  Sales,  : : : 293 

Club  Law,  : : : 294 

Early  Climate,  etc.,  : ; 298 

An  Early  Hunt,  : : 298 

A Mahask  County  Romance,  299 
An  Old  Iowan,  : : 302 

Mahaska  in  1850-52,  : 303 

Flood  of  ’51,  : : : 304 

Religious,  : : 305 

Incidents,  : : : 306 

Mississippi  and  Missouri  R. 

R.  Loan,  : : : 307 

County  Finances,  : 

Bridges,  : : : 

Poor  House,  : : 

List  of  County  Officers 
Illustrious  Dead,  : 

Educational,  : 

The  Press,  : : 

Temperance,  : : 

Political,  : : 

Statistics,  : : 

Official  Votes,  : 

Railroads,  : : 

Mahaska  County  Agricultural 
Society,  : : : 350 

Hog  Raising,  : : : 352 

Horticultural,  : : 352 

Mahaska  County  Medical  So- 
ciety, : : : : 356 

Mahaska  County  Bible  Society,  356 
County  Sunday  School  Associ- 
ation, : : 

Masonry,  : : 

Society  of  Friends, 

Mahaska’s  Centennial, 

Casualties,  : : 

The  Cause  of  Science  on  the 
Border,  : : : 371 

Bowen  Murder  Case,  : 371 

Love,  Desertion  and  Suicide,  373 
Shooting,  : : : 373 


311 

311 

313 

318 

323 

331 

338 

340 

343 

344 
344 


: 357 


: 370 
370 


Page. 

History  of  Mahaska  County: 

Local  Troubles  During  the 
War,  : : : : 373 

War  History: 

Mahaska  County  War  Record,  383 
Third  Infantry, 

Seventh  Infantry, 

Eighth  Infantry, 

Fifteenth  Infantry.  • ; 404 

Seventeenth  Infantry,  : 409 

Eighteenth  Infantry,  : 410 

Thirty-third  Infantry,  : 412 

Thirty-Sixth  Infantry,  : 429 

Thirty-seventh  Infantry,  429 

Thirty-eighth  Infantry,  : 431 

Fortieth  Infantry,  : 431 

Forty-seventh  Infantry,  : 438 

Third  Cavalry,  • : 440 

Fourth  Cavalry,  ; : 440 

Seventh  Cavalry,  : : 443 

Ninth  Cavalry,  : : 444 

Light  Artillery,  : : 445 

Miscellaneous  Enlistments,  : 446 

Soldiers’  Reunion,  : 448 

The  Rice  Monument,  : 450 

Sherman’s  March  to  the  Sea,  451 
Cities  and  Towns : 

Oskaloosa, 


New  Sharon, 
Beacon,  : 
Rose  Hill,  : 
Fremont, 
Muchakinock, 
Townships : 

Cedar  : 
Harrison,  ; 

Des  Moines, 
Jefferson,  : 

White  Oak, 
Oskaloosa,  : 

Scott,  : 
Monroe,  : 

Adams,  : 
Madison,  : 

Black  Oak, 
Pleasant  Grove, 
Union,  : 
Prairie,  : 

Richland, 


455 

601 

612 

515 

517 

619 

522 

524 

528 

529 

530 

531 

532 

534 

535 

536 

537 

540 

541 

542 
546 


Page. 

Westward  the  Star  of  Empire 


takes  its  Way,  : : 

: 17 

An  Indian  Camp,  : ; 

Indians  trying  aPrisoner, 

: 33 

: 49 

A Pioneer  Winter,  : : 

: 65 

Lll 

Page. 

Ballinger,  T„ 

489' 

Baugh,  Geo.  H„ 

- 507 

Cooper,  Cary, 

363 

Dela-hmutt,  V.  B., 

- 561 

Downing,  F.  I.., 

435 

Gilmore,  T.  R., 

- 453 

Houtz,  Christian 

597 

IL  LUSTRATIONS. 

Page 

Lincoln  Monument,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  : : : : 7; 

Chicago  in  1820,  : : : 9' 

Present  Site  Lake  Street  Bridge, 
Chicago,  1833,  : : : 


97 


Old  Fort  Dearborn,  1830, 
The  “ Old  Kinzie  House,’ 
A Prairie  Home,  : 
Breaking  Prairie  : : 


LITHOGRAPHIC  PORTRAITS. 


Lacey,  John  F., 
Leighton,  Henry  C., 
McCullough,  James, 
McMullin,  J.  W.,  - 

McNeill,  H.  W., 
Picken  Mathew, 


Page. 

- 345 
327 

- 625 
399 

- 471 
579 


Rice,  Sam’l  A., 
Rice,  E.  W., 
Seevers,  W.  H., 
Smith,  Wm.  T., 
Tice,  Hardin, 
Williams,  M.  T., 


Page. 

103 

: 1(8 
129 
: 145 


Page. 

- 381 
417 

- 309 
291 

- 543 
273 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


l 


BIOGRAPHICAL  TOWNSHIP  DIRECTORY. 


Adams.  : : : 

Black  Oak,  : : 

Cedar,  : : : 

Des  Moines,  : : 

East  Oskaloosa,  : : 

Eddwille  (Harrison  Twp.), 
Harrison,  : : 


Page. 

692 
: 677 
657 
: 643 
617 
720 
: 647 


Page.  ' 


Jefferson,  * : : 

Madison,  : : : 

Monroe,  : : : 

New  Sharon  (Prairie  Twp.), 
Oskaloosa  City  (Oskaloosa 
Township),  : : : 

Pleasant  Grove,  : : 


685 

698 

624 


553 


Prairie, 

; Richland,  : 

! Scott,  : 
Union,  : 

West  Oskaloosa, 
White  Oak,  : 


Page. 
: 631 
712 
: 670 
706 
: 608 
663 


ABSTRACT  OF  IOWA  STATE  EAWS. 


Page. 

Adoption  of  Children,  - 203 

Bills  of  Exchange  and  Promis- 
sory Notes  - 195 

Capital  Punishment  - 199 

Commercial  Terms  - - 208 

Damages  from  Trespass,  - 201 

Descent,  - 195 

Estrays.  201 

Exemptions  from  Executions,  200 

Fences  - 202 

Forms: 

Article  of  Agreement,  - 209 

Bills  of  Sale,  - - 210 

Bond  for  Deed,  - - 217 

Bills  of  Purchase,  - 207 

Chattel  Mortgage,  - - 215 


Page. 

Confession  of  Judgment,  208 

Eease,  - - - 214 

Mortgages,  - - 212,  213 

Notice  to  Quit,  - - 210 

Notes,  - - - 207,  215 

Orders,  - 207 

Quit-Claim  Deed,  - 216 

Receipts,  - - - 208 

Wills  and  Codicils,  - 211,  212 

Warranty  Deed,  - - 216 

Game  Laws : 

Birds  and  Quadrupeds,  - 217 

Fish  and  Fish  Ways,  - 218 

Interest,  - - - 195 

Jurisdiction  of  Courts,  - 198 


Jurors,  - 

Page. 
- 199 

Landlord  and  Tenant, 

206 

Limitation  of  Actions, 

199 

Married  Women, 

- 2oO 

Marks  and  Brands, 

201 

Mechanics’  Liens, 

- 204 

Purchasing  Books  by  Subscrip- 

tion. 

219 

Roads  and  Bridges, 

- 204 

Surveyors  and  Surveys, 

204 

Support  of  Poor, 

- 205 

Taxes, 

197 

Wills  and  Estates. 

- 196 

Weights  and  Measures, 

207 

Wolf  Scalps, 

- 201 

Page. 

Map  of  Mahaska  County,  : Front. 
Statistics,  : : : 183 

Constitution  of  the  State  of 
Iowa,  r : : : 229 


MISCELLANEOUS. 

Page. 

Constitution  of  the  United  States,  240 
Practical  Rules  for  every-day 
use,  : : : : 252 

Population  of  Iowa  Cities,  : 255 


Page. 

The  Pioneer,  : ; 256 

Biography  of  General  Elliott  W. 

Rice,  : : : : 548 

Addenda  (Biographical),  j 722 


IN  3 0 


••  

,_ 

r «?&*£  /fj 

! ! i!  | |l!!|i!!|  II  i 

\ • V-  ||  P 

■ fc  !LP  ..  * 

r 

!||!|j 

I 

> In 

LJi 

The  Northwest  Territory. 


EARLY  FRENCH  EXPLORATIONS  IN  THE  MISSISSIPPI 

VALLEY. 

De  Soto — Lo  Caron — Samuel  de  Champlain — French  Adventurers— J ames  Marquette — Louis 
Joliet — Embarkation  to  Explore  New  Countries — Lake  Michigan  and  Green  Bay — The 
“Ouisconsin” — Indian  Accounts  of  the  Country— Discovering  the  Great  River — Indian 
Name  of  the  River — Joy  of  the  Explorers — Interview  with  Indians  on  Iowa  Soil — Feast — 
Speech  of  an  Indian  Chief — The  Des  Moines  River — “ Muddy  Water  ” — The  Arkansas — 
Return — Indian  Nations — Marquette’s  Record — His  Subsequent  Voyage — La  Vantum — 
Marquette’s  Death — Removal  of  His  Remains — Joliet's  Subsequent  Explorations — Robert 
La  Salle — Louis  Hennepin — Chevalier  de  Tonti — De  La  Motte — Fort  Crevecoeur — Henne- 
pin’s Voyage — Falls  of  St.  Anthony — Seur  de  Luth — Hennepin’s  Claims  as  an  Explorer — 
Colonization  of  Louisiana — Dissensions — Murder  of  La  Salle. 

The  three  great  colonizing  powers  of  the  Old  World  first  to  raise  the 
standard  of  civilization  within  the  limits  of  North  America  were  France, 
England,  and  Spain.  The  French  made  their  earliest  settlements  in  the 
cold  and  inhospi table  regions  of  Quebec;  the  English  at  Jamestown,  Vir- 
ginia, and  at  Plymouth,  Massachusetts;  and  the  Spaniards  on  the  barren 
.sands  of  Florida.  To  the  French  belongs  the  honor  of  discovering  and  colo- 
nizing that  portion  of  our  country  known  as  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi, 
including  all  that  magnificent  region  watered  by  the  tributaries  of  the  Great 
River.  It  is  true  that  more  than  one  hundred  years  earlier  (1538-41)  the 
Spanish  explorer,  De  Soto,  had  landed  on  the  coast  of  Florida,  penetrated  the 
everglades  and  unbroken  forests  of  the  south,  finally  reaching  the  banks  of 
the  Great  River,  probably  near  where  the  city  of  Memphis  now  stands. 
Crossing  the  river,  he  and  his  companions  pursued  their  journey  for  some 
distance  along  the  west  bank,  thence  to  the  Ozark  Mountains  and  the  Hot 
Springs  of  Arkansas,  and  returning  to  the  place  of  his  death  on  the  banks  of 
the  Mississippi.  It  was  a perilous  expedition  indeed,  characterized  by  all 
the  splendor,  romance  and  valor  which  usually  attended  Spanish  adventurers 
of  that  age.  De  Soto  and  his  companions  were  the  first  Europeans  to  behold 
the  waters  of  the  Mississippi,  but  the  expedition  was  a failure  so  far  as  related 
to  colonization.  The  requiem  chanted  by  his  companions  as  his  remains 
were  committed  to  the  waters  of  the  great  river  he  had  discovered,  died 
away  with  the  solemn  murmurs  of  the  stream,  and  the  white  man’s  voice 
was  not  heard  again  in  the  valley  for  more  than  a hundred  years.  De  Soto 
had  landed  at  Tampa  Bay,  on  the  coast  of  Florida,  with  a fleet  of  nine  ves- 
sels and  seven  hundred  men.  More  than  half  of  them  died,  and  the  remainder 
made  their  way  to  Cuba,  and  finally  back  to  Spain. 

Four  years  before  the  pilgrims  “moored  their  bark  on  the  wild  New  Eng- 
land shore,”  a French  Franciscan,  named  Le  Caron,  penetrated  the  region  of 


8 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


the  great  lakes  of  the  north,  then  the  home  of  the  Iroquois  and  the  Hurons, 
but  a French  settlement  had  been  established  at  Quebec  by  Samuel  de 
Champlain  in  1608.  This  was  followed  by  the  establishment  of  various 
colonies  in  Canada,  and  the  hardy  French  adventurers  penetrated  the  coun- 
try by  the  way  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  lakes.  In  1625  a number  of 
missionaries  of  the  Society  of  Jesus  arrived  in  Canada  from  France,  and 
during  the  succeeding  forty  years  extended  their  missions  all  along  the 
shores  of  Lake  Superior. 

In  1637  a child  was  born  at  the  little  city  of  Laon,  in  France,  whose 
destiny  it  was  in  the  fullness  of  time  to  he  instrumental  in  the  hands  of 
Providence  in  giving  to  the  world  a definite  knowledge  of  the  grandest  and 
most  fertile  region  ever  opened  up  to  civilization.  That  child  was  James 
Marquette,  the  descendant  of  a family  of  Celtic  nobles.  He  entered  the 
Society  of  Jesus  when  seventeen  years  of  age,  and  soon  conceived  a desire  to 
engage  in  the  labors  of  a missionary  among  the  Indians.  ILe  sailed  for 
Quebec  in  1666,  and  two  years  later  founded  the  mission  of  Sault  Ste.  Marie 
at  the  Falls  of  St.  Mary.  The  winter  of  1669-70  he  spent  at  Point  St. 
Ignatius,  where  he  established  another  mission.  Here  the  old  town  of 
Michillimackinac,  afterward  called  Mackinaw,  was  founded.  It  was  from 
Indians  of  the  different  tribes  who  came  to  this  mission  that  he  received 
some  vague  intimations  of  the  great  river — the  father  of  all  the  rivers.  He 

at  once  conceived  a desire  to  penetrate  to  the  banks  of  the  wonderful  river, 
and  carry  his  missionary  work  to  the  tribes  which  he  had  learned  inhabited 
its  borders.  He  applied  to  his  Superior,  Claude  Dablon,  for  permission  to 
“seek  new  nations  toward  the  Southern  sea.”  The  authorities  at  Quebec  were 
equally  desirous  of  having  new  regions  explored,  and  therefore  appointed 
Louis  Joliet  to  embark  upon  a voyage  of  discovery.  Joliet  was  a native  of 
Quebec  and  had  been  educated  in  a J esuit  College.  He  had  at  the  age  of 

eighteen  taken  minor  orders,  but  had  abandoned  all  thoughts  of  the  priest- 
hood and  engaged  in  the  fur  trade.  He  was  now  twenty-s^ven  years  of  age, 
with  a mind  ripe  for  adventure.  He  left  Quebec,  and  arriving  at  Mackinaw, 
found  Father  Marquette  highly  delighted  with  the  information  that  they 
were  to  be  companions  in  a voyage  which  was  to  extend  the  domain  of  the 
King  of  France,  as  well  as  to  carry  the  Gospel  to  new  nations  of  people.  The 
explorers,  accompanied  by  five  assistants,  who  were  French  Canadians,  started 
on  their  journey,  May  13,  1673.  Marquette  has  himself  recorded  in  the  fol- 
lowing simple  language  their  feelings  on  this  occasion:  “ We  were  embark- 
ing on  a voyage  the  character  of  which  we  could  not  foresee.  Indian  corn, 
with  some  dried  meat,  was  our  whole  stock  of  provisions.  With  this  we  set 
out  in  two  bark  canoes,  M.  Joliet,  myself  and  five  men,  firmly  resolved  to  do 
all  and  suffer  all  for  so  glorious  an  enterprise.”  They  coasted  along  the 
northern  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  entered  Green  Bay,  and  passed  up  the 
Fox  river,  carrying  their  canoes  across  the  Portage  to  the  “ Ouisconsin,”  now 
called  Wisconsin.  At  Lake  Winnebago,  before  crossing  the  Portage,  they 
stopped  at  an  Indian  village,  which  was  the  furthest  outpost  to  which  Dab- 
) Ion  and  Allouez  had  extended  their  missionary  work.  Here  they  assembled 
the  chiefs  and  old  men  of  the  village  and  told  them  of  the  objects  of  the 
voyage. ' Pointing  to  Joliet,  Father  Marquette  said:  “My  friend  is  an  envoy 
of  France  to  discover  new  countries,  and  I am  an  ambassador  from  God  to 
enlighten  them  with  the  truths  of  the  Gospel.”  The  Indians  furnished  two 
guides  to  conduct  them  to  the  Wisconsin  river.  It  is  related  that  a tribe  of 
Indians  endeavored  to  dissuade  them  from  pursuing  their  perilous  journey 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


9 


by  telling  of  desperate  and  savage  tribes  that  they  would  meet;  that  the 
forests  and  the  rivers  were  infested  with  frightful  monsters;  that  there  were 
great  fish  in  the  rivers  that  would  swallow  up  men  and  canoes  together,  and 
of  a demon  who  could  be  heard  from  a great  distance,  and  who  destroyed  all 
who  approached.  Unmoved  by  these  frightful  stories,  Marquette,  Joliet, 
and  their  five  brave  assistants,  launched  their  little  canoes  on  the  waters  of 
the  Wisconsin,  and  moved  slowly  down  the  current.  After  a lapse  of  seven 
days,  June  17th,  1673,  they  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin  and  glided 
into  the  current  of  the  Mississippi,  a few  miles  below  the  place  now  known 
as  Prairie  du  Chien.  Here,  and  on  this  day,  the  eye  of  the  white  man  for  the 
first  time  looked  upon  the  waters  of  the  Upper  Mississippi.  Marquette  called 
the  river  “ The  Broad  River  of  the  Conception.”  The  Indian  name  is  derived 
from  the  Algonquin  language,  one  of  the  original  tongues  of  the  continent. 
It  is  a compound  of  the  words  Missi , signifying  great,  and  Sepe,  a river. 

The  explorers  felt  the  most  intense  joy  on  beholding  the  scene  presented 
to  their  enraptured  vision.  Here  was  the  great  river  whose  waters  somewhere 
thousands  of  miles  away  flowed  into  a Southern  sea,  and  whose  broad  valley 
was  the  fairest  and  richest  in  the  world,  but  unknown  to  civilized  man,  save 
as  an  almost  forgotten  dream  or  a vague  romance.  They  had  solved  one  of 
the  great  mysteries  of  the  age  in  which  they  lived.  As  they  glided  down  the 
stream  the  bold  bluffs  reminded  Marquette  of  the  “castled  shores  of  his  own 
beautiful  rivers  in  France.”  The  far  stretching  prairies  alternating  with 
forests,  on  either  side,  were  adorned  in  all  the  wild  glories  of  June.  Birds 
sang  the  same  notes  that  they  had  sung  for  ages  amid  those  “ forests  prime- 
val,” while  herds  of  buffalo,  deer  and  elk  were  alarmed  and  fled  to  the  dense 
retreats  of  the  forest  or  the  broad  prairies  beyond.  Hot  until  the  25th  June 
did  they  discover  any  signs  of  human  habitation.  Then,  about  sixty  leagues, 
as  they  thought,  below  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  at  a place  where  they 
landed  on  the  west  bank  of  the  river,  they  found  in  the  sand  the  foot-prints 
of  man.  Marquette  and  Joliet  left  their  five  companions  in  charge  of  the 
canoes  and  journeyed  away  from  the  river,  knowing  that  they  must  be  near 
the  habitation  of  men.  They  followed  a trail  leading  across  a prairie  clothed 
in  the  wild  luxuriance  of  summer  for  a distance  of  about  six  miles,  when 
they  beheld  another  river  and  on  its  banks  an  Indian  village,  with  other  vil- 
lages on  higher  land  a mile  and  a half  from  the  first.  The  Indians  greeted 
the  two  white  strangers,  as  far  as  their  ability  permitted,  with  a splendid 
ovation.  They  appointed  four  of  their  old  men  to  meet  the  strangers  in 
council.  Marquette  could  speak  their  language.  They  informed  him  that 
they  were  “Illini”  (meaning  “we  are  men”),  and  presenting  the  calumet  of 
peace,  invited  them  to  share  the  hospitalities  of  their  village.  Marquette  told 
them  of  the  object  of  their  visit,  and  that  they  had  been  sent  by  the  French, 
who  were  their  friends.  He  told  them  of  the  great  God  that  the  white  man 
worshiped  who  was  the  same  Great  Spirit  that  they  adored.  In  answer,  one 
of  the  chiefs  addressed  them  as  follows: 

“I  thank  the  Black  Gown  Chief  (Marquette)  and  the  Frenchman  (Joliet) 
for  taking  so  much  pains  to  come  and  visit  us;  never  has  the  earth  been  so 
beautiful,  nor  the  sun  so  bright  as  now;  never  has  the  river  been  so  calm,  nor 
so  free  from  rocks,  whieh  your  canoes  have  removed  as  they  passed;  never 
lias  our  tobacco  had  so  fine  a flavor,  nor  our  corn  appeared  so  beautiful  as  we 
behold  it  to-day.  Ask  the  Great  Spirit  to  give  us  life  and  health,  and  come 
ye  and  dwell  with  us.” 

After  these  ceremonies  the  strangers  were  invited  to  a feast,  an  account  of 


10 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


which  is  given  by  Marquette.  It  consisted  of  four  courses.  First,  there 
was  a large  wooden  bowel  filled  with  tagamity,  or  Indian  meal,  boiled  in 
water  and  seasoned  with  oil.  The  master  of  ceremonies,  with  a wooden  spoon, 
fed  the  tagamity  to  their  guests  as  children  are  fed.  The  second  course  con- 
sisted of  fish,  which,  after  the  bones  were  taken  out,  was  presented  to  the 
mouths  of  the  strangers  as  food  may  be  fed  to  a bird.  The  third  course  was 
a preparation  of  dog  meat,  but  learning  that  the  strangers  did  not  eat  that  it 
was  at  once  removed.  The  fourth  and  final  course  was  a piece  of  buffalo 
meat,  the  fattest  portions  of  which  were  put  into  the  mouths  of  the  guests. 

The  stream  on  whose  banks  took  place  this  first  interview  between  the 
explorers  and  the  untutored  Indians,  after  parting  with  their  guides,  was  the 
Des  Moines  river,  and  the  place  of  their  landing  was  probably  about  where 
the  town  of  Montrose  is  now  located,  in  Lee  county,  Iowa.  One  of  our 
sweetest  American  poets  has  rendered  Marquette’s  narrative  in  verse,  as 
follows: 

‘ ‘ Came  a people 

From  the  distant  land  of  Wabun; 

From  the  farthest  realms  of  morning1 
Came  the  Black  Robe  Chief,  the  Prophet, 

He  the  Priest  of  Prayer,  the  Pale-face, 

With  his  guides  and  his  companions. 

And  the  noble  Hiawatha, 

With  his  hand  aloft  extended, 

Held  aloft  in  sign  of  welcome, 

Cried  aloud  and  spoke  in  this  wise : 

‘ Beautiful  is  the  sun,  0 strangers, 

When  you  come  so  far  to  see  us ; ; 

All  our  town  in  peace  awaits  you; 

All  our  doors  stand  open  for  you; 

You  shall  enter  all  our  wigwams ; 

For  the  heart’s  right  hand  we  give  you. 

Never  bloomed  the  earth  so  gayly, 

Never  shone  the  sun  so  brightly, 

As  to-day  they  shine  and  blossom 
When  you  came  so  far  to  see  us.’ 

And  the  Black  Robe  Chief  made  answer, 

Stammered  in  his  speech  a little, 

Speaking  words  yet  unfamiliar: 

‘ Peace  be  with  you,  Hiawatha, 

Peace  be  with  you  and  your  people, 

Peace  of  prayer,  and  peace  of  pardon, 

Peace  of  Christ,  and  joy  of  Mary ! ’ 

Then  the  generous  Hiawatha, 

Led  the  strangers  to  his  wigwam, 

Seated  them  on  skins  of  bison, 

Seated  them  on  skins  of  ermine, 

Brought  them  food  in  bowls  of  bass-wood, 

Water  brought  in  birchen  dippers, 

And  the  calumet,  the  peace-pipe, 

Filled  and  lighted  for  their  smoking. 

All  the  warriors  of  the  nation, 

Came  to  bid  the  strangers  welcome; 

‘ It  is  well,’  they  said,  0 brother, 

That  you  came  so  far  to  see  us.'  ” 

Marquette  and  Joliet  remained  at  the  Indian  villages  six  days,  and  were 
then  accompanied  to  their  canoes  by  an  escort  of  six  hundred  Indians.  In- 
vitations were  extended  to  the  strangers  to  renew  their  visit,  after  which  the 
explorers  embarked  in  their  boats  and  floated  on  down  the  stream,  passing 
the  sites  of  future  great  cities  of  the  valley,  and  passing  the  mouths  of  the 
Missouri  and  Ohio  rivers,  and  as  far  down  as  the  mouth  of  the  Arkansas. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


11 


Marquette  named  the  Missouri  river  Pekitanoui,  or  “Muddy  Water,”  on 
account  of  the  now  well-known  character  of  that  stream. 

After  extending  their  voyage  to  the  mouth  of  the  Arkansas,  where  they 
found  a village  of  the  Arkansas  tribe,  they  ascended  the  Mississippi  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Illinois.  They  ascended  the  latter  river  to  its  source.  Along 
this  stream  they  found  many  villages  of  the  Illinois,  or  lllini , a large  and 
powerful  tribe,  who  were  subdivided  into  five  smaller  tribes — the  Tamaroas, 
Michigamies,  Kahokias,  Kaskaskias,  and  Peorias.  The  country  between  the 
Illinois  and  Mississippi  rivers  was  inhabited  by  the  three  last  named  tribes. 
The  Michigamies  resided  in  the  country  bordering  on  Lake  Michigan,  and 
the  Tamaroas  occupied  the  territory  now  included  in  the  counties  of  Jersey, 
Madison  and  St.  Clair,  Illinois.  Kaskaskia — also  designated  by  the  early 
explorers  as  “ La  Yantum  ” and  “ Great  Illinois  Town  ” — was  the  largest  of 
the  villages,  containing,  according  to  Marquette,  seventy-five  lodges.  With- 
out the  loss  of  a man,  or  any  serious  accident,  the  party  reached  Green  Bay 
in  September,  and  reported  their  discoveries.  Marquette  made  a faithful 
record  of  what  they  had  seen  and  the  incidents  of  the  voyage.  That  record 
has  been  preserved.  The  report  of  Joliet  was  unfortunately  lost  by  the 
upsetting  of  his  canoe  while  on  the  way  to  Quebec. 

At  the  request  of  the  Illinois  Indians,  Marquette  soon  returned  and  es- 
tablished the  mission  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  at  La  Yantum.  In 
the  spring  of  1675,  on  account  of  failing  health,  he  started  to  return  to 
Green  Bay.  While  passing  along  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  conscious 
that  he  was  nearing  the  end  of  his  earthly  labors,  he  observed  an  elevated 
place  near  the  mouth  of  a small  river.  He  told  his  companions  that  the 
place  was  suitable  for  his  burial,  and  requested  them  to  land.  On  that 
lonely  and  desolate  coast,  May  18,  1675,  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight,  James 
Marquette  ended  his  last  earthly  voyage,  and  received  burial  at  the  hands 
of  his  devoted  companions.  Two  years  later  some  Indians  of  the  mission  at 
Kaskaskia  disinterred  his  remains,  and  conveyed  them  in  a box  made  of 
birch  bark,  with  a convoy  of  over  twenty  canoes,  to  Mackinaw,  where  they 
were  reinterred  at  the  mission  church.  The  post  was  abandoned  in  1706, 
and  the  church  burned.  The  place  of  burial  was  finally  lost,  and  remained 
lost  for  two  hundred  years.  In  May,  1876,  the  foundations  of  the  old 
Jesuit  Mission  were  accidentally  discovered  on  the  farm  of  one  David 
Murray,  with  a number  of  church  relics,  the  mouldering  remains  of  the 
great  missionary  and  explorer,  and  a cross  with  his  name  inscribed  upon  it. 

Joliet,  after  his  return  to  Quebec,  became  again  a trader  with  the  Indians. 
His  services  were  rewarded  by  the  French  government  by  the  gift  of  the 
island  of  Anticosta,  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  Little  after  this  is  known 
of  him.  He  died  about  1730. 

The  reports  given  of  the  discoveries  of  Marquette  and  Joliet,  served  to 
encourage  other  adventurers  to  engage  in  the  efiort  to  extend  their  explora- 
tions. Bobert  La  Salle,  a French  navigator,  who  was  born  at  Bouen  about 
the  year  1635,  had  long  cherished  a project  of  seeking  a route  to  China  by 
way  of  the  Great  Lakes.  Before  the  return  of  Marquette  and  Joliet,  he  had 
explored  Lake  Ontario  and  visited  the  different  Indian  tribes.  In  1675  he 
went  to  France  and  obtained  from  the  government  a grant  to  a large  tract 
of  land  about  Fort  Frontenac,  the  exclusive  right  of  traffic  with  the  Five 
Nations,  and  also  a patent  of  nobility.  He  laid  before  his  government  his 
desire  to  explore  the  Mississippi  to  its  mouth,  and  take  possession  of  all  the 
regions  he  might  visit  in  the  name  of  the  King  of  France.  His  plans  were 


12 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


warmly  approved,  and  he  was  provided  with  the  means  for  carrying  them 
into  execution.  In  July,  1678,  he  returned  to  Fort  Frontenac,  soon  after 
established  a trading  house  at  Niagara,  and  visited  the  neighboring  Indian 
tribes  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  furs.  He  engaged  the  services  of  thirty 
mechanics  and  mariners  and  built  the  first  ship  tor  the  navigation  of  the 
lakes.  It  was  called  the  Griffin,  and  was  a bark  of  sixty  tons.  Having 
been  joined  by  Louis  Hennepin  and  Chevalier  de  Tonti,  the  latter  an  Indian 
veteran,  on  the  7th  of  August,  1679,  they  launched  the  Griffin  on  Niagara 
river,  and  embarked  for  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi.  They  crossed  Lake 
Erie  and  Lake  St.  Clair,  reaching  Green  Bay,  September  2d.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  relieving  himself  of  some  pressing  financial  obligations  at  Montreal, 
La  Salle  here  engaged  for  a time  in  collecting  furs  with  which  he  loaded  the 
Griffin,  and  sent  it  in  the  care  of  a pilot  and  fourteen  sailors  on  its  return 
trip,  with  orders  to  return  immediately;  but  the  vessel  was  never  heard  of 
afterward.  He  waited  until  all  hope  had  vanished,  and  then,  with  Father 
Hennepin,  Chevalier  de  Tonti,  the  Sieur  de  la  Motte,  and  about  thirty  fol- 
lowers, began  again  the  voyage.  They  ascended  the  St.  Joseph  in  canoes  to 
the  portage,  and  carried  their  barks  to  the  Kankakee,  a distance  of  six  miles, 
descended  the  Kankakee  and  the  Illinois  until  they  reached  an  Indian  vil- 
lage on  the  latter  stream,  at  the  expansion  of  the  same,  known  as  Lake 
Peoria.  The  village  was  situated  on  the  west  bank  of  the  lake,  and  must 
have  been  passed  by  Marquette  and  Joliet  on  their  voyage  up  the  river  in 
1673,  although  no  mention  is  made  of  it  by  them.  La  Salle,  Hennepin,  Tonti 
and  their  followers  landed  at  Lake  Peoria,  January  3d,  1680.  The  Indians 
received  them  hospitably,  and  they  remained  with  them  for  several  days. 
Here  a spirit  of  discontent  began  to  manifest  itself  among  the  followers  ol 
La  Salle,  and  fearing  trouble  between  his  men  and  the  Indians,  they  crossed 
the  river  and  moved  down  about  three  miles,  where  they  erected  a fort, 
which  La  Salle  named  Fort  Creveooeur  (heart-break)  a name  expressive  of 
La  Salle’s  sorrow  at  the  loss  of  his  fortune  by  the  disaster  to  the  Griffin,  and 
also  his  feelings  in  the  fear  of  mutiny  among  his  men.  The  party  remained 
here  until  in  February,  when  Tonti  was  placed  in  command  of  the  post,  and 
Hennipin  charged  with  a voyage  of  discovery  to  the  sources  of  the  Missis- 
sippi. La  Salle  returned  on  foot  with  three  companions  to  Fort  Frontenac 
for  supplies.  On  his  arrival  he  learned  of  the  certainty  of  the  loss  of  the 
Griffin,  and  also  of  the  wreck  of  another  vessel  which  had  been  sent  with 
resources  for  him  from  France. 

Father  Hennepin,  with  two  companions,  Picard  du  Gay  and  Michel  Ako, 
on  the  29th  of  February,  1680,  embarked  from  Fort  Crevecoeur  in  a canoe 
down  the  Illinois  to  its  mouth,  which  they  reached  in  a few  days.  They 
then  turned  up  the  Mississippi,  reaching  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  April 
11th.  Above  this  point  no  European  had  ever  ascended.  They  continued 
the  voyage,  reaching  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  April  30,  1680.  Llennepin 
so  named  the  falls  in  honor  of  his  patron  Saint.  When  they  arrived  at  the 
mouth  of  St.  Francis  river,  in  what  is  now  the  State  of  Minnesota,  they 
traveled  along  its  banks  a distance  of  180  miles,  visiting  the  Sioux  Indians, 
who  inhabited  that  region.  The  river,  Hennepin  so  named  in  honor  of 
the  founder  of  his  order.  In  his  account  of  this  voyage,  Hennepin  claims  that 
they  were  held  in  captivity  by  the  Indians  for  about  three  months,  although 
they  were  treated  kindly  by  them.  At  the  end  of  this  time  a band  of 
Frenchmen,  under  the  leadership  of  Seur  de  Luth,  in  pursuit  of  furs,  had 
penetrated  to  this  part  of  the  country  by  the  way  of  Lake  Superior.  The 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


13 


Indians  allowed  Hennepin  and  his  companions  to  return  with  the  traders. 
They  descended  the  Mississippi  to  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  passing  up 
that  stream  and  down  the  Fox  river,  and  so  on  through  Green  Bay  to  Lake 
Michigan.  Hennepin  went  to  Quebec,  and  thence  to  France,  where,  in  1683, 
he  published  an  account  of  his  explorations  and  a description  of  the  region 
of  the  Upper  Mississippi.  In  1697  (two  years  after  La  Salle’s  death)  he 
published  an  enlarged  work,  in  which  he  claimed  that  he  had  descended  the 
Mississippi  to  its  mouth.  His  faithful  description  of  the  valley  for  a time 
gave  him  credit  for  veracity,  hut  the  impossibility  of  reconciling  his  dates, 
and  other  circumstances,  are  by  the  best  authorities  regarded  as  stamping 
his  claim  false.  Before  the  time  this  work  was  published,  as  we  shall  see, 
La  Salle  had  descended  the  Mississippi  to  its  mouth.  Hennepin  explained 
his  long  silence  as  to  his  exploration  to  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  by 
claiming  that  he  had  feared  the  enmity  of  La  Salle,  who  had  ordered  him 
to  follow  a different  course,  and  had  also  prided  himself  upon  his  own  claims 
as  being  the  first  European  to  descend  the  Mississippi  to  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico. Father  Hennepin  died  in  Holland,  about  the  year  1699. 

We  now  return  to  the  further  adventures  of  the  brave  and  intrepid  La 
Salle.  He  returned  to  Fort  Crevecoeur  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1680, 
to  find  that  Tonti  had  been  abandoned  by  his  men,  and  obliged  to  take 
refuge  among  the  Pottawattamies.  He  spent  another  year  in  collecting  his 
scattered  followers,  finally  succeeded,  and  on  the  6th  of  February,  1682,  he 
had  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Illinois.  As  they  passed  down  the  Mississippi 
La  Salle  noted  the  different  streams  tributary  thereto.  They  erected  a fort 
near  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio,  and  a cabin  at  the  first  Chickasaw  bluff.  On 
the  9tli  of  April  they  entered  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  They  reascended  the 
river  a short  distance,  founded  the  Fort  of  St.  Louis,  took  possession  of  the 
whole  valley  in  the  name  of  France,  and  called  it  by  the  name  of  Louisiana, 
in  honor  of  the  king. 

La  Salle,  having  accomplished  much  for  the  glory  of  France,  now  retraced 
his  steps  northward.  After  spending  one  year  about  the  great  lakes,  actively 
engaged  in  laying  the  foundations  of  French  settlements  in  the  new  regions 
he  had  discovered,  in  November,  1683,  he  reached  Quebec,  and  soon  after 
embarked  for  France.  The  government,  with  marks  of  great  esteem,  be- 
stowed upon  him  a commission  placing  under  his  authority  all  the  French 
and  natives  of  the  country, "from  Fort  St.  Louis  to  New  Biscay.  An  expe- 
dition, with  four  vessels  and  280  persons,  was  fitted  out  for  the  colonization 
of  Lousiana;  it  sailed  August  1,  1681.  Associated  with  La  Salle,  in  this 
expedition,  was  Beaujeu,  as  naval  commander.  The  mouth  of  the  Missis- 
sippi was  the  objective  point,  but  by  mistake  the  fleet  passed  on  northward. 
When  the  error  was  discovered  La  Salle  desired  to  return,  but  Beaujeu  per- 
sisted in  advancing.  Dissensions  arose,  and  La  Salle,  with  230  colonists, 
disembarked.  This  was  in  February,  1685.  A fortified  post,  which  was 
called  Fort  St.  Louis,  was  established,  and  attempts  made  at  agriculture,  but 
without  success.  Attempts  were  made  to  reach  the  Mississippi,  which  they 
thought  near,  but  failed.  La  Salle  and  his  followers  traversed  the  wilderness 
toward  New  Mexico,  and  in  January,  1687,  by  sickness  and  disaster,  his 
party  was  reduced  to  thirty-seven.  Some  of  these,  following  Beaujeu’s  ex- 
ample, revolted.  La  Salle,  with  sixteen  men,  then  determined  to  reach  the 
country  of  the  Illinois.  Two  men,  who  had  embarked  their  capital  in  the 
enterprise,  were  bitter  in  malignity  toward  the  leader  of  this  unsuccessful 
expedition.  Their  feelings  found  some  gratification  in  the  murder  of  a 


u 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


nephew  of  La  Salle.  The  latter  sought  to  investigate  as  to  the  death  of  his 
relative,  but  only  shared  his  fate,  as  one  of  them  fired  upon  him  from  ambush, 
and  the  heroic  La  Salle  fell,  the  victim  of  quarrels  and  dissensions  among 
his  own  followers.  This  event  happened  after  he  had  passed  the  basin  of 
the  Colorado  and  reached  a branch  of  Trinity  river,  in  Texas. 

We  have  thus  briefly  outlined  the  part  taken  by  this  energetic  and  ad- 
venturous explorer,  in  giving  to  civilization  a knowledge  of  a region  that 
was  destined  to  constitute  the  richest  and  most  productive  portion  of  the 
American  continent,  if  not  indeed,  of  the  world. 


EARLY  SETTLEMENTS  IN  THE  NORTHWEST. 

Early  French  Settlements — Indian  Tribes — Mission  at  Kaskaskia — Kahokia — Vincennes — Fort 
Ponchartrain — Fort  Chartres — La  Belle  Riviere — La  Salle — The  English  Claim  ‘ ‘ From  Sea 
to  Sea'’ — Treaty  with  Indians  in  1684 — English  Grants — French  and  Indians  Attack  Pick- 
awillany — Treaty  with  the  Six  Nations — French  and  English  Claims — George  Washington 
— French  and  Indian  War — Fall  of  Montreal — Treaty  of  Paris — Pontiac’s  Conspiracy — 
Detroit— Pontiac’s  Promissory  Notes — Pontiac’s  Death — France  Cedes  Louisiana  to  Spain 
— Washington  Explores  the  Ohio  Valley — Emigration — Land  Companies — The  Revolution 
— Colonel  Clark — Surrender  of  French  Posts  in  Illinois — Surrender  of  Vincennes — Gov. 
Hamilton  Taken  Prisoner — Daniel  Boone — Simon  Girty — Virginia’s  “ Land  Laws.” 

As  the  French  were  the  first  to  explore  the  region  known  as  the  North- 
west, so  they  were  the  first  to  improve  the  opening  thus  made.  The  earliest 
settlements  were  in  that  part  of  the  country  east  of  the  Mississippi  and  south 
of  the  Great  Lakes,  occupied  chiefly  by  the  Illinois  tribes  of  the  Great  Algon- 
quin family  of  Indians.  The  Illinois  were  divided  into  the  Tamaroas,  Mich- 
igamies,  Kakokias,  Kaskaskias,  and  Peorias,  and  were  sometimes  designated 
as  the  Five  Nations.  The  three  last-named  tribes  occupied  the  country 
between  the  Illinois  and  Mississippi  rivers;  the  Michigamies  the  region  bor- 
dering on  Lake  Michigan,  and  the  Tamaroas,  a small  tribe,  in  the  same  region 
occupied  by  the  Kahokias,  and  now  embraced  in  the  counties  of  Jersey,  Madi- 
son, and  St.  Clair,  in  the  state  of  Illinois.  The  French  opened  the  way  for 
colonization  by  the  establishment  of  missions  among  these  tribes,  their  efforts 
in  this  direction  having  been  attended  with  great  success  in  Canada.  A 
mission  was  founded  at  Kaskaskia  by  Father  Gravier  about  the  year  1698. 
This  at  the  time  of  the  visit  of  Marquette  and  Joliet,  in  1673,  was  the 
largest  and  most  important  of  the  Illinois  villages,  and  contained  seventy- 
four  lodges,  or  about  fifteen  hundred  inhabitants.  By  the  early  explorers  it 
was  called  by  the  several  names  of  “ Kaskaskia,”  “La  Vantum,”  and  “Great 
Illinois  Town.”  Here,  in  1675,  Father  Marquette  had  attempted  to  christian- 
ize the  Indians  by  establishing  the  mission  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 
For  years  it  was  nothing  more  than  a missionary  station,  occupied  only  by 
the  Nations  and  the  missionary.  About  the  year  1700  missions  were  also 
established  at  Kahokia  and  Peoria,  the  latter  being  near  the  site  of  old  Fort 
Crevecoeur.  Another  of  the  early  French  settlements  was  at  Yincennes  on 
the  Oubache  (Waba,  now  Wabash)  river.  Authorities  disagree  as  to  the 
date  of  this  settlement,  but  it  was  probably  about  1702.  For  many  years 
this  was  an  isolated  colony  of  French  emigrants  from  Canada,  and  several 
generations  of  their  descendants  lived  and  passed  away  in  these  vast  solitudes, 
before  either  they  or  their  savage  neighbors  were  disturbed  by  the  encroach- 
ments of  an  expanding  civilization.  During  all  this  time  they  had  maintained 
friendly  relations  with  the  natives.  In  July,  1701,  a station  was  established 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


15 


by  De  la  Motte  on  the  Detroit  river,  called  Fort  Ponchartrain.  While  these 
attempts  to  colonize  the  Northwest  were  in  progress,  similar  efforts  were 
being  made  by  France  in  the  Southwest,  but  without  maintaining  like 
friendly  relations  with  the  natives,  for  in  a conflict  with  the  Chickasaws,  an 
entire  colony  at  Natchez  was  cut  off.  As  these  settlements  in  the  North- 
west were  isolated  but  little  is  known  of  their  history  prior  to  1750.  In  this 
year  Vivier,  a missionary  among  the  Illinois,  near  Fort  Chartres,  writes  of 
five  French  villages,  with  a population  of  eleven  hundred  whites,  three  hun- 
dred blacks,  and  sixty  red  slaves  or  savages.  He  says  there  were  whites, 
negroes  and  Indians,  to  say  nothing  of  half-breeds.  They  then  raised  wheat, 
cattle,  swine  and  horses,  and  sent  pork,  grain  and  flour  to  New  Orleans.  On 
the  7th  of  November,  1750,  the  same  priest  writes: 

“ For  fifteen  leagues  above  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  one  sees  no  dwell- 
ings, the  ground  being  too  low  to  be  habitable.  Thence  to  New  Orleans  the 
lands  are  only  partially  occupied.  New  Orleans  contains  black,  white  and 
red,  not  more,  I think,  than  twelve  hundred  persons.  To  this  point  come 
ail  lumber,  bricks,  salt-beef,  tallow,  tar,  skins  and  bear’s  grease;  and  above 
all,  pork  and  flour  from  the  Illinois.  These  things  create  some  commerce, 
as  forty  vessels  and  more  have  come  hither  this  year.  Above  New  Orleans 
plantations  are  again  met  with;  the  most  considerable  is  a colony  of  Germans 
some  ten  leagues  up  the  river.  At  Point  Coupee,  thirty-five  leagues  above 
the  German  settlement,  is  a fort.  Along  here,  within  five  or  six  leagues,  are 
not  less  than  sixty  habitations.  Fifty  leagues  further  up  is  the  Natchez 
post,  where  we  have  a garrison,  who  are  kept  prisoners  through  fear  of  the 
Chickasaws.  Here  and  at  Point  Coupee  they  raise  excellent  tobacco.  An- 
other hundred  leagues  brings  us  to  the  Arkansas,  where  we  have  also  a fort 
and  a garrison  for  the  benefit  of  the  river  traders.  From  the  Arkansas  to 
the  Illinois,  nearly  five  hundred  leagues,  there  is  not  a settlement.  There 
should  be,  however,  a fort  at  the  Oubache  (Ohio),  the  only  path  by  which 
the  English  can  reach  the  Mississippi.  In  the  Illinois  country  are  number- 
less mines,  but  no  one  to  work  them  as  they  deserve.” 

The  fame  of  Robert  Cavelier  de  La  Salle  was  not  achieved  alone  by  his 
explorations  of  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi,  for,  in  1669,  four  years  before 
the  discovery  of  the  Mississippi  by  Marquette  and  Joliet,  La  Salle  discovered 
the  Ohio  river,  or  La  Belle  Riviere  (Beautiful  River),  as  the  French  called 
it.  Being  conversant  with  several  Indian  dialects,  he  had  learned  from  some 
Senecas  of  a river  called  Ohio  which  rose  in  their  country  and  flowed  a long 
distance  to  the  sea.  La  Salle  then  held  the  belief  that  the  river  flowing  to 
the  west  emptied  into  the  Sea  of  California,  and  longed  to  engage  in  the  enter- 
prise of  discovering  a route  across  the  continent.  ILe  obtained  the  approval 
of  the  government  at  Quebec,  but  no  allowance  to  defray  the  expense.  He 
sold  his  property  in  Canada  for  two  thousand  eight  hundred  dollars,  and 
with  the  proceeds  purchased  canoes  and  the  necessary  supplies.  With  a 
party  of  twenty-four  persons  he  embarked  in  seven  canoes  on  the  St.  Law- 
rence, July  6th,  1669.  Crossing  over  Lake  Ontario,  they  were  conducted  by 
Indian  guides  to  the  Genesee,  about  where  the  city  of  Rochester,  New  York, 
is  now  located.  The  enterprise  did  not  receive  the  approbation  of  the  Indians 
at  the  Seneca  village  then  situated  on  the  bank  of  the  Genesee  at  this  point, 
and  they  refused  to  furnish  him  guides  to  conduct  him  further.  After  a 
month’s  delay  he  met  an  Indian  belonging  to  the  Iroquois  tribe  on  Lake  On- 
tario, who  conducted  them  to  their  village,  where  they  received  a more 
friendly  welcome.  From  the  chief  of  the  Iroquois  at  Onondaga  he  obtained 


16 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


guides  who  conducted  the  party  to  a river  south  of  Lake  Erie.  This  proved 
to  he  a tributary  of  the  Ohio.  They  descended  it,  and  thence  down  the 
Ohio  to  the  great  falls  where  Louisville  now  stands.  By  virtue  of  this  dis- 
covery the  French  claimed  the  country  along  the  Ohio,  and  many  years  after 
established  military  and  trading  posts  at  different  points.  One  of  these  was 
Fort  Du  Quesne,  erected  in  1654,  which  was  taken  from  them  by  the  English 
a few  years  later  and  called  Pittsburg,  in  honor  of  William  Pitt,  then  prime 
minister  of  England. 

Notwithstanding  the  discovery  of  the  Ohio  by  the  French  under  La  Salle 
as  early  as  1669,  the  English  claimed  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  on  the 
ground  that  her  sea-coast  discoveries  entitled  her  to  the  sovereignty  of  all 
the  country  from  “sea  to  sea.”  In  1684,  Lord  Howard,  Governor  of  Vir- 
ginia, held  a treaty  with  Indian  tribes  known  as  the  Northern  Confederacy, 
to-wit:  the  Mohawks,  Oneidas,  Onondagas,  Cayugas  and  Senecas.  The  Tus- 
caroras  being  subsequently  taken  in,  these  tribes  became  known  as  the  Six 
Nations,  and  the  English  assumed  their  protection.  They  purchased  from 
them  large  tracts  of  land  and  aimed  to  obtain  a monopoly  of  the  Indian 
trade.  The  English  government  made  grants  of  land  west  of  the  Alleghanies, 
and  companies  were  formed  for  their  settlement.  France,  seeing  the  Eng- 
lish obtaining  a foothold  by  planting  trading  posts  in  the  Northwest,  in 
1749  sent  Louis  Celeron  with  a small  force  of  soldiers  to  plant  in  mounds  at 
the  mouths  of  the  principal  tributaries  of  the  Ohio,  plates  of  lead  with  the 
claims  of  France  inscribed  thereon.  The  English,  however,  still  continued 
to  make  explorations  and  establish  trading  posts.  One  of  these  grants  of 
England  was  to  a company  known  as  the  “ Ohio  Company,”  and  embraced  a 
tract  of  land  on  the  Great  Miar^ii,  described  as  being  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  above  its  mouth.  Christopher  Gist  was  sent  by  this  company  in  1750 
to  inspect  thier  lands  and  to  establish  a trading  post.  In  1752  a small  party 
of  French  soldiers,  assisted  by  Ottawas  and  Chippewas,  attacked  this  post 
and  captured  the  traders  after  a severe  battle.  The  English  called  this  post 
Pickawillany  — the  name  being  subsequently  contracted  to  Pickaway  or 
Piqua.  The  location  of  this  post  was  doubtless  near  that  of  the  present 
town  of  Piqua,  on  the  Great  Miami,  about  seventy-eight  miles  north  of 
Cincinnati.  Thus  on  the  soil  of  what  became  a part  of  the  state  of  Ohio 
was  shed  the  first  blood  between  the  French  and  English  for  the  possession 
of  the  Northwest. 

In  1744  the  English  had  entered  into  a treaty  with  the  Six  Nations  at 
Lancaster,  Pennsylvania,  by  which  they  acquired  certain  lands  described  as 
being  within  the  “Colony  of  Virginia.”  The  Indians  subsequently  com- 
plained of  bad  faith  on  the  part  of  the  English  in  failing  to  comply  with 
some  of  the  stipulations  of  the  treaty.  The  Governor  of  V irginia  appointed 
commissioners  to  hear  the  grievances  of  the  Indians.  They  met  at  Logs- 
town,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Ohio,  about  seventeen  miles  below  the  present 
city  of  Pittsburg,  in  the  spring  of  1752.  Notwithstanding  the  complaint  of 
the  Indians  that  the  English  had  failed  to  supply  them  with  arms  and  am- 
munition as  they  had  agreed,  they  succeeded  in  obtaining  a confirmation  of 
the  treaty  of  Lancaster. 

In  the  meantime  the  French  were  quietly  preparing  to  maintain  their 
claims  to  the  country  in  dispute.  They  provided  cannon  and  military  stores 
in  anticipation  of  the  coming  conflict.  The  French  were  notified  to  give  up 
their  posts,  but  they  failed  to  comply.  Governor  Dinwiddie  finally  deter- 
mined to  learn  definitely  their  intentions,  and  for  this  purpose  selected  Major 


WESTWARD  THE  STAR  OF  EMPIRE  TAKES  ITS  WAY. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


17 


2 


18 


TIIE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


George  Washington,  then  twenty- two  years  of  age,  as  a messenger.  With 
Christopher  Gist  as  guide,  and  four  attendants  or  servants,  Washington  set 
out  through  the  wilderness  on  his  perilous  journey.  He  held  a conference 
with  the  chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations  at  Logstown  in  November,  1753.  He 
learned  something  of  the  condition  of  the  French,  hut  the  Indians  desired  to 
remain  neutral  and  were  disposed  to  be  non-committal.  Washington  pro- 
ceeded to  Yenango,  where  there  was  a French  post  called  Fort  Machault. 
Here  he  delivered  to  the  French  governor  Dinwiddie’s  letter,  and  received 
the  answer  of  St.  Pierre,  the  commander  of  the  fort,  declining  to  give  up 
without  a struggle.  Preparations  for  war  were  made  in  all  the  English  col- 
onies while  the  French  continued  to  strengthen  their  lines  of  fortifications. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  what  is  known  as  the  French  and  Indian  war  had 
its  origin  in  this  dispute  about  the  possession  of  what  is  now  one  of  the 
fairest  and  richest  portions  of  our  Republic.  It  resulted,  not  only  in  Eng- 
land maintaining  her  right  to  the  territory  in  dispute,  but  in  wresting  Can- 
ada from  France.  It  was  a war  of  eight  years  duration,  commencing  with 
the  attack  of  the  French  and  Indians  on  the  English  post  at  Piqua  in  1752, 
and  virtually  ending  with  the  fall  of  the  city  of  Montreal  in  April,  1760. 
Ticonderoga,  Crown  Point,  Niagara,  and  Quebec  had  all  previously  surren- 
dered to  the  English,  the  first  two  without  resistance.  After  the  fall  of 
Montreal  the  Governor  of  Canada  signed  a capitulation  surrendering  the 
wdiole  of  Canada  to  the  English.  One  post,  however,  that  of  Detroit,  still 
remained  in  possession  of  the  French.  Major  Rogers  was  sent  from  Mon- 
treal to  demand  its  surrender.  Beletre,  the  commander  of  the  post,  at  first 
refused,  but  on  the  29th  of  November,  having  heard  of  the  defeat  of  the 
French  arms  in  Canada,  he  also  surrendered.  September  29tli,  1760,  the 
treaty  of  peace  between  France  and  England,  known  as  the  treaty  of  Paris, 
was  made,  but  not  ratified  until  February  lOtli,  1763.  Meantime  the  Northwest 
territory  was  entirely  under  English  rule  and  settlements  began  to  extend.  The 
Indians  who  had  been  the  friends  and  allies  of  the  French  during  the  war 
were  not  reconciled  to  the  English,  claiming  that  they  had  not  carried  out 
their  promises.  Under  the  famous  Ottawa  chief,  Pontiac,  they  united  in  a 
general  conspiracy  to  cut  off  all  the  English  posts  on  the  frontier.  The 
Chippewas,  Ottawas,  "VYy  an  dots,  Miamis,  Shawnese,  Delawares  and  Mingoes, 
buried  the  hatchet  in  their  local  quarrels,  and  united  to  exterminate  the 
English. 

Owing  to  treachery  on  the  part  of  some  of  Pontiac’s  followers,  he  failed 
in  the  complete  execution  of  his  plans,  but  in  May,  1763,  several  British 
posts  fell,  and  many  whites  were  victims  of  the  merciless  tomahawk.  In 
the  arrangement  among  the  Indians  it  was  agreed  that  Pontiac’s  own  imme- 
diate field  of  action  was  to  be  the  garrison  at  Detroit.  He  laid  siege  to  the 
post  May  12th,  and  continued  it  until  October  12tli.  To  obtain  food  for  his 
warriors  during  this  time,  he  issued  promissory  notes,  drawm  upon  birch 
bark  and  signed  with  the  figure  of  an  otter.  All  these  notes  were  faithfully 
redeemed.  Being  unsuccessful  in  reducing  the  garrison,  the  tribes  generally 
c sued  for  peace,  but  Pontiac  remained  as  yet  unsubdued.  To  Alexander 
Henry,  an  Englishman  who  visited  Missillimacinac  the  next  spring,  he  said: 
“ Englishman,  although  you  have  conquered  the  French,  you  have  not  yet 
conquered  us.  Me  are  not  your  slaves  ! These  lakes,  these  woods,  these 
mountains,  were  left  us  by  our  ancestors.  They  are  our  inheritance,  and  we 
will  part  with  them  to  none.  Your  nation  supposes  that  we,  like  the  white 
people,  cannot  live  without  bread,  and  pork  and  beef ; but  you  ought  to 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


19 


know  that  He,  the  Great  Spirit  and  Master  of  Life,  has  provided  food  for  us 
upon  these  broad  lakes  and  in  these  mountains.” 

Pontiac  still  entertained  the  hope  that  the  French  would  renew  the  war, 
and  finally  conquer  the  English,  and  endeavored  to  incite  the  Indians  on  the 
Miami,  and  in  other  parts  of  the  West,  to  continue  hostilities.  He  applied, 
but  unsuccessfully,  to  the  French  commander  at  He w Orleans.  Being  un- 
able to  unite  again  those  who  entered  so  eagerly  into  his  original  conspiracy 
for  destroying  the  English  settlements,  lie  went  to  the  Illinois  country,  where 
he  made  a stand,  and  had  for  a time  the  sympathy  and  co-operation  of  the 
French  fur  traders  in  that  region.  Soon,  however,  all  but  his  immediate 
followers  deserted  his  cause,  and  he  then  reluctantly  accepted  peace  on  the 
terms  offered  by  the  English.  From  this  time  he  had  but  little  influence 
with  the  tribes.  He  was  killed  by  an  Illinois  Indian,  while  drunk,  at  Ka- 
hokia,  in  1769.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  about  fifty-seven  years  of 
age. 

Great  Britain  now  held  sovereignty  over  the  entire  Northwest,  and  to  pre- 
vent Louisiana  from  also  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  English,  France  by 
secret  treaty,  in  1762,  ceded  it  to  Spain.  The  next  year  the  treaty  of  Paris 
formally  gave  to  England  possession  of  the  Northwestern  Territory.  The 
English  now  began  to  prepare  for  settlement  . and  occupation  of  the  country. 
In  1770  persons  from  Virginia  and  other  British  provinces  took  up  the 
valuable  lands  on  the  Monongaliela  and  along  the  Ohio  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Little  Kanawa.  In  October  of  the  same  year  George  Washington  with  a 
party  descended  the  Ohio  from  Pittsburg  to  the  Kenawa,  which  last  named 
stream  they  ascended  about  fourteen  miles,  and  marked  out  several  large 
tracts  of  land.  Buffalo  were  then  abundant  in  the  Ohio  valley,  and  several 
of  them  were  shot  by  Washington’s  party.  Pittsburg  was  then  a village  of 
twenty  houses,  the  inhabitants  being  mostly  Indian  traders. 

The  British  government  was  inclined  to  observe  a liberal  policy  toward 
the  French  settlers  in  the  West.  In  1763  the  king,  by  royal  proclamation, 
had  forbidden  his  subjects  from  making  settlements  beyond  the  sources  of 
the  rivers  which  fall  into  the  Atlantic ; but  his  subjects  in  the  colonies  were 
little  disposed  to  observe  this  restriction.  Finally,  in  1774,  Governor  Dun- 
more,  of  Virginia,  began  to  encourage  emigration  to  the  West.  A number 
of  settlements  were  made  in  the  Ohio  valley,  the  settlers  often  coming  in 
conflict  with  the  Indians.  Several  battles  were  fought,  ending  in  the  battle 
of  Kenawa,  in  July,  when  the  Indians  were  defeated  and  driven  across  the 
Ohio.  During  the  years  following,  up  to  1776,  several  land  companies  were 
formed,  and  engaged  in  extensive  operations.  One,  called  the  “Illinois 
Land  Company,”  obtained  from  the  Indians  large  tracts  of  land  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi river,  south  of  the  Illinois.  An  association,  styling  itself  the  “Wa- 
bash Land  Company,”  obtained  a deed  from  eleven  chiefs  to  37,497,600  acres 
of  land.  The  War  of  the  Devolution  interfered  with  these  and  many  other 
similar  schemes  of  speculation.  The  parties  interested  subsequently  made 
efforts  to  have  these  land  grants  sanctioned  by  Congress,  but  did  not  succeed. 

In  1771,  according  to  the  best  information  we  have,  Kaskaskia  contained 
eighty  houses,  and  nearly  one  thousand  inhabitants,  white  and  black.  Ka- 
hokia  contained  fifty  houses,  with  three  hundred  white  inhabitants,  and 
eighty  negroes.  There  were  a few  families  at  Prairie  du  Kocher,  on  the 
Mississippi  river,  opposite  St.  Louis.  At  Detroit,  there  were  in  1766,  about 
one  hundred  houses.  This  place  was  founded  by  Antoine  de  la  Motte  Ca- 
dillac, in  1701,  and  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  Northwest. 


20 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


When  the  War  of  the  Revolution  commenced  the  British  held  Kaskaskia, 
Kahokia,  Vincennes,  Detroit,  and  other  important  posts  in  the  West.  CoL 
George  Rogers  Clark,  a master  spirit  of  the  frontier,  who  was  familiar  with 
all  the  important  movements  of  the  British  in  the  West,  and  also  with  the 
disposition  of  the  Indians,  formed  a plan  unequalled  in  boldness,  for  subju- 
gating these  posts.  He  repaired  to  the  capital  of  Virginia,  Patrick  Henry 
being  then  Governor,  and  presented  to  the  authorities  his  plan  of  operations, 
which  was  approved  by  Governor  Henry.  He  was  accordingly  furnished 
with  two  sets  of  instructions — one  secret  and  the  other  open.  His  open  in- 
structions authorized  him  to  enlist  seven  companies  to  go  to  Kentucky,  sub- 
ject to  his  orders,  and  serve  three  months  from  their  arrival  in  the  West. 
The  secret  order  authorized  him  to  arm  and  equip  his  troops  at  Pittsburg, 
and  proceed  to  subjugate  the  country.  Col.  Clark  succeeded  in  raising  but 
three  companies,  but  with  these  and  a few  private  volunteers,  he  descended 
the  Ohio  as  far  as  the  falls,  in  the  spring  of  1777.  Here  he  fortified  a small 
island,  known  as  Corn  Island,  and  then  announced  to  his  men  their  real  des- 
tination. Leaving  a small  garrison,  on  the  24th  of  J une,  during  a total 
eclipse  of  the  sun,  he  moved  down  the  river.  Under  a burning  July  sun, 
with  his  chosen  band,  he  marched  to  Kaskaskia,  reaching  that  post  on  the 
evening  of  July  4th.  Without  the  loss  of  a man  on  either  side  the  fort  and 
village  were  captured.  He  easily  induced  the  Indians  to  give  their  allegi- 
ance to  the  American  cause.  They  accompanied  him  to  Kahokia  on  the 
6th,  and  through  their  influence  the  inhabitants  of  that  place  surrendered 
without  resistance.  The  priest  at  Kaskaskia,  M.  Gibault,  hastily  joined  in 
rendering  all  the  aid  he  could  to  forward  the  purposes  of  Clark.  He  estab- 
lished a government  for  the  colonies  he  had  taken,  and  then  made  ready  to 
march  upon  St.  Vincent,  or  Vincennes,  as  it  is  more  commonly  known. 
But  Gibault  offered  to  go  alone  and  induce  the  post  on  the  “ Oubache  ” to 
throw  off  the  authority  of  England.  Clark  accepted  the  offer,  and  on  the 
14th  of  July  Gibault  started  on  his  mission.  On  the  1st  of  August  he  re- 
turned, with  intelligence  of  entire  success,  the  garrison  at  Vincennes  having 
taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  Virginia.  Col.  Clark  placed  garrisons  at 
Kaskaskia  and  Kahokia,  and  sent  orders  for  the  erection  of  a fort  at  the  Falls 
of  the  Ohio,  where  the  City  of  Louisville  now  stands.  He  also  sent  Roche- 
blave,  the  former  commander  of  Kaskaskia,  a prisoner  of  war  to  Richmond. 
The  county  of  Illinois  was  established  in  October  of  the  same  year,  by  the 
Legislature  of  Virginia*.  John  Todd  was  appointed  Lieutenant-Colonel  and 
acting  governor.  Courts  were  established,  and  the  colony  was  provided  with 
a government  complete.  The  Indians  acknowledged  allegiance  to  the  new 
government. 

While  Col.  Clark  was  arranging  for  the  government  of  the  Illinois  colo- 
nies, the  British  Governor,  Hamilton,  was  planning  an  expedition  to  move 
from  Detroit  down  the  Wabash  to  Vincennes,  intending  to  recapture  the 
posts  which  had  surrendered  to  Clark,  and  thence  extend  his  operations  to 
Kentucky.  He  knew  nothing  of  the  capitulation  of  Vincennes  until  his 
arrival,  when  he  found  the  fort  in  command  of  Capt.  Helm,  who  had  been 
sent  by  Col.  Clark  to  take  charge  of  the  garrison.  Hamilton  demanded  the 
surrender  of  the  fort,  and  being  granted  the  rights  of  a prisoner  of  war,  Capt. 
Helm  surrendered  to  a superior  force.  On  the  29tli  of  January,  1879,  Clark 
received  intelligence  of  what  had  transpired  at  Vincennes,  and  of  the  in- 
tended operations  of  Hamilton.  Having  sufficiently  garrisoned  Kaskaskia 
and  Kahokia,  and  dispatched  a force  down  the  Mississippi  to  ascend  the  Ohio 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


21 


and  operate  with  the  land  forces  in  that  direction,  on  the  5th  of  February  he 
set  out  himself  with  one  hundred  and  twenty  men  on  his  hard  march  to 
Vincennes.  He  reached  the  fort  on  the  22d,  and  was  joined  by  the  re- 
mainder of  his  command,  which  had  come  by  water.  He  immediately  com- 
menced his  attack  on  the  fort,  and  on  the  25th  Gov.  Hamilton  surrendered. 
He  was  sent  as  a prisoner  of  war  to  Virginia,  where  he  was  kept  in  close 
confinement,  and  thus  failed  to  accomplish  his  purpose  of  uniting  the  In- 
dian tribes  against  the  Americans.  All  the  important  posts  in  the  North- 
west, except  Detroit,  were  now  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans.  Had  Clark 
received  reinforcements,  which  had  been  promised,  he  would  doubtless  have 
captured  Detroit  also  ; hut  Virginia  and  the  other  colonial  governments  at 
this  time  doubtless  had  all  they  could  do  to  attend  to  the  operations  of  the 
war  east  of  the  Alleghanies.  The  Legislature  of  Virginia  passed  resolutions 
complimenting  Col.  Clark  and  his  men,  and  in  1781  he  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  general.  Previous  to  this  he  had  taken  part  with  Steuben 
against  Arnold,  when  the  latter  invaded  Virginia,  in  1780.  Subsequently, 
Virginia  gave  to  Gen.  Clark  and  his  men  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
acres  of  land,  wherever  they  might  choose  to  locate  it,  north  of  the  Ohio. 
They  made  selection  of  a tract  opposite  the  Falls  of  the  Ohio,  between  New 
Albany  and  Jeffersonville,  Indiana.  Gen.  Clark  died  near  Louisville,  Ken- 
tucky, February  13th,  1808. 

The  years  1781  and  1782  were  dark  years  in  the  history  of  the  infant  set- 
tlements of  the  Northwest,  in  consequence  of  the  many  outrages  practiced 
by  the  Indians.  Many  deeds  of  cruelty  were  committed  under  the  leader- 
ship of  the  outlaw,  Simon  Girty,  occurring  chiefly  in  the  Ohio  V alley.  Sev- 
eral battles  between  the  Indians  and  frontiersmen  occurred  north  of  the 
Ohio,  while  in  Kentucky  the  famous  Daniel  Boone  and  his  companions  were 
engaged  in  protecting  the  frontier  outposts. 

In  1783  the  treaty  of  peace,  which  ended  the  Be  volutionary  struggle,  was 
concluded,  and  by  its  terms  the  boundaries  of  the  West  were  defined  as  fol- 
lows : On  the  north,  to  extend  along  the  center  of  the  Great  Lakes  ; from 
the  western  point  of  Lake  Superior  to  Long  Lake ; thence  to  the  Lake  of 
the  Woods  ; thence  to  the  head  of  the  Mississippi  river,  down  its  center  to 
the  31st  parallel  of  latitude  ; thence  on  that  line  east  to  the  head  of  Appa- 
lachicola  river,  down  its  center  to  the  junction  with  the  Flint ; thence  straight 
to  the  head  of  St.  Mary’s  river  ; and  thence  down  along  its  center  to  the 
Atlantic  Ocean. 

For  some  time  after  the  cessation  of  hostilities,  General  Haldimand,  the 
British  commander  at  Detroit,  refused  to  evacuate,  on  the  ground,  as  he 
claimed,  that  his  king  had  not  ordered  him  to  do  so.  It  shortly,  however, 
passed  under  the  control  of  the  United  States,  and  so  remained,  except  when 
held  by  the  British,  through  the  surrender  of  Gen.  Hull,  for  a few  weeks  in 
August  and  September,  1812. 

The  war  of  independence  had  been  fought  and  gained,  and  England,  as 
we  have  seen,  had  renounced  her  claim  to  the  Northwest,  but  the  Indian 
title  was  not  yet  extinguished.  From  1783  to  1786  various  treaties  were 
made,  by  which  the  Indians  relinquished  their  title  to  extensive  tracts  of 
territory.  The  individual  States  also  held  claims  to  the  territory  surrendered 
by  Great  Britain,  and  acts  of  cession  were  necessary  to  vest  the  title  to  the 
soil  in  United  States  ; but  of  this  we  shall  treat  more  fully  in  another  place. 
In  1779  Virginia  had  passed  her  “land  laws,”  by  which  grants  made  to  set- 
tlers were  confirmed,  and  providing  for  selling  the  rest  at  forty  cents  per 


22 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


acre.  Kentucky  was  included  in  the  territory  of  Virginia  until  1792.  It 
was  originally  explored  by  Daniel  Boone  and  his  compeers  about  the  year 
1769.  Harrodsburg  was  founded  in  1774,  and  Lexington  a year  or  two 
. later,  when  the  news  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  was  fresh  in  the  minds  of 
its  founders. 


THE  NORTHWESTERN  TERRITORY. 

Territory  held  by  States — Articles  of  Confederation — Objections  of  certain  States — Delaware 
Resolutions — Action  of  Congress — Maryland — New  York — Cession  of  Territory  by  States — 
Ordinance  of  1787 — Territorial  Organization  of  the  Northwest — Fort  Washington — Wm. 
H.  Harrison.  Arthur  St.  Clair — Early  American  Settlements — New  England  Company — 
Gen.  Rufus  Putnam — John  Cleves  Syrnmes — Cincinnati  Founded —Treaty  with  Spain — 
Division  of  the  Northwestern  Territory  — Organization  of  the  Territory  of  Indiana — 
Division  of  Indiana  Territory — Territory  of  Michigan — Gov.  Wm.  Hull — Destruction  of 
Detroit  by  Fire. 

At  the  time  the  Articles  of  Confederation  and  Perpetual  Union  were  pend- 
ing a number  of  the  States  held,  or  claimed,  large  tracts  of  territory  not  now 
included  in  those  States.  New  York,  Virginia,  Massachusetts,  Connecticut, 
South  Carolina,  North  Carolina  and  Georgia,  all  held  such  territory.  Vir- 

f inia  claimed  all  that  vast  region  which  now  embraces  the  States  of  Ohio, 
ndiana,  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin  and  that  part  of  Minnesota  east  of  the 
Mississippi  river.  That  State  had  made  provision,  by  legislative  enactment, 
to  dispose  of  her  lands  to  settlers.  Certain  States,  claiming  that  the  unoccu- 
pied western  lands  were  rightfully  the  common  property  of  all  the  States,  in- 
sisted on  limiting  the  area  of  those  States  claiming  western  territory.  This 
was  a subject  of  warm  and  protracted  discussion  in  the  adoption  of  the  Arti- 
cles of  Confederation.  The  delegates  from  Maryland,  under  instructions  from 
the  General  Assembly  of  that  State,  declined,  in  the  Congress  of  the  Confed- 
eration, to  sign  the  Articles  of  Confederation  until  provision  was  made  for 
restricting  the  boundaries  of  the  States,  and  vesting  the  soil  of  the  western 
territories  in  the  Confederation  for  the  common  benefit  of  all  the  settlers. 
Virginia  had  remonstrated  against  this  course.  On  the  25th  of  November, 
1778,  the  act  of  New  Jersey  for  ratifying  the  Articles  of  Confederation 
was  presented  in  the  Congress.  Her  delegates  were  directed  to  sign  the  arti- 
cles “in  the  firm  reliance  that  the  candour  and  justice  of  the  several  States 
will,  in  due  time,  remove  as  far  as  possible  the  inequality  which  now  sub- 
sists.” The  delegation  from  Delaware,  after  having  signed  the  articles, 
on  the  23d  of  February,  1779,  presented  sundry  resolutions  passed  by  the 
legislature  of  that  State,  among  which  were  the  following: 

“Resolved,  That  this  State  thinks  it  necessary,  for  the  peace  and  safety  of 
the  States  to  be  included  in  the  Union,  that  a moderate  extent  of  limits 
should  be  assigned  for  such  of  those  States  as  claim  to  the  Mississippi  or 
South  Sea;  and  that  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  should,  and 
ought  to,  have  the  power  of  fixing  the  western  limits. 

“ Resolved , That-  this  State  consider  themselves  justly  entitled  to  a right  in 
common  with  the  members  of  the  Union,  to  that  extensive  tract  of  country 
which  lies  westward  of  the  frontier  of  the  United  States,  the  property  of 
which  was  not  vested  in,  or  granted  to,  private  individuals  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  present  war.  That  the  same  hath  been,  or  may  be, 
gained  from  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  or  the  native  Indians,  by  the  blood 
and  treasure  of  all,  and  ought,  therefore,  to  be  a common  estate,  to  be 
granted  out  on  terms  beneficial  to  the  United  States.” 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


23 


The  same  day,  after  the  presentation  of  these  resolutions,  Congress  passed 
the  following: 

“Resolved,  That  the  paper  laid  before  Congress  by  the  delegates  from 
Delaware,  and  read,  be  tiled;  provided,  that  it  shall  never  be  considered  as 
admitting  any  claim  by  the  same  set  up,  or  intended  to  be  set  up.” 

Eight  States  voted  in  favor  of  this  resolution,  and  three  against  it. 

The  State  of  Maryland  still  persisting  in  her  refusal  to  ratify  the  Articles 
of  Confederation,  on  the  30th  of  October,  1779,  Congress,  by  a vote  of  eight 
States  to  three,  and  one  being  divided,  passed  the  following: 

“Whereas,  The  appropriation  of  vacant  lands  by  the  several  States,  during 
the  continuance  of  the  war,  will,  in  the  ojnnion  of  Congress,  be  attended 
with  great  mischiefs:  Therefore, 

“ Resolved , That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the  State  of  Virginia,  to 
reconsider  their  late  act  of  Assembly  for  opening  their  land  office ; and  that 
it  be  recommended  to  the  said  State,  and  all  other  States  similarly  circum- 
stanced, to  forbear  settling  or  issuing  warrants  for  unappropriated  lands,  or 
granting  the  same  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war.” 

On  the  19th  of  February,  1780,  the  Legislature  of  blew  York  passed  an 
act  authorizing  her  delegates  in  Congress,  for  and  on  behalf  of  that  State, 
by  proper  and  authentic  acts  or  instruments,  “to  limit  and  restrict  the 
boundaries  of  the  State  in  the  western  parts  thereof,  by  such  line  or  lines, 
and  in  such  manner  and  form,  as  they  shall  judge  to  be  expedient,”  and 
providing  for  the  cession  to  the  United  States  of  certain  “waste  and  uncul- 
tivated” territory.  This  act  was  fully  carried  into  effect  by  her  delegates 
on  the  1st  of  March,  1781. 

On  the  6th  of  September,  1780,  Congress  passed  a resolution  earnestly 
recommending  the  States  having  “ claims  to  the  western  country,  to  pass 
such  laws,  and  give  their  delegates  in  Congress  such  powers”  as  might 
effectually  remove  the  only  obstacle  to  a final  ratification  of  the  Articles  of 
Confederation,  and  requesting  the  Legislature  of  Maryland  to  authorize  her 
delegates  in  Congress  to  subscribe  to  the  articles. 

On  the  10th  of  October,  1780,  a further  resolution  on  this  subject  was 
passed  by  the  Congress  of  the  Confederation,  as  follows: 

“ Resolved , That  the  unappropriated  lands  that  may  be  ceded  or  relin- 
quished to  the  United  States,  by  any  particular  State,  pursuant  to  the  recom- 
mendation of  Congress  of  the  6th  day  of  September  last,  shall  be  disposed 
of  for  the  common  benefit  of  the  United  States,  and  be  settled  and  formed 
into  distinct  republican  States,  which  shall  become  members  of  the  Federal 
Union,  and  have  the  same  rights  of  sovereignty,  freedom  and  independence 
as  the  other  States;  that  each  State  which  shall  be  so  formed  shall  contain  a 
suitable  extent  of  territory,  not  less  than  one  hundred,  nor  more  than  one 
hundred  and  fifty  miles  square,  or  as  near  thereto  as  circumstances  will  admit ; 
that  the  necessary  and  reasonable  expenses  which  any  particular  State  shall 
have  incurred  since  the  commencement  of  the  present  war,  in  subduing  any 
British  posts,  or  in  maintaining  forts  or  garrisons  within  and  for  the  defense, 
or  in  acquiring  any  part  of  the  territory  that  may  be  ceded  or  relinquished 
to  the  United  States,  shall  be  re-imbursed;  that  the  said  lands  shall  be 
granted  or  settled  at  such  times,  and  under  such  regulations,  as  shall  here- 
after be  agreed  on  by  the  United  States,  in  Congress  assembled,  or  any  nine 
or  more  of  them.” 

In  pursuance  of  the  recommendation  of  Congress,  of  September  6th,  1780, 
several  States  made  cessions  of  territory  to  the  United  States.  Virginia 


24 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


ceded  her  northwestern  territory  March  1st,  1784,  and  by  an  act  of  her 
Legislature  of  December  30th,  1788,  agreed  to  change  the  conditions  of  the 
act  of  cession  of  1784,  so  far  as  to  ratify  the  5th  article  of  the  ordinance  of 
1787,  passed  by  Congress  for  the  government  of  the  territory.  The  dele- 
gates in  Congress  from  Maryland  signed  the  Articles  of  Confederation  at 
the  date  of  the  cession  of  territory  by  New  York,  March  1st,  1781,  thus 
completing  the  confederation. 

On  the  23d  of  April,  1784,  Congress  passed  a resolution  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  territory  ceded  by  Virginia,  which  was  superceded  by  the 
famous  ordinance  of  July  13th,  1787,  entitled  uAn  ordinance  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  territory  of  the  United  States  northwest  of  the  river  Ohio.” 
The  first  part  of  this  important  enactment  provides  for  the  temporary  gov- 
ernment of  the  territory,  and  concludes  with  six  “articles  of  compact  between 
the  original  States  and  the  people  and  States  in  the  said  territory,  and  forever 
to  remain  unalterable,  unless  by  common  consent.”  The  provisions  of  these 
six  articles  are  of  such  importance  as  to  justify  their  insertion  here  in  full: 

“Article  1.  No  person,  demeaning  himself  in  a peaceable  and  orderly 
manner,  shall  ever  be  molested  on  account  of  his  mode  of  worship  or  religious 
sentiments,  in  the  said  territory. 

“Art.  2.  The  inhabitants  of  the  said  territory  shall  always  be  entitled  to 
the  writ  of  habeas  corpus,  and  of  the  trial  by  jury ; of  a proportionate  repre- 
sentation of  the  people  in  the  legislature,  and  of  judicial  proceedings  accord- 
ing to  the  course  of  the  common  law.  All  persons  shall  be  bailable,  unless 
for  capital  offenses,  when  the  proof  shall  be  evident,  or  the  presumption 
great.  All  fines  shall  be  moderate,  and  no  cruel  or  unusual  punishment 
shall  be  inflicted.  No  person  shall  be  deprived  of  his  liberty  or  property, 
but  by  the  judgment  of  his  peers,  or  the  law  of  the  land,  and  should  the 
public  exigencies  make  it  necessary  for  the  common  preservation  to  take  any 
person’s  property,  or  to  demand  his  particular  services,  full  compensation 
shall  be  made  for  the  same.  And,  in  the  just  preservation  of  rights  and 
property,  it  is  understood  and  declared  that  no  law  ought  ever  to  be  made, 
or  have  force  in  the  said  territory,  that  should,  in  any  manner  whatever,  in- 
terfere with  or  affect  private  contracts  or  engagements,  bona  fide,  and  with- 
out fraud  previously  formed. 

“Art.  3.  Religion,  morality  and  knowledge  being  necessary  to  good  gov- 
ernment and  the  happiness  of  mankind,  schools  and  the  means  of  education 
shall  be  forever  encouraged.  The  utmost  good  faith  shall  always  be  observed 
towards  the  Indians;  their  lands  and  property  shall  never  be  taken  from 
them  without  their  consent;  and  in  their  property,  rights,  and  liberty, 
they  shall  never  be  invaded  or  disturbed,  unless  in  just  and  lawful  wars 
authorized  by  Congress;  but  laws  founded  in  justice  and  humanity  shall, 
from  time  to  time,  be  made  for  preventing  wrongs  being  done  to  them,  and 
for  preserving  peace  and  friendship  with  them. 

“Art.  4.  The  said  territory,  and  the  States  which  may  be  formed  therein, 
shall  forever  remain  a part  of  this  confederacy  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, subject  to  the  Articles  of  Confederation,  and  to  such  alterations  therein 
as  shall  be  constitutionally  made;  and  to  all  the  acts  and  ordinances  of  the 
United  States,  in  Congress  assembled,  conformable  thereto.  The  inhabitants 
and  settlers  in  the  said  territory  shall  be  subject  to  pay  a part  of  the  federal 
debts,  contracted  or  to  be  contracted,  and  a proportional  part  of  the  expenses 
of  government,  to  be  apportioned  on  them  by  Congress,  according  to  the 
same  common  rule  and  measure  by  which  apportionments  thereof  shall  be 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


25 


made  on  the  other  States;  and  the  taxes  for  paying  their  proportion  shall  be 
laid  and  levied  by  the  authority  and  direction  of  the  legislatures  of  the  dis- 
trict or  districts,  or  new  States,  as  in  the  original  States,  within  the  time 
agreed  upon  by  the  United  States,  in  Congress  assembled.  The  legislatures 
of  those  districts,  or  new  States,  shall  never  interfere  with  the  primary  dis- 
posal of  the  soil  of  the  United  States,  in  Congress  assembled,  nor  with  any 
regulations  Congress  may  find  necessary,  for  securing  the  title  in  such  soil, 
to  the  bona  fide  purchasers.  No  tax  shall  be  imposed  on  lands  the  property 
of  the  United  States;  and  in  no  case  shall  non-resident  proprietors  be  taxed 
higher  than  residents.  The  navigable  waters  leading  into  the  Mississippi 
and  St.  Lawrence,  and  the  carrying  places  between  the  same,  shall  be  com- 
mon highways  and  forever  free,  as  well  to  the  inhabitants  of  said  territory  as 
to  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  those  of  any  other  States  that  may 
be  admitted  into  the  Confederacy,  without  any  tax,  impost,  or  duty  therefor. 

“Art.  5.  There  shall  be  formed  in  the  said  territory  not  less  than  three, 
nor  more  than  five  States;  and  the  boundaries  of  the  States,  as  soon  as  Vir- 
ginia shall  alter  her  act  of  cession,  and  consent  to  the  same,  shall  become 
fixed  and  established  as  follows,  to-wit:  the  Western  States  in  the  said  terri- 
tory shall  be  bounded  by  the  Mississippi,  the  Ohio  and  Wabash  rivers;  a 
direct  line  drawn  from  the  Wabash  and  Post  Vincents  due  north  to  the  ter- 
ritorial line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada,  and  by  the  said  territorial 
line  to  the  Lake  of  the  Woods  and  Mississippi.  The  Middle  States  shall  be 
bounded  by  the  said  direct  line,  the  Wabash,  from  Post  Vincents  to  the 
Ohio,  by  the  Ohio,  by  a direct  line  drawn  due  north  from  the  mouth  of  the 
Great  Miami  to  the  said  territorial  line  and  by  the  said  territorial  line.  The 
Eastern  State  shall  be  bounded  by  the  last-mentioned  direct  line,  the  Ohio, 
Pennsylvania,  and  the  said  territorial  line;  provided,  however,  and  it  is 
further  understood  and  declared  that  the  boundaries  of  these  three  States 
shall  be  subject  so  far  to  be  altered  that  if  Congress  shall  hereafter  find  it 
expedient,  they  shall  have  authority  to  form  one  or  two  States  in  that  part  of 
the  said  territory  which  lies  north  of  an  east  and  west  line  drawn  through 
the  southerly  bend  or  extreme  of  Lake  Michigan.  And  whenever  any  of 
the  said  States  shall  have  sixty  thousand  free  inhabitants  therein,  such  State 
shall  be  admitted,  by  its  delegates,  into  the  Congress  of  the  United  States 
on  an  equal  footing  with  the  original  States,  in  all  respects  whatever;  and 
shall  be  at  liberty  to  form  a permanent  constitution  and  State  government, 
provided  the  constitution  and  government  so  to  be  formed  shall  be  republi- 
can, and  in  conformity  to  the  principles  contained  in  these  articles,  and  so 
far  as  can  be  consistent  with  the  general  interests  of  the  Confederacy,  such 
admission  shall  be  allowed  at  an  earlier  period,  and  when  there  may  be  a less 
number  of  free  inhabitants  in  the  State  than  sixty  thousand. 

“Art.  6.  There  shall  be  neither  slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude  in  the 
the  said  territory,  otherwise  than  in  the  punishment  of  crimes,  whereof  the 
party  shall  be  duly  convicted;  provided,  always,  that  any  person  escaping 
into  the  same  from  whom  labor  or  service  is  lawfully  claimed  in  any  one  of 
the  original  States,  such  fugitive  may  be  lawfully  reclaimed  and  conveyed  to 
the  person  claiming  his  or  her  labor  or  services  as  aforesaid.” 

These  articles,  sometimes  known  as  the  “Compact  of  1787,”  form  the 
basis  of  the  organization  of  the  Northwestern  Territory  and  of  the  several 
States  into  which  it  was  subsequently  divided.  Although  the  original  act 
of  cession  was  adopted  by  Virginia  in  1784,  it  will  be  seen  that  it  was 
three  years  later  before  Congress  agreed  upon  a plan  of  government.  The 


26 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


subject  was  one  of  serious  and  earnest  discussion  at  various  times.  At  one 
time  a motion  prevailed  to  strike  from  tlie  proposed  plan  the  prohibition  of 
slavery.  Another  proposition  was  agreed  to  by  which  the  territory  was  to 
be  divided  into  States  by  parallels  and  meridian  lines,  making  ten  States 
which  were  to  be  named  as  follows:  Syl vania,  Michigania,  Chersonesus, 
Assenisipia,  Mesopotamia,  Illenoia,  Saratoga,  Washington,  Polypotamia  and 
Pelisipia.  When  this  plan  was  submitted  to  the  legislatures  of  the  States 
there  were  serious  objections  made,  especially  by  Massachusetts  and  Vir- 
ginia. There  were  objections  to  the  category  of  names,  but  the  chief  diffi- 
culty was  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  October  lOtli,  1780,  which  fixed  the 
extent  of  each  State  at  not  less  than  one  hundred  nor  more  than  one  hundred 
and  fifty  miles  square,  or  as  near  thereto  as  circumstances  might  admit.  So 
the  subject  was  again  taken  up  in  1786,  and  discussed  during  that  year  and 
until  July  12th,  1787,  when  the  ordinance  finally  passed,  as  stated  above. 

An  act  of  territorial  organization  was  approved  August  7th,  1789.  Gen. 
Arthur  St.  Clair  was  appointed  Governor,  and  William  H.  Harrison  Secre- 
tary. In  1788  a town  had  been  laid  out  by  John  Cleves  Symmes  at  Fort 
Washington,  and  was  named  Losantiville,  but  afterward  Cincinnati.  The 
place  was  settled  by  persons  from  the  Hew  England  States  and  from  Hew 
Jersey,  but  did  not  extensively  improve  until  after  Gen.  Wayne’s  defeat  of 
the  Indians  in  1794.  This  became  the  seat  of  the  new  territorial  govern- 
ment. The  election  of  representatives  for  the  territory  was  held  February 
4fcli,  1799.  As  required  by  the  ordinance  of  1787,  these  representatives  met 
at  the  seat  of  the  territorial  government  to  nominate  ten  persons,  out  of 
which  Congress  was  to  appoint  five  to  serve  as  the  territorial  council  The 
following  persons  were  commissioned:  Henry  Vandenburg,  of  Vincennes; 
Robert  Oliver,  of  Marietta;  James  Findlay  and  Jacob  Burnett,  of  Cincin- 
nati, and  David  Vance,  of  Vance ville.  The  first  Territorial  Legislature  met 
September  16th,  1799,  and  on  the  24th  both  houses  were  duly  organized, 
Henry  Vandenburg  being  elected  president  of  the  council.  On  the  13th  of 
October  the  legislature  elected  Wm.  Henry  Harrison  as  delegate  to 
Congress.  He  received  eleven  of  the  votes  cast,  being  a majority  of  one 
over  his  opponent,  Arthur  St.  Clair,  son  of  the  Governor.  At  this  session 
thirty-seven  acts  were  passed  and  approved.  Eleven  other  acts  were  passed 
which  the  Governor  vetoed.  The  greater  part  of  the  legislation  of  the  ses- 
sion related  to  the  organization  of  the  militia  and  to  revenue  matters.  The 
session  closed  December  19th,  1799.  President  Adams  appointed  Charles 
Willing  Bryd  as  secretary  of  the  territory  to  succeed  Wm.  Henry  Harrison, 
elected  to  Congress,  and  the  senate  confirmed  the  nomination.  James  H. 
Varnum,  S.  H.  Parsons  and  John  Armstrong  were  appointed  to  the  judicial 
bench  of  the  territory  in  October,  1787. 

Having  briefly  outlined  the  legislation  which  resulted  in  the  formation  of 
a Territorial  government,  we  return  to  notice  some  of  the  earlier  American 
settlements  in  the  Territory.  As  elsewhere  stated,  a few  French  settlements 
had  been  made  by  emigrants  from  Canada  and  Louisiana,  on  the  Ohio  river 
and  in  the  region  known  as  the  Illinois  country,  but  it  was  not  until  after 
the  Virginia  cession  that  any  permanent  American  settlements  were  made. 
Then  several  treaties  were  made  with  the  Indians,  in  which  they  relinquished 
their  title  to  large  portions  of  the  territory.  The  government  made  several 
large  grants  to  companies  and  individuals,  for  the  purpose  of  colonizing  the 
country.  One  of  these  was  to  a company  from  Massachusetts  and  Connecti- 
cut, called  the  Hew  England  Company,  of  a tract  lying  along  the  Ohio  and 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


27 


Muskingum  rivers,  embracing  1,500,000  acres.  Here  the  town  of  Marietta 
was  laid  out,  in  August,  1787,  at  the  confluence  of  the  Muskingum  and  Ohio 
rivers.  Fort  Harmar  was  built  on  the  opposite,  or  west  bank  of  the  Mus- 
kingum, the  year  before.  The  Hew  England  Company  sent  its  first  party 
of  settlers  in  the  spring  of  1788.  They  consisted  of  eight  families,  and 
some  other  persons,  and  all  under  the  superintendency  of  Gen.  Rufus  Put- 
nam. The  party,  after  a long  and  weary  journey  over  the  Alleghanies,  and 
down  the  Ohio,  arrived  at  Marietta  on  the  7th  of  April,  1788.  This  little 
band  had  the  honor  of  being  the  pioneers  of  Ohio,  unless  the  Moravian 
missionaries  may  be  so  regarded.  The  settlement  was  first  known  as  the 
“Muskingum,”  but  on  the  2d  of  July,  1788,  at  a meeting  of  the  directors 
and  agents  of  the  company,  the  name  was  changed  to  Marietta,  in  honor  ot 
Marie  Antoinette. 

In  1786,  John  Cleves  Symmes,  of  Hew  Jersey,  visited  the  country  be- 
tween the  Miamies,  and  being  pleased  with  its  appearance,  made  application 
to  the  government  for  the  purchase  of  a large  tract  of  land,  to  be  settled  on 
similar  conditions  with  those  of  the  Hew  England  Company.  The  grant 
was  made  to  Symmes  and  his  associates  the  following  year.  Associated  with 
Symmes,  was  Matthias  Denman,  also  of  Hew  J ersey,  who  located,  among 
other  tracts  in  the  Symmes  purchase,  the  section  upon  which  Cincinnati 
was  laid  out.  Denman  sold  to  Robert  Patterson  and  John  Filson,each  one- 
third  of  his  location,  retaining  the  other  third  himself.  In  August,  1788, 
they  laid  out  the  first  portion  of  what,  in  a few  years,  became  one  of  the 
great  cities  of  the  West.  Fort  Washington  was  erected  here  in  1790,  and 
was  for  some  time  the  headquarters  of  both  the  civil  and  military  govern- 
ments of  the  Horthwestern  Territory.  There  were  but  few  settlers  here 
until  after  1794,-  when  settlers  began  to  arrive  rapidly.  In  July,  1815,  the 
population  was  6,500. 

In  October,  1795,  the  treaty  was  signed  between  the  United  States  and 
Spain,  which  secured  to  the  former  the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi. 
After  this  the  Horthwest  began  to  settle  rapidly.  During  the  next  year 
settlements  were  made  at  various  points  along  the  Miami  and  Scioto  rivers, 
including  those  at  Piqua  and  Chillicothe.  In  September,  of  the  same  year, 
the  city  of  Cleveland  was  laid  out. 

The  great  extent  of  the  Horthwestern  Territory,  and  the  rapid  increase 
of  population  at  the  beginning  of  the  new  century,  began  to  render  the  effi- 
cient action  of  the  courts  impossible  ; and  to  remedy  this  evil  a division  of 
the  Territory  was  proposed.  A committee  in  Congress,  to  whom  the  mat- 
ter had  been  referred,  on  the  3d  of  March,  1800,  reported  in  favor  of  two 
distinct  territorial  governments,  and  that  the  division  be  made  by  a line 
beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  river,  and  running  directly  to 
the  boundary  line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada.  The  report  was 
accepted,  and  an  act  passed,  which  was  approved  May  7 th,  of  the  same  year, 
making  the  division.  It  provided*  among  other  things,  that  from  and  after 
the  next  4th  day  of  July,  “all  that  part  of  the  territory  of  the  United 
States  northwest  of  the  Ohio  river,  which  lies  to  the  northward  of  a line 
beginning  at  a point  on  the  Ohio,  opposite  to  the  mouth  of  the  Kentucky 
river,  and  running  thence  to  Fort  Recovery,  and  thence  north  until  it  shall 
intersect  the  territorial  line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada,  shall,  for 
the  purpose  of  temporary  government,  constitute  a separate  territory,  and 
be  called  the  Indiana  Territory.”  The  same  act  provided,  that  until  the  Leg- 
islatures ol  the  Territories,  respectively,  otherwise  ordered,  Chillicothe,  on 


28 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


the  Scioto  river,  should  be  the  seat  of  government  of  the  Territory  east  of 
the  line  of  division;  and  that  Yincennes,  on  the  Wabash  river,  should  be 
the  seat  of  government  of  the  Indiana  Territory.  On  the  3d  of  November, 
of  that  year,  the  Territorial  Legislature  met  at  Chillicothe.  William  Henry 
Harrison  was  appointed  Governor  of  Indiana  Territory,  and  entered  upon 
his  duties  in  1801.  The  new  Territory  then  embraced  all  that  region  now 
comprising  the  States  of  Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  that 
part  of  Minnesota  east  of  the  Mississippi  river.  Nearly  the  whole  of  it 
was  at  that  time  in  the  possession  of  the  Indians.  Soon  after  the  arrival  of 
Governor  Harrison  at  Yincennes,  he  concluded  several  treaties  with  the  In- 
dians, whereby  large  grants  of  land  were  obtained  from  the  various  tribes. 
By  a treaty  made  at  St.  Louis,  August  18th,  1804,  he  obtained  a relinquish- 
ment of  Indian  title  to  over  51,000,000  of  acres.  The  year  before  the  gov- 
ernment had  obtained  Louisiana  from  France,  by  purchase,  and  that  being 
divided,  the  “District  of  Louisiana”  (the  “New  Northwest”)  was  annexed 
to  Indiana  Territory,  thus  extending  Gov.  Harrison’s  authority  over  a vast 
domain,  occupied  chiefly,  by  savage  tribes. 

By  an  act  of  Congress,  of  January  11th,  1805,  Indiana  Territory  was  di- 
vided into  two  separate  governments,  and  the  new  Territory  of  Michigan 
formed.  William  Hull  was  appointed  Governor  of  the  new  Territory,  and 
Detroit  was  designated  as  the  seat  of  government.  On  the  30th  of  June 
the  Territorial  government  of  Michigan  was  to  go  into  operation.  When 
Gov.  Hull,  and  the  other  Territorial  officers,  reached  Detroit,  they  found  the 
place  in  ruins  and  the  inhabitants  scattered.  On  the  11th  of  that  month  a 
fire  had  destroyed  almost  every  building  in  the  place.  Gov.  Hull  adopted  a 
new  plan  for  rebuilding  the  town,  and  in  population  and  importance  it  soon 
regained  all  it  had  lost  by  the  fire. 

Other  changes  were  subsequently  made  in  the  boundaries  of  the  Western 
Territories,  as  new  States  were  from  time  to  time  admitted  into  the  Union, 
until  finally,  all  that  vast  domain  originally  designated  as  the  “Northwestern 
Territory”  became  sovereign  States. 

THE  LOUISIANA  PURCLIASE. 

Discovery  of  the  Mouth  of  the  Mississippi — Founding1  of  New  Orleans — French  Grant — John 
Law — The  “Mississippi  Bubble” — Territory  West  of  the  Mississippi — France  Cedes  to 
Spain  — Spain  Cedes  Back  to  France  — France  Cedes  to  the  United  States  — Right  to 
Navigate  the  Mississippi — Particulars  of  the  Negotiations  With  France — Extent  of  the 
Territory — Possession  Taken  by  the  United  States — Division  of  the  Territory. 

That  vast  region  of  territory  once  known  as  Louisiana,  came  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  civilized  men  by  the  right  of  discovery — a right  which  has 
long  been  known  and  recognized  among  civilized  nations,  though  often 
necessarily  followed  by  conquest  to  render  it  effective.  For  two  centuries 
the  Spaniards  had  navigated  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  so  far  as  we  know,  ignorant 
of  the  fact  that  it  received  the  waters  of  one  of  the  largest  rivers  of  the 
world.  About  the  year  1660  the  French,  who  had  re-established  themselves 
in  Canada,  received  some  information  of  this  great  river,  but  did  not  discover 
its  mouth  until  1691,  when,  according  to  some  authorities,  La  Salle  succeeded 
in  reaching  it.  Iberville  founded  his  first  colony  in  1699,  but  it  did  not 
assume  importance  until  1717,  when  the  city  of  New  Orleans  was  founded. 
In  1712  Louis  XI Y of  France  granted  to  M.  Crozart  a charter  to  the  whole 
territory  of  Louisiana,  which  was  so  named  in  honor  of  the  king.  Under 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


29 


the  leadership  of  John  Law,  in  1716,  a company  was  formed  at  Paris  and 
incorporated  as  the  “Mississippi  Company,”  which  purchased  Louisiana 
from  the  crown.  The  financial  disasters  in  France  caused  by  Law  brought 
about  the  failure  of  his  Mississippi  scheme,  and  the  explosion  of  what  is 
known  in  history  as  the  “ Mississippi  bubble.”  Louisiana  was  then  resumed 
by  the  crown,  and  the  commerce  of  the  Mississippi  was  declared  free.  The 
French  retained  possession  until  17 62,  when  they  ceded  it  to  Spain,  includ- 
ing the  whole  country  to  the  head  waters  of  the  great  river  and  west  to  the 
Pocky  Mountains.  The  jurisdiction  of  France,  which  had  continued  for 
nearly  a century,  thus  ended,  until  in  1800  Bonaparte,  then  first  consul, 
induced  the  Spanish  government  to  cede  it  back  to  France.  During  the 
time  that  Louisiana  remained  a Spanish  dependency,  that  government 
claimed  the  exclusive  right  of  navigating  the  Mississippi  river.  The  free 
navigation  of  that  river  was  essential  to  the  prosperity  and  commerce  of  the 
United  States.  Spain  then  having  jurisdiction  also  over  the  Floridas  east  of 
the  great  river,  and  that  river  for  several  hundred  miles  flowing  wholly 
through  the  Spanish  dominions,  the  question  of  its  navigation  south  of  the 
southern  boundary  of  the  United  States  became  a serious  one  to  our  govern- 
ment and  people.  The  people  in  the  western  part  of  the  United  States 
especially  demanded  the  free  navigation  of  the  river  as  a right.  But  Spanish 
military  posts  enforced  the  collection  of  duties  on  imports  by  way  of  the 
river  for  the  upper  region.  Boats  descending  were  forced  to  submit  to  reve- 
nue exactions  by  Spanish  authorities.  These  exactions  were  a constant 
source  of  trouble  and  disaffection,  and  led  to  a threatening  state  of  affairs 
between  the  United  States  and  Spain.  Spain,  however,  by  the  treaty  of 
Madrid,  October  20,  1795,  conceded  to  the  United  States  the  free  navigation 
ot  the  river  from  its  source  to  the  Gulf,  and  also  the  free  use  of  the  port  of 
New  Orleans  for  three  years  as  a port  of  deposit. 

The  treaty  of  Madrid,  however,  did  not  quiet  all  troubles  between  the 
United  States  and  Spain.  In  1802,  during  the  administration  of  President 
Jefferson,  there  was  some  apprehension  of  a war  growing  out  of  the  continued 
disputes  respecting  the  southwestern  boundary.  These  disputes  had  led  to 
many  difficulties  between  the  people  of  the  United  States  and  the  Spanish 
authorities.  These  affairs,  however,  assumed  a new  aspect,  when  in  the 
spring  of  1802  the  government  of  the  United  States  received  intelligence 
that,  by  a secret  treaty  made  in  October,  1800,  Spain  had  ceded  Louisiana  to 
France.  At  this  time  Mr.  Livingston  was  the  United  States  Minister  to 
France,  and  President  Jefferson,  soon  after  learning  of  the  Spanish  cession  to 
France,  wrote  to  Mr.  Livingston  in  reference  to  acquiring  the  right  to  deposit 
at  the  port  of  New  Orleans,  and  other  matters  which  had  been  in  dispute 
between  the  United  States  and  Spain.  In  his  annual  message  to  Congress, 
in  December  of  the  same  year,  the  President  alluded  to  the  subject  of  the 
Spanish  cession  to  France.  Congress  passed  resolutions  asserting  the  right 
of  navigating  the  Mississippi,  and  insisting  upon  the  right  to  the  use  of  a 
port  or  place  of  deposit.  At  that  time  it  was  understood  in  the  United  States 
that  the  Spanish  cession  to  France  included  the  Floridas,  which,  however, 
was  not  the  case.  The  policy  of  the  President  was  to  enter  into  a treaty 
with  France  for  the  purchase  of  New  Orleans  and  the  Floridas,  and  with  this 
view,  on  the  10tli  of  January,  1803,  he  appointed  James  Monroe  minister 
plenipotentiary  to  France  to  act  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Livingston.  Mr. 
Monroe’s  nomination  was  confirmed  by  the  senate.  The  instructions  to  the 
American  ministers  only  asked  for  the  cession  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans 


30 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


and  the  Floridas,  together  with  the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi.  The 
cession  at  this  time  of  the  entire  Territory  of  Louisiana  was  not  a subject  of 
discussion.  Mr.  Monroe  sailed  from  New  York,  March  8, 1803,  and  arrived 
in  Paris  April  1. 

Bonaparte  was  then  first  consul,  apd  France  was  on  the  eve  of  a war  with 
England.  He  supposed  the  American  ministers  were  authorized  to  enter 
into  more  extended  stipulations  than  they  really  were.  Marquis  de  Marbois 
was  directed  to  negotiate  with  the  American  ministers.  Said  the  first  con- 
sul to  his  minister,  as  recorded  by  the  latter: 

“ Irresolution  and  deliberation  are  no  longer  in  season.  I renounce 
Louisiana.  It  is  not  only  New  Orleans  that  I will  cede;  it  is  the  whole  col- 
ony, without  any  reservation.  I know  the  price  of  what  I abandon,  and  I 
have  sufficiently  proved  the  importance  that  I attach  to  this  province,  since  my 
first  diplomatic  act  with  Spain  had  for  its  object  the  recovery  of  it.  I 
renounce  it  with  the  greatest  regret.  To  attempt  to  retain  it  would  be  folly. 
I direct  you  to  negotiate  this  affair  with  the  envoys  of  the  United  States. 
Do  not  even  await  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Monroe;  have  an  interview  this  day 
with  Mr.  Livingston.  But  I require  a great  deal  of  money  for  this  war,  and 
I would  not  like  to  commence  with  new  contributions.  If  I should  regulate 
my  terms,  according  to  the  value  of  these  vast  regions  to  the  United  States, 
the  indemnity  would  have  no  limits.  I will  be  moderate,  in  consideration 
of  the  necessity  in  which  I am  of  making  a sale.  But  keep  this  to  yourself. 
I want  fifty  millions  francs,  and  for  less  than  that  sum  I will  not  treat;  I 
would  rather  make  a desperate  attempt  to  keep  those  fine  countries.  To- 
morrow you  shall  have  full  powers.  Mr.  Monroe  is  on  the  point  of  arriving. 
To  this  minister  the  President  must  have  given  secret  instructions,  more 
extensive  than  the  ostensible  authorization  of  Congress,  for  the  stipulation 
of  the  payments  to  be  made.  Neither  this  minister  nor  his  colleague  is 
prepared  for  a decision  which  goes  infinitely  beyond  anything  that  they  are 
about  to  ask  of  us.  Begin  by  making  them  the  overture  without  any  sub- 
terfuge. You  will  acquaint  me,  day  by  day,  hour  by  hour,  of  your  progress. 
The  cabinet  of  London  is  informed  of  the  measures  adopted  at  Washington, 
hut  it  can  have  no  suspicion  of  those  which  I am  now  taking.  Observe  the 
greatest  secrecy,  and  recommend  it  to  the  American  ministers;  they  have 
not  a less  interest  than  yourself  in  conforming  to  this  counsel.  You  will 
correspond  with  M.  de  Talleyrand,  who  alone  knows  my  intentions.  If  I 
attended  to  his  advice,  France  would  confine  her  ambition  to  the  left  bank 
of  the  Rhine,  and  would  only  make  war  to  protect  any  dismemberment  of 
her  possessions.  But  he  also  admits  that  the  cession  of  Louisiana  is  not  a 
dismemberment  of  France.  Keep  him  informed  of  the  progress  of  this 
affair.” 

On  the  same  day  that  Napoleon  thus  confided  to  Marbois  his  determina- 
tion, conferences  began  between  the  latter  and  Mr.  Livingston.  The  Amer- 
ican minister  had  been  in  Paris  about  two  years,  endeavoring  to  obtain  in- 
demnities claimed  by  American  citizens  for  prizes  made  by  the  French 
during  peace,  but  so  far,  without  result  further  than  vague  answers.  Mr. 
Livingston  had  become  distrustful  of  the  French  government,  and  feared 
the  Louisiana  overtures  were  hut  an  artifice  to  gain  still  further  time.  Soon 
after  these  preliminary  discussions  were  entered  upon,  Mr.  Monroe  arrived 
in  Paris,  and  the  next  day  began  his  conferences  with  Marbois.  Rapid  pro- 
gress was  made  in  the  negotiations,  for  both  sides  had  an  interest  in  hasten- 
ing the  matter.  Mr.  Monroe  was  surprised  to  hear  the  first  overtures  made 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


31 


30  frankly  by  the  French  minister,  when  he  proposed  to  cede  to  the  United 
States  so  vast  a region  of  country,  with  the  largest  rivers  of  the  world,  in- 
stead of  merely  a town  and  an  inconsiderable  extent  of  territory.  The  offer 
embraced  infinitely  more  than  the  American  ministers  were  empowered  to 
ask  for,  or  accept.  Their  powers  only  extended  to  an  arrangement  respect- 
ing the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  including  JSTew  Orleans.  But  the  mo- 
ment was  a critical  one  with  France,  hostilities  being  about  to  commence 
with  England.  There  was  not  time  for  further  instructions  from  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States  before  the  opportunity  would  pass,  perhaps 
forever.  The  American  ministers  therefore  assumed  the  responsibility  of 
treating  for  the  purchase  of  the  entire  colony,  or  territory  of  Louisiana — an 
extent  of  country  sufficient  in  itself  for  an  empire.  The  terms  were  soon 
agreed  upon.  The  United  States  was  to  pay  for  this  vast  acquisition  the 
sum  of  fifteen  millions  of  dollars.  In  the  treaty  of  October  1,  1800,  be- 
tween France  and  Spain,  the  latter  had  reserved  the  right  of  preference  in 
oase  France  should  cede  this  territory  to  another  power ; but  here  again 
France  could  not  afford  to  wait.  The  treaty  was  concluded  and  subsequently 
submitted  to  the  Spanish  cabinet.  They  complained  that  no  regard  had 
been  paid  to  their  reserved  right,  and  for  almost  a year  that  court  delayed  its 
approbation  of  the  treaty.  On  the  10th  of  February,  1804,  however,  Don 
Pedro  Cavallos,  the  Spanish  minister,  wrote  to  Mr.  Pinckney,  the  American 
minister,  that  “His  Catholic  Majesty  had  thought  fit  to  renounce  his  oppo- 
sition to  the  alienation  of  Louisiana  made  by  France,  notwithstanding  the 
solid  reasons  on  which  it  is  founded,  thereby  giving  a new  proof  of  his  be- 
nevolence and  friendship  to  the  United  States.”  The  important  treaty  that 
gave  to  the  United  States  this  vast  region,  with  all  its  wonderful  resources, 
was  concluded  on  the  30tli  of  April,  1803,  and  four  days  later  the  instru- 
ments, in  French  and  English,  were  signed  by  the  ministers.  After  affixing 
their  signatures,  the  ministers  rose  and  shook  hands,  each  expressing  his  sat- 
isfaction with  the  result.  Mr.  Livingston  said:  “We  have  lived  long,  but 
this  is  the  noblest  work  of  our  whole  lives.  The  treaty  which  we  have  just 
signed  has  not  been  obtained  by  art,  or  dictated  by  force  ; equally  advanta- 
geous to  the  two  contracting  parties,  it  will  change  vast  solitudes  into  flour- 
ishing districts.  From  this  day  the  United  States  take  their  place  among 
the  powers  of  the  first  rank  ; the  English  lose  all  exclusive  influence  in  the 
affairs  of  America.” 

The  first  consul,  who  had  followed  the  negotiation  with  a lively  interest, 
acquiesced  in  the  result,  and  said  to  Marbois  : “ It  is  true,  the  negotiation 

does  not  leave  me  anything  to  desire.  Sixty  millions  [francs]  for  an  occupa- 
tion that  will  not,  perhaps,  last  for  a day  ! I would  that  France  should  en- 
joy this  unexpected  capital,  and  that  it  may  be  employed  in  works  beneficial 
to  the  marine.  This  accession  of  territory  strengthens  forever  the  power 
of  the  United  States  ; and  I have  just  given  to  England  a maratime  rival 
that  wdll  sooner  or  later  humble  her  pride.” 

On  the  22d  day  of  May,  1803,  England  commenced  hostilities  against 
France  by  the  capture  of  some  of  her  merchant  vessels,  and  on  the  same 
day  Bonaparte  gave  his  formal  ratification  of  the  Louisiana  treaty  of  cession. 
In  July,  the  treaty  was  received  in  the  United  States,  and  on  the  20th  of 
October,  1803,  it  was  ratified  by  the  Senate,  by  twenty-four  against  seven 
votes.  The  country  ceded  by  this  treaty,  as  estimated  at  that  time,  exceeded 
a million  of  square  miles,  all  occupied  by  savages,  except  a few  sparse  settle- 
ments, aggregating  from  80,000  to  90,000  inhabitants,  about  40,000  of  whom 
were  slaves.  The  whites  were  chiefly  French,  or  descendants  of  French* 


32 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


Congress,  a few  days  after  the  ratification  of  the  treaty  by  the  Senate,  passed 
an  act  making  provision  for  the  occupation  and  temporary  government  of 
the  territory  acquired.  Eleven  millions  of  dollars  were  appropriated  as 
payment  for  the  purchase — the  remaining  four  millions  being  reserved,  ac- 
cording to  a stipulation-  in  the  treaty,  to  indemnify  citizens  of  the  United 
States  who  had  sustained  losses  at  the  hands  of  the  French.  The  resolution 
for  carrying  the  treaty  into  effect  was  sustained  by  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives by  a vote  of  ninety  to  twenty-five. 

Even  before  the  acquisition  of  Louisiana,  it  had  been  a favorite  object  of 
President  Jefferson  to  have  an  exploring  expedition  sent  across  the  continent 
to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  in  J anuary,  1803,  he  had  recommended  an  appro- 
priation for  that  purpose.  The  appropriation  was  made,  and  the  enterprise 
was  placed  under  the  direction  of  Captains  Lewis  and  Clarke.  The  treaty 
with  Prance,  however,  was  ratified  before  the  exploring  expedition  was  ready 
to  start.  On  the  14th  of  May,  1804,  Captains  Lewis  and  Clarke,  with  their 
companions,  consisting  in  all  of  thirty  persons,  left  the  banks  of  the  Missis- 
sippi on  their  long  and  perilous  voyage  of  two  years  and  three  months,  to 
seek  out  and  give  to  their  country  and  the  world  some  more  accurate  knowl- 
edge respecting  this  vast  region  of  country,  of  which  civilization  at  that 
time  knew  so  little.  The  expedition  was  in  every  way  successful,  and  the 
report  made  by  Captains  Lewis  and  Clarke  enabled  the  government  and  peo- 
ple of  the  United  States  to  form  a better  judgment  of  the  immense  value 
of  the  country  acquired. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  region  acquired  by  the  Louisiana  purchase,  com- 
prehended not  only  the  present  State  of  Louisiana,  but  all  the  vast  region 
between  the  Mississippi  river  and  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  as  far  north  as  the 
British  possessions.  The  great  States  of  Arkansas,  Missouri,  Iowa,  Ne- 
braska, Kansas,  the  greater  part  of  Minnesota,  and  several  of  our  great  Ter- 
ritories, are  but  parts  of  this  purchase. 

On  the  20th  of  December,  1803,  in  pursuance  of  authority  given  by  act 
of  Congress,  Gov.  Claiborne  and  Gen.  Wilkinson  took  possession  of  the  Loui- 
siana purchase,  and  raised  the  American  flag  at  New  Orleans.  The  Span- 
ish authorities  there  objected  to  the  transfer,  but  early  in  1804  they  acqui- 
esced and  withdrew.  The  newly  acquired  territory,  by  authority  of  Con- 
gress, was,  on  the  first  of  October,  1804,  divided  as  follows  : All  south  of 
the  33d  parallel  of  north  latitude,  was  called  the  Territory  of  Orleans,  and 
all  north  of  that  parallel  became  the  District  of  Louisiana,  and  was  placed 
under  the  authority  of  the  officers  of  the  then  Indiana  Territory.  It  so  re- 
mained until  July  4,  1805,  when  the  District  of  Louisiana  was  given  a ter- 
ritorial government  of  its  own.  In  1812,  the  Territory  of  New  Orleans  be- 
came the  State  of  Louisiana,  and  the  Territory  of  Louisiana  become  the 
Territory  of  Missouri.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1814,  Missouri  Territory  was 
divided — that  part  comprising  the  present  State  of  Arkansas,  and  the  coun- 
try west,  being  organized  as  the  Territory  of  Arkansas.  In  March,  1821,  a 
part  of  Missouri  Territory  was  organized  as  the  State  of  Missouri,  and  ad- 
mitted into  the  Union.  On  the  28th  of  June,  1834,  the  territory  west  of 
the  Mississippi  river  and  north  of  Missouri,  was  made  a part  of  the  Terri- 
tory of  Michigan,  so  remaining  until  July  4th,  1836,  when  Wisconsin  Ter- 
ritory was  organized.  This  embraced  within  its  limits  the  present  States  of 
Iowa,  Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota.  An  act  of  Congress,  approved  June  12, 
1838,  created  the  Territory  of  Iowa,  ambracing  not  only  the  present  State  of 
Iowa,  but  the  greater  part  of  the  present  State  of  Minnesota,  and  extending 
northward  to  the  British  Possessions. 


AN  INDIAN  CAMP. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


33 


3 


34 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


INDIAN  WARS  IN  THE  NORTHWEST. 


Gen.  Harmar’s  Defeat — Gen.  St.  Clair — His  Defeat — Gen.  Wayne — His  Victory — His  Treaties 
With  the  Indians — British  Posts  Surrendered — Death  of  Wayne — Gen.  Harrison — Tecum- 
seh — The  Prophet — Battle  of  Tippecanoe — Tecumseh’s  Alliance  With  the  British — Harri- 
son Appointed  Brigadier- General — Perry’s  Victory— Gen.  McArthur — Battle  of  the  Thames 
— Tecumseh  Killed — Peace  With  the  Indians — Indian  Titles  Extinguished — Military  Posts 
Established  at  Belle  Point,  Council  Bluffs,  and  St.  Peters — The  Ricarees— Gen.  Cass — 
Treaty  at  Fort  Dearborn — Fort  Atkinson — Grand  Council  at  Prairie  du  Chien — Indian 
Outrages — The  Militia  Called  Out — Gen.  Atkinson — Policy  of  Removing  the  Indians  West 
— Treaty  With  the  Sacs  and  Foxes — Black  Hawk — He  Refuses  to  Comply  With  Treaties 
— Black  Hawk  War — Battle  of  Bad  Axe — Gen.  Henry  Dodge — Black  Hawk  Captured — 
Taken  to  Washington — Keokuk — Black  Hawk  Purchase — Gen.  Winfield  Scott — Treaties 
at  Davenport — Antoine  Le  Claire — Removal  of  Sacs  and  Foxes  to  Iowa — Gen.  Street — 
Wapello— Maj.  Beach — Sac  and  Fox  Villages  on  the  Des  Moines — Gov.  Lucas — Gov. 
Chambers — Visit  of  Hard-Fish  to  Burlington — An  Incident — Speech  of  Keokuk. 

Almost  every  advance  of  civilization  on  the  American  continent  has  been 
made  at  the  expense  of  more  or  less  conflict  and  bloodshed  at  the  hands  of 
the  savage  tribes  who  were  the  occupants  and  owners  of  the  soil  prior  to  the 
advent  of  the  white  man.  Passing  over  the  conflicts  of  the  colonists  in  the 
early  settlements  of  the  East,  the  later  struggles  of  the  pioneers  of  the  “ Dark 
and  Bloody  Ground,”  and  the  Indian  wars  of  the  South,  we  shall  briefly 
refer  to  some  of  the  troubles  with  the  aborigines  in  the  Northwest.  With 
the  opening  of  the  new  country  to  white  settlers  it  was  necessary  to  establish 
military  posts  for  the  protection  of  the  pioneers  against  the  attacks  of  the 
Indians.  In  1790,  all  pacific  means  having  failed  with  the  tribes  north  of 
the  Ohio,  President  Washington  sent  Gen.  Harmar  with  a military  force 
against  them.  After  destroying  several  of  their  villages,  he  was  defeated  in 
two  battles  near  the  confluence  of  the  St.  Joseph’s  and  St.  Mary’s  rivers,  and 
not  far  from  the  present  city  of  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana.  In  1781  Gen.  Arthur 
St.  Clair  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  major  general,  and  was  entrusted  with 
a command  against  the  hostile  Miamis.  On  assuming  his  command,  the 
last  admonition  of  Washington  was,  “ Beware  of  surprise.”  Gen.  St.  Clair 
marched  with  his  troops  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Miami  villages  on  the  Mau- 
mee. On  the  4th  of  November,  1791,  he  was  surprised  in  camp  on  the  St. 
Mary’s  river,  and  his  force  of  1400  ill  disciplined  men  was  cut  to  pieces.  He 
soon  after  resigned  his  commission.  In  this  defeat  St.  Clair’s  loss  was  about 
600  men.  The  savages  were  greatly  emboldened  by  their  successes,  and  it 
was  soon  found  that  more  vigorous  measures  were  necessary.  The  Indians 
continued  to  commit  outrages  against  the  infant  settlements.  In  some  cases, 
doubtless,  the  whites  were  the  aggressors,  for  Washington  in  his  annual  mes- 
sage of  November  6,  1792,  recommended  more  adequate  measures  “for  re- 
straining the  commission  of  outrages  upon  the  Indians,  without  which  all 
pacific  plans  must  prove  nugatory.”  Attempts  were  made  to  treat  with  the 
Indians,  but  the  attempted  negotiations  proved  unsuccessful. 

After  the  unsuccessful  and  disastrous  campaigns  of  Generals  Harmar  and 
St.  Clair,  General  Anthony  Wayne,  who  had  won  distinguished  laurels  in  the 
war  of  the  Revolution,  was,  in  April,  1792,  promoted  to  the  rank  of  major 
general,  and  made  commander-in-chief  in  the  war  against  the  western  Indians. 
In  August,  1794,  he  gained  a signal  victory  over  the  Miamis,  near  the  rapids 
of  the  Maumee,  and  compelled  them  to  sue  for  peace.  In  the  same  year  a 
fort  was  erected  by  his  order  on  the  site  of  the  old  “ Twightwee  Village”  of 
the  Miami  tribe,  where  the  city  of  Fort  Wayne  is  now  located.  It  continued 
to  be  a military  post  until  1819. 


THE?  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


35 


After  his  successful  campaign  of  1794,  Gen.  Wayne  was  appointed  sole 
commissioner  to  treat  with  the  Indians,  and  also  to  take  possession  of  the 
forts  still  held  by  the  British  in  the  Northwest.  He  negotiated  the  treaty 
of  Greenville  which  was  signed  by  all  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  Northwest. 
By  this  treaty  the  Indians  relinquished  their  title  to  a large  tract  of  country. 
That  characteristic  determination  which,  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution, 
had  gained  him  the  sobriquet  of  “Mad  Anthony,”  impressed  the  hostile 
tribes  with  a dread  of  him  which  operated  as  a wholesome  restraint.  Gen. 
Wayne  also  took  possession  of  the  British  posts  in  the  Northwest,  which 
were  peaceably  surrendered,  in  accordance  with  Jay’s  treaty,  and  from  this 
time  there  was  assurance  of  peace  on  the  frontier.  He  died  in  the  garrison 
at  Presque  Isle  (Erie),  Pa.,  December  14,  1796. 

From  the  date  of  Wayne’s  victory  up  to  1809  the  whites  maintained  com- 
paratively peaceable  relations  with  the  Indians.  During  this  year,  Gen. 
Harrison,  then  Governor  of  Indiana  Territory,  entered  into  a treaty  with  the 
Delawares,  Kickapoos,  Pottawattamies,  Miamis,  Eel  River  Indians  and 
Weas,  in  which  these  tribes  relinquished  their  title  to  certain  lands  on  the 
Wabash  river.  About  this  time  the  noted  chief  Tecumseh  comes  into  prom- 
inence as  the  bitter  opponent  of  any  more  grants  of  land  being  made  to  the 
whites. 

Tecumseh  was  a chief  of  the  Shawnees,  born  on  the  Scioto  river  near 
Chillicothe,  about  the  year  1770.  It  was  said  that  he  was  one  of  three 
brothers  who  were  triplets.  The  other  two  brothers  were  named  Kum- 
shaka  and  Elskwatawa.  Kumshaka  is  believed  to  have  died  while  young, 
but  Elskwatawa  became  the  Prophet  who  co-operated  with  the  chief  in  all 
his  plans.  His  father,  Puckeshinwa,  had  risen  to  the  rank  of  chief,  but  was 
killed  at  the  battle  of  Point  Pleasant,  in  1774.  In  17 95  Tecumseh  was  de- 
clared chief  at  or  near  where  Urbana,  Ohio,  is  now  located.  In  1798  he 
went  to  White  river,  Indiana,  and  his  brother,  the  Prophet,  to  a tract  of 
land  on  the  Wabash.  Tecumseh,  by  reason  of  his  oratory,  had  great  influ- 
ence over  the  savage  tribes,  and  his  plan  was  to  unite  all  of  them  against  the 
whites  in  a conspiracy,  similar  to  that  of  Pontiac  nearly  half  a century  before. 
For  this  purpose  he  visited  all  the  tribes  west  to  the  Mississippi,  and  upon 
Lakes  Superior,  Huron;  and  Michigan.  At  the  same  time  his  brother,  the 
Prophet,  pretended  to  be  directed  by  the  Great  Spirit  to  preach  against  the 
influence  and  encroachments  of  the  white  men.  Their  efforts  to  incite  the 
Indians  to  hostilities  were  successful,  and  they  gathered  a large  force  of  war- 
riors, making  their  headquarters  at  a stream  they  called  Tippecanoe,  near  the 
Wabash  river. 

Meantime  Gov.  Harrison  was  watching  the  movements  of  the  Indians, 
and  being  convinced  of  the  existence  of  Tecumseh’s  grand  conspiracy,  had 
prepared  to  defend  the  settlements.  In  August,  1810,  Tecumseh  went  to 
Vincennes  to  confer  with  the  Governor  in  relation  to  the  grievances  of  the 
Indians,  but  demeaned  himself  in  such  an  angry  manner  that  he  was  dis- 
missed from  the  village.  He  returned  to  complete  his  plans  for  the  conflict. 
Tecumseh  delayed  his  intended  attack,  but  in  the  meantime  he  was  gather- 
ing strength  to  his  cause,  and  by  the  autumn  of  1811  had  a force  of  several 
hundred  warriors  at  his  encampment  on  the  little  river  called  by  the  Indians 
Keth-tip-pe-ce-nunk , or  Tippecanoe.  Harrison,  with  a force  of  eight  hun- 
dred men,  partly  regulars  and  partly  volunteers,  determined  to  move  upon 
the  Prophet’s  town,  as  it  was  called.  He  encamped  near  the  village  early  in 
October,  and  on  the  night  of  the  5th  of  November  his  camp  was  furiously 


36 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


but  unsuccessfully  attacked.  On  the  morning  of  the  7th  he  was  again 
attacked  by  a large  body  of  the  Indians,  but  Tecumseh’s  warriors  were 
completely  routed,  but  not  without  a severe  and  hotly  contested  battle,  and 
the  loss  of  about  200  of  Harrison’s  men. 

President  Madison,  in  a special  message  to  Congress  of  December  12, 
1811,  speaking  of  this  engagement,  says: 

“ While  it  is  deeply  lamented  that  so  many  valuable  lives  have  been  lost 
in  the  action  wdiich  took  place  on  the  seventh  ultimo,  Congress  will  see  with 
satisfaction  the  dauntless  spirit  and  fortitude  victoriously  displayed  by  every 
description  of  the  troops  engaged,  as  well  as  the  collected  firmness  which 
distinguished  their  commander  on  an  occasion  requiring  the  utmost  exer- 
tions of  valor  and  discipline.  It  may  reasonably  be  expected  that  the  good 
effects  of  this  critical  defeat  and  dispersion  of  a combination  of  savages, 
which  appears  to  have  been  spreading  to  a greater  extent,  will  be  experi- 
enced, not  only  in  the  cessation  of  murders  and  depredations  committed  on 
our  frontier,  but  in  the  prevention  of  any  hostile  excursions  otherwise  to 
have  been  apprehended.” 

The  result  of  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  utterly  ruined  the  plans  of  Tecum- 
seh,  for  his  arrangements  with  the  different  tribes  were  not  yet  matured. 
He  was  greatly  exasperated  toward  the  Prophet  for  precipitating  the  war. 
Had  Tecumseh  himself  been  present  it  is  likely  the  attack  would  not  have 
been  made.  The  defeated  Indians  were  at  first  inclined  to  sue  for  peace,  but 
Tecumseh  was  not  yet  conquered.  The  breaking  out  of  the  war  with  Great 
Britain  at  this  time  inspired  him  with  new  hope,  and  his  next  endeavor  was 
to  form  an  alliance  with  the  English.  In  this  he  succeeded,  and  was  ap- 
pointed a brigadier  general.  He  was  entrusted  with  the  command  of  all  the 
Indians  who  co-operated  with  the  English  in  the  campaigns  of  1812-13,  and 
was  in  several  important  engagements. 

After  the  surrender  of  Detroit  by  Gen.  Hull,  August  18,  1812,  Har- 
rison was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Northwestern  frontier,  with  a 
commission  as  brigadier  general.  As  this  was  in  September,  too  late  in  the 
season  for  a campaign,  he  did  not  assume  active  operations  until  the  next 
year,  by  which  time  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  major  general.  After 
Commodore  Perry  won  his  signal  victory  on  Lake  Erie  in  September,  1813, 
Harrison  hastened  with  his  command  to  capture  Malden.  On  arriving  there 
late  in  September  he  found  that  Proctor,  the  British  general,  had  retreated. 
About  the  same  time  Gen.  McArthur  took  possession  of  Detroit  and  the 
Territory  of  Michigan.  Pursuing  the  British  army  into  the  interior  of  Can- 
ada West,  Harrison  overtook  Proctor  at  the  Moravian  settlements,  on  the 
river  Thames,  on  the  5th  of  October.  The  British  general  had  an  auxiliary 
force  of  two  thousand  Indians  under  the  command  of  Tecumseh.  The  battle 
was  opened  by  the  American  cavalry  under  the  command  of  Col.  Richard 
M.  Johnson,  afterward  vice-president  of  the  United  States.  Early  in  the 
engagement  Tecumseh  was  killed  at  the  head  of  his  column  of  Indians,  who, 
no  longer  hearing  the  voice  of  their  chief,  fled  in  confusion.  It  has  been 
claimed  by  some  authorities  that  this  celebrated  chief  was  killed  by  Col. 
Johnson,  who  fired  at  him  with  a pistol.  This,  however,  will  remain  one 
of  the  unsolved  problems  of  history.  The  result  of  the  battle  was  a com- 
plete victory  for  the  Americans,  with  the  capture  of  600  prisoners,  six  pieces 
of  cannon,  and  a large  quantity  of  army  stores. 

This  decisive  victory  over  the  combined  forces  of  the  British  and  Indians 
practically  closed  the  war  in  the  Northwest,  and  as  a consequence  peace 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


37 


with  the  Indian  tribes  soon  followed.  Other  treaties  were  negotiated  with 
the  Indians  by  which  they  gave  up  their  title  to  additional  large  tracts  of 
territory.  The  settlement  of  the  country  progressed  rapidly,  and  again  an 
era  of  apparent  good  will  prevailed  between  the  whites  and  Indians.  By  the 
end  of  the  year  1817,  the  Indian  title,  with  some  moderate  reservations,  had 
been  extinguished  to  the  whole  of  the  land  within  the  State  of  Ohio,  to  a 
great  part  of  that  in  Michigan  Territory,  and  in  the  State  of  Indiana.  In 
1817  Gov.  Cass,  of  Michigan,  in  conjunction  with  Gov.  McArthur,  of  Ohio, 
obtained  a cession  of  most  of  the  remaining  lands  in  Ohio  with  some  adjoin- 
ing tracts  in  Indiana  and  Michigan,  amounting  in  all  to  about  4,000,000  of 
acres,  and  in  1819  Gov.  Cass  met  the  Chippewas  at  Saginaw  and  obtained  a 
cession  of  lands  in  the  peninsula  of  Michigan  to  the  extent  of  about  6,000,000 
of  acres.  The  next  year  a treaty  was  made  at  Chicago,  then  nothing  but  a 
military  post,  called  Fort  Dearborn,  with  the  Chippewas,  Ottawas  and  Potta- 
wattamies,  by  which  a large  additional  tract  was  obtained,  which  completed 
the  extinguishment  of  the  Indian  title  to  the  peninsula  of  Michigan  south  of 
the  Grand  river.  By  1820  a number  of  military  posts  were  established  far 
in  the  interior,  and  among  them  was  one  at  Belle  Point  on  the  Arkansas,  at 
Council  Bluffs  on  the  Missouri,  at  St.  Peters  on  the  Mississippi,  and  at  Green 
Bay  on  the  upper  lakes. 

During  the  month  of  June,  1823,  Gen.  Ashley  and  his  party,  who  were 
trading  under  a license  from  the  government,  were  attacked  by  the  Bicarees 
while  trading  with  the  Indians  at  their  request.  Several  of  the  party  were 
killed  and  wounded,  and  their  property  taken  or  destroyed.  Col.  Leaven- 
worth, who  commanded  Fort  Atkinson  at  Council  Bluffs,  then  the  most 
western  post,  took  immediate  measures  to  check  this  hostile  spirit  of 
the  Bicarees,  fearing  that  it  might  extend  to  other  tribes  in  that  quarter 
and  endanger  the  lives  of  traders  on  the  Missouri.  With  a detachment  of 
the  regiment  stationed  at  Council  Bluffs,  he  successfully  attacked  the  Bica- 
ree  village.  The  hostile  spirit,  however,  still  continued  and  extended  to  the 
tribes  on  the  upper  Mississippi  and  the  upper  lakes.  Several  parties  of 
citizens  were  plundered  and  murdered  by  those  tribes  during  the  year  1824. 
An  act  of  Congress  of  May  25th  of  this  year,  made  an  appropriation  to  de- 
fray the  expenses  of  making  treaties  of  trade  and  friendship  with  the  tribes 
west  of  the  Mississippi,  and  another  act  of  March  3,  1825,  provided  for  the 
expense  of  treaties  with  the  Sioux,  Chippewas,  Menomonees,  Sacs  and  Foxes, 
and  other  tribes,  and  also  for  establishing  boundaries  and  promoting  peace 
between  them.  These  objects  were  in  the  main  accomplished,  and  by  the 
treaties  made  the  government  secured  large  acquisitions  of  territory.  Gov. 
Cass,  in  conjunction  with  Gov.  Clark,  of  Missouri,  attended  a grand  council 
of  the  tribes  this  year  at  Prairie  du  Chien  to  carry  out  the  purposes  of  the 
act  of  Congress  last  mentioned.  During  his  continuance  in  office  as  Gov- 
ernor of  Michigan  Territory,  Gov.  Cass  made,  or  participated  in  the  making 
of  nineteen  treaties  with  the  Indians,  and  by  them  acquired  lands  in  Ohio, 
Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan,  and  Wisconsin,  to  an  amount  equal  to  one-fourth 
of  the  entire  area  of  those  States. 

During  the  summer  of  1827,  when  the  commissioners  appointed  to  carry 
into  execution  certain  provisions  of  a treaty,  made  August  19tli,  1825,  with 
various  northwestern  tribes,  were  about  to  arrive  at  the  appointed  place  of 
meeting,  several  citizens  were  murdered,  and  other  acts  of  hostility  were  com- 
mitted, especially  against  the  miners  at  Fever  river,  near  Galena,  by  a party 


38 


THE  NORTHWEST  TEBRITORY. 


of  the  Winnebago  tribe,  which  tribe  was  one  of  those  associated  in  the 
treaty.  To  quell  these  outrages  the  governors  of  the  State  of  Illinois  and 
the  Territory  of  Michigan,  made  levies  of  militia.  These  forces,  with  a 
corps  of  seven  hundred  United  States  troops,  under  the  command  of  General 
Atkinson,  repaired  to  the  scene  of  danger.  The  Indians,  overawed  by  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  military,  surrendered  the  perpetrators  of  the  murders,  and 
gave  assurances  of  future  good  behavior. 

For  many  years  it  had  been  the  policy  of  the  government  to  obtain  a re- 
linquishment of  the  title  of  the  Indians  to  all  lands  within  the  limits  of  the 
States,  and  as  rapidly  as  possible  cause  the  removal  of  the  tribes  to  territory 
beyond  the  Mississippi.  In  1830  the  Chickasaws  and  Choctaws,  occupying 
portions  of  the  States  of  Alabama  and  Mississippi,  agreed  to  remove,  and 
in  due  time  carried  out  their  agreement  in  good  faith.  The  same  year  a 
treaty  was  made  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  by  which  they  agreed  to  cede  their 
lands  to  the  United  States,  and  remove  beyond  the  Mississippi.  The  prin- 
cipal village  of  these  united  tribes  was  located  at  the  mouth  of  Hock  river, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  Mississippi,  near  where  the  city  of  Bock  Island  now 
stands.  Here  had  been  an  Indian  village,  according  to  tradition,  for  one 
hundred  and  fifty  years.  These  tribes  had  owned  and  occupied  the  country 
bordering  on  the  Mississippi,  to  an  extent  of  seven  hundred  miles,  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Wisconsin  almost  to  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri.  The  Indians 
did  not  seem  disposed  to  comply  promptly  with  the  terms  of  the  treaty,  and 
one  band,  under  the  noted  chief  Black  Hawk  (Ma-ka4ai-me-she-kia-kiak), 
evinced  a determination  to  keep  possession  of  their  old  village.  John  Bey- 
nolds,  Governor  of  Illinois,  construed  their  continued  residence  in  the  ceded 
territory  as  an  invasion  of  the  State,  and  under  his  authority  to  protect  the 
State  from  invasion,  ordered  out  seven  hundred  militia  to  force  their  re- 
moval, according  to  the  treaty.  This  interference  of  the  governor  of  Illi- 
nois with  the  duties  belonging  to  the  Federal  Government,  obliged  the  com- 
mander of  United  States  troops  in  that  quarter  to  co-operate  with  him,  in 
order  to  prevent  a collision  between  the  State  militia  and  the  Indians.  Fort 
Armstrong,  on  Eock  Island,  had  been  established  as  early  as  1816,  and  when 
the  Black  Hawk  trouble  commenced,  was  in  command  of  Gen.  Atkinson. 
The  Indians  were  overawed  by  this  imposing  military  force,  and  yielding  to 
necessity,  crossed  the  Mississippi.  Black  Hawk,  feeling  exasperated  at  the 
harsh  treatment  his  people  had  received,  resolved  to  prosecute  a predatory 
war  against  the  white  settlements.  He  united  his  band  of  Sacs  and  Foxes 
with  the  Winnebagoes,  under  the  command  of  the  Prophet  Wabo-ki-e-sliiek 
(White  Cloud),  and  in  March,  1832,  recrossed  to  the  east  side  of  the  Missis- 
sippi. They  murdered  a number  of  defenseless  families,  and  committed 
many  outrages  upon  the  settlers.  The  whole  frontier  became  alarmed,  and 
many  of  the  settlers  fled  for  safety.  The  governor  of  Illinois  ordered  out 
the  State  militia,  which  being  joined  by  four  hundred  regular  troops,  con- 
stituted a force  of  about  one  thousand,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Atkin- 
son. They  pursued  the  Indians,  and  after  a campaign  of  about  two  months, 
during  which  two  engagements  were  fought,  the  war  was  brought  to  an  end. 
The  last,  and  the  decisive  battle  of  the  war,  is  known  in  history  as  the  bat- 
tle of  Bad  Axe,  being  fought  on  a small  tributary  of  the  Wisconsin  of  that 
name.  This  battle  took  place  August  2d,  1832,  and  the  force  against  Black 
Hawk  was  commanded  by  Gen.  Henry  Dodge,  of  Wisconsin.  The  Indians 
lost  forty  of  their  braves,  and  Gen.  Dodge  one.  The  Indians  made  but  little 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


39 


further  resistance,  and  Black  Hawk’s  “British  Band,”  as  it  was  styled,  be- 
came demoralized  and  fled.  They  reached  the  Mississippi  and  were  making 
preparations  for  crossing  when  they  were  checked  by  the  captain  of  the 
steamboat  “ Warrior,”  who  discharged  a six-pounder  at  them,  although  they 
had  displayed  a flag  of  truce.  The  next  morning  Gen.  Atkinson  arrived 
with  his  army,  and  made  an  attack,  which  the  Indians  were  now  powerless 
to  resist.  Black  Hawk  escaped,  but  was  taken  by  some  treacherous  Winne- 
bagoes,  and  delivered  along  with  the  Prophet,  on  the  27th  of  August,  to 
Gen.  Street,  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  Two  of  Black  Hawk’s  sons,  the  Prophet 
and  other  leaders,  were  also  taken,  and  by  order  of  the  government  were  con- 
veyed through  the  principal  cities  and  towns  on  the  seaboard,  in  order  that 
they  might  be  impressed  with  the  greatness  and  power  of  the  United  States. 
For  some  time  Black  Hawk  was  held  as  a captive,  and  then  through  the  in- 
tercession of  Keokuk,  who  had  been  opposed  to  the  war,  and  had  not  par- 
ticipated in  the  hostilities,  he  was  allowed  to  return  to  Rock  Island,  and  per- 
mitted to  join  his  people.  Treaties  were  made  with  the  offending  tribes  by 
which  they  agreed  to  compensate  for  the  expense  of  the  war,  by  ceding  a 
valuable  part  of  their  territory  on  the  west  side  of  the  Mississippi,  and  to 
immediately  remove  from  the  east  side.  The  United  States  stipulated  to 
pay  to  the  three  tribes  annually,  thirty  thousand  dollars  for  twenty-seven 
years,  and  also  to  make  other  provisions  for  their  improvement.  By  this 
treaty  the  United  States  acquired  the  first  territory  in  Iowa  which  was 
opened  to  settlement.  It  is  what  is  known  as  the  “ Black  Hawk  Purchase,” 
and  embraced  a strip  of  territory  extending  from  the  northern  boundary  of 
Missouri  to  the  mouth  of  the  Upper  Iowa  river,  about  fifty  miles  in  width, 
and  embracing  an  area  of  about  six  millions  of  acres.  This  treaty  was  made 
on  the  21st  day  of  September,  1832,  at  a council  held  on  the  west  bank  of 
the  Mississippi  river,  where  the  city  of  Davenport  now  stands.  Gen.  Win- 
field Scott  and  Gov.  John  Reynolds,  of  Illinois,  represented  the  United 
States,  and  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  there  were  present  Keokuk,  Pashe- 
paho,  and  about  thirty  other  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation. 
Within  the  limits  of  this  purchase  was  reserved  a tract  of  400  square  miles, 
situated  on  Iowa  river,  and  including  Keokuk’s  village.  This  tract  was 
known  as  “ Keokuk’s  Reserve,”  and  was  occupied  by  the  Indians  until  1836. 
when  it  was  ceded  to  the  United  States.  This  treaty  was  negotiated  by  Gov. 
Henry  Dodge,  of  Wisconsin  Territory,  and  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  Keo- 
kuk was  the  leading  spirit.  This  council  was  also  held  on  the  banks  of  the 
Mississippi,  near  the  site  of  the  present  city  of  Davenport.  The  treaty  stip- 
ulated for  the  removal  of  the  Indians  to  another  reservation  on  the  Des 
Moines  river.  On  this  an  agency  was  established,  where  the  present  town 
of  Agency  City,  in  Wapello  county,  is  located.  Out  of  the  “Black  Hawk 
Purchase  ” was  conveyed  to  Antoine  Le  Claire,  who  was  interpreter,  and 
whose  wife  was  an  Indian,  one  section  of  land  opposite  Rock  Island,  and 
another  at  the  head  of  the  first  rapids  above  the  Island. 

General  Joseph  M.  Street,  the  agent  with  the  Winnebagoes  at  Prairie  du 
Chien,  was  transferred,  to  the  Sac  and  Fox  agency  on  the  Des  Moines  river, 
and  in  1838  took  measures  for  building  and  making  the  necessary  improve- 
ments. In  April,  of  the  next  year,  he  removed  with  his  family  from  Prairie 
du  Chien.  His  health  soon  began  to  fail,  and  on  the  5th  of  May,  1840, 
Gen.  Street  died.  Wapello,  a prominent  chief  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation, 
died  in  1842.  His  remains  were  interred  near  those  of  Gen.  Steeet.  The 
stone  slabs  placed  over  their  graves  soon  after,  are  inscribed  as  follows : 


40 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


In 

Memory  of 

GEH.  JOSEPH  M.  STREET, 

Son  of  Anthony  and  Molly  Street. 
Born  Oct.  18th , 1782,  in  Virginia / 
Died  at  the  Sac  and  Fox  Agency , 
May  5th , 18 If). 


In 

Memory  of 
WA-PEL-LO, 

Born  at 

Prairie  du  Chien , 1787 : 

Died  near  the  Forks  of  Skunk, 

March  15th , 18 If — Sac  and  Fox  Nation. 

Wapello  had  requested  that  at  his  death  his  remains  be  interred  near  those 
of  Gen.  Street. 

After  the  death  of  Gen.  Street,  Maj.  John  Beach,  his  son-in-law,  received 
the  appointment  as  agent  for  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  and  filled  the  position  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  government.  Major  Beach  was  born  at  Gloucester, 
Massachusetts,  Feb.  23d,  1812.  After  a course  of  study  at  Portsmouth 
Academy,  in  Hew  Hampshire,  he  received  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  the  appoint- 
ment of  cadet  at  the  West  Point  Military  Academy,  graduating  in  the  class 
of  1832.  Receiving  his  commission  as  Second  Lieutenant  by  brevet  in  the 
First  U.  S.  Infantry,  of  which  Zachary  Taylor  was  then  colonel,  he  was  or- 
dered to  duty  on  the  frontier,  and  was  alternately  stationed  at  Fort  Arm- 
strong, Fort  Crawford,  Prairie  du  Chien,  and  Jefferson  Barracks,  near  St. 
Louis.  His  hearing  having  partially  failed,  in  1838,  he  resigned  his  com- 
mission in  the  army,  and  was,  at  the  time  of  his  appointment  as  Indian 
agent,  engaged  in  the  IJ.  S.  Land  Office  at  Dubuque.  He  remained  at 
Agency  City,  engaged  in  mercantile  and  literary  pursuits  until  his  death 
which  occurred  August  31st,  1874. 

At  the  time  of  Gen.  Street’s  death,  the  Indians  were  occupying  their  res- 
ervation with  their  permanent,  or  spring  and  summer  villages,  as  follows : 
Upon  the  banks  of  the  Des  Moines,  opposite  the  mouth  of  Sugar  Creek, 
was  the  village  of  Keokuk,  and  above  were  those  of  Wapello  and  Appa- 
noose. The  village  of  Hardfish,  or  Wish-e-co-me-que,  as  it  is  in  the  Indian 
tongue,  was  located  in  what  is  now  the  heart  of  Eddyville,  where  J.  P.  Eddy 
was  licensed  by  Maj.  Beach,  the  agent,  in  the  summer  of  1840,  to  establish 
a trading  post.  Hot  far  from  the  “Forks  of  Skunk”  was  a small  village 
presided  over  by  Kish-ke-kosh,  who,  though  not  a chief,  was  a man  of  con- 
siderable influence.  Poweshiek,  a Fox  chief  of  equal  rank  with  Wapello, 
still  had  a village  on  the  bank  of  Iowa  river. 

It  has  been  remarked  above  that  Keokuk,  who  was  the  chief  next  in  au- 
thority and  influence  to  Black  Hawk,  was  opposed  to  the  war  against  the 
whites,  and  persistently  refused  to  take  part  in  the  hostilities.  When  Black 
Hawk’s  attempt  to  defy  the  power  of  the  United  States  resulted  so  disas- 
trously to  the  Indians,  and  they  were  obliged  to  cede  still  more  territory, 
his  influence  among  his  people  declined,  and  that  of  Keokuk  increased. 
Black  Hawk,  however,  retained  a party  of  adherents,  and  for  some  time  a 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


41 


sort  of  rivalry  existed  between  the  two  chiefs,  and  this  feeling  was  shared 
to  some  extent  by  their  respective  friends  in  the  tribes.  An  incident  is  rela- 
ted by  Maj.  Beach  to  show  how  the  traders  were  ready  to  take  advantage  of 
this  state  of  things  for  their  own  mercenary  purposes. 

When  Gen.  Harrison  became  President  in  1841,  John  Chambers,  an  ex- 
congressman of  Kentucky,  was  appointed  Governor  of  the  Territory,  suc- 
ceeding Gov.  Robert  Lucas.  The  governor  was  ex-officio  superintendent 
over  the  Indians  and  their  agencies.  Gov.  Lucas  had  favored  the  Black 
Hawk  band,  whose  chief  was  Hardfish.  Accordingly  when  the  new  gov- 
ernor was  appointed,  both  Keokuk  and  Hardfish  felt  that  it  would  be  some- 
thing of  an  object  to  gain  his  favor.  The  latter  desired  the  new  governor 
to  pursue  the  policy  of  his  predecessor,  while  Keokuk  wished  at  least  an 
impartial  course.  Keokuk  requested  the  consent  of  the  agent  for  him  and 
his  principal  men  to  visit  the  governor  at  Burlington.  As  it  was  the  policy 
of  the  government  to  discountenance  such  pilgrimages  of  the  Indians,  Maj. 
Beach  suggested  that  Gov.  Chambers  might  see  proper  to  visit  them  at  the 
agency.  With  this  expectation  Keokuk  chose  to  wait.  The  Hardfish  band, 
under  the  influence  of  some  of  the  traders,  were  less  patient.  They  hast- 
ened to  Burlington  in  a large  body,  and  on  their  arrival  encamped  near  the 
town,  sending  to  the  governor  a written  notice  of  their  presence,  and  a 
request  for  supplies.  The  governor  answered,  declining  to  accede  to  their 
request,  or  to  hold  a council  with  them.  Llardfish  and  his  men  returned 
over  their  weary  journey  of  seventy  miles  to  the  agency,  very  much  dis- 
appointed. In  the  meantime  the  governor  communicated  with  Major 
Beach,  informing  him  that  he  would  visit  the  agency  soon,  and  requesting 
him  to  use  his  influence  to  prevent  the  Indians  from  making  incursions 
through  the  white  settlements.  When  the  governor  fixed  his  time  to  be 
present,  the  bands  were  all  informed,  and  it  was  arranged  that  a grand  coun- 
cil should  be  held.  When  the  day  arrived  all  the  Indians,  except  the  Pow- 
eshiek band  of  Foxes,  who  were  so  far  away  on  the  Iowa  river,  were  en- 
camped within  a convenient  distance  from  the  agency.  Long  before  the 
hour  fixed  for  the  meeting,  the  Hardfish  party,  arrayed  in  all  their  toggery, 
and  displaying  their  richest  ornaments,  came  in  grand  procession  upon  the 
ground.  Having  dismounted  from  their  ponies,  they  formed  in  file  on  foot 
and  marched  into  the  agency  headquarters,  where  the  governor  was  to  receive 
them.  Hardfish  and  some  of  his  principal  men  shook  hands  with  the  gov- 
ernor and  then  sat  down. 

The  reader  will  remember  that  at  this  time  the  nation  was  in  mourning 
for  the  sudden  loss  of  a President  by  death,  and  that  Gov.  Chambers  had 
been  one  of  the  warmest  and  most  devoted  friends  of  Gen.  Harrison,  a fact 
of  which  Keokuk  was  fully  advised.  Chambers  had  been  aid-de-camp  to 
Gen.  Harrison  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  they  had  ever  after  been  as  father 
and  son.  Keokuk  was  shrewd  enough  to  make  the  most  of  this. 

The  appointed  hour  for  the  meeting  had  passed,  and  the  governor  began 
to  become  impatient  for  the  appearance  of  Keokuk.  At  last  the  sounds  of 
the  approaching  bands  were  heard  faintly  floating  upon  the  breeze.  After  a 
time  the  procession  marched  with  slow  and  solemn  tread  into  view,  not  ar- 
rayed in  gaudy  feathers,  ribbons  and  trinkets,  like  the  Hardfish  band,  but 
with  lances  and  staves  wrapped  around  with  wilted  grass.  No  sound  of 
bells  responded  to  the  tramp  of  their  ponies,  and  instead  of  being  painted 
in  vermillion,  their  faces  presented  the  sombre  hues  produced  by  a kind  of 
clay  they  were  wont  to  use  on  occasions  of  solemnity  or  mourning.  Their 


42 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


appearace  betokened  sadness  and  affliction.  Mr.  Josiah  Smart,  the  interpre- 
ter, informed  Gov.  Chambers  that  this  was  a funeral  march,  and  that  some 
one  of  their  principal  men  must  have  died  during  the  night.  Even  Hard- 
fish  and  his  men  were  at  a loss  to  account  for  what  they  saw,  and  wondered 
who  could  have  died.  At  last  Keokuk  and  his  men  dismounted  and  filed 
slowly  and  solemnly  into  the  presence  of  the  governor.  Keokuk  signed  to 
the  interpreter,  and  said  : 

“ Say  to  our  new  father  that  before  I take  his  hand,  I will  explain  to  him 
what  all  this  means.  We  were  told  not  long  ago  that  our  Great  Father  was 
dead.  We  had  heard  of  him  as  a great  war  chief,  who  had  passed  much  of 
his  life  among  the  red  men  and  knew  their  wants,  and  we  believed  that  we 
would  always  have  friendship  and  justice  at  his  hands.  His  death  has  made 
us  very  sad,  and  as  this  is  our  first  opportunity,  we  thought  it  would  be 
wrong  if  we  did  not  use  it,  to  show  that  the  hearts  of  his  red  children,  as 
well  as  his  white,  know  how  to  mourn  over  their  great  loss;  and  we  had  to 
keep  our  father  waiting  while  we  performed  that  part  of  our  mourning  that 
we  must  always  attend  to  before  we  leave  our  lodges  with  our  dead.” 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  speech,  Keokuk  steppped  forward  and  extended 
his  hand.  The  hearty  grasp  of  the  governor  showed  that  the  wily  chief  had 
touched  the  proper  cord.  The  result  was,  that  the  ITardfish  band  received 
no  special  favors  after  that,  at  the  expense  of  the  other  bands. 

SKETCHES  OF  BLACK  HAWK  AND  OTHER  CHIEFS. 

Black  Hawk — Treaty  of  1804 — Black  Hawk’s  account  of  the  Treaty — Lieut.  Pike — Ft.  Ed- 
wards— Ft.  Madison — Black  Hawk  and  the  British — Keokuk  recognized  as  Chief — Ft. 
Armstrong — Sac  and  Fox  Villages — Black  Hawk’s  ‘ ‘British  Band  ” — Black  Hawk  War — 
Black  Hawk’s  old  age — His  death  in  Iowa — His  remains  carried  away,  but  recovered — 
Keokuk — Appanoose — W apello — Poweshiek — Pash-e-pa-ho — Wish-e-co-ma-que  — Chas- 
chun-ca — Mau-haw-gaw — Ma-has-kah — Si-dom-i-na-do-tah — Henry  Lott — A Tragedy  in 
Humboldt  County — Ink-pa-du-tah — Spirit  Lake  Massacre — Expedition  from  Ft.  Dodge — 
Death  of  Capt.  Johnston  and  William  Burkholder. 

BLACK  HAWK. 

This  renowned  chief,  the  “noblest  Roman  of  them  all,”  was  born  at  the 
Sac  village  on  Rock  river,  about  the  year  IT 67.  His  first  introduction  to 
the  notice  of  the  whites  seems  to  have  been  in  1804,  when  William  Henry 
Harrison,  then  the  Governor  of  Indiana  Territory,  concluded  his  treaty  with 
the  Sac  and  Fox  nation  for  the  lands  bordering  on  Rock  river.  Black  Hawk 
was  then  simply  a chief,  though  not  by  election  or  inheritance,  of  his  own 
band  of  Sac  warriors,  but  from  that  time  he  was  the  most  prominent  man 
in  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation.  He  considered  the  action  of  the  four  chiefs  who 
represented  the  Indians  in  making  this  treaty  as  unjust  and  refused  to  con- 
sider it  binding.  The  territory  ceded  embraced  over  fifty-one  millions  of 
acres,  extending  almost  from  opposite  St.  Louis  to  the  Wisconsin  river. 
He  claimed  that  the  chiefs  or  braves  who  made  the  treaty  had  no  authority 
to  make  it,  and  that  they  had  been  sent  to  St.  Louis,  where  the  treaty  was 
negotiated,  for  quite  a different  purpose,  namely : to  procure  the  release  of 
one  of  their  people  who  was  held  there  as  a prisoner  on  charge  of  killing  a 
white  man.  The  United  States  regarded  this  treaty  as  a bona  jide  transac- 
tion, claiming  that  the  lands  were  sold  by  responsible  men  of  the  tribes,  and 
that  it  was  further  ratified  by  a part  of  the  tribes  with  Gov.  Edwards  and 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


43 


Auguste  Choteau,  in  September,  1815,  and  again  witb  tbe  same  commis- 
sioners in  1816.  They  claimed  that  the  Indians  were  only  to  occupy  the 
lands  at  the  Sac  village  on  Rock  river  until  they  were  surveyed  and  sold  by 
the  government,  when  they  were  to  vacate  them.  The  treaty  of  St.  Louis 
was  signed  by  five  chiefs  instead  of  four,  although  Black  Hawk  claimed  that 
the  latter  number  only  were  sent  to  St.  Louis  for  a different  purpose.  One 
of  these  was  Pash-e-pa-ho,  a head  chief  among  the  Sacs.  Black  Hawk  him- 
self thus  describes  the  return  of  the  chiefs  to  Rock  Island  after  the  treaty: 

“ Quash-qua-me  and  party  remained  a long  time  absent.  They  at  length 
returned,  and  encamped  a short  distance  below  the  village,  but  did  not  come 
up  that  day,  nor  did  any  person  approach  their  camp.  They  appeared  to  be 
dressed  in  fine  coats,  and  had  medals.  From  these  circumstances  we  were 
in  hopes  that  they  had  brought  good  news.  Early  the  next  morning  the 
council  lodge  was  crowded.  Quash-qua-me  came  up  and  said  that  on  their 
arrival  in  St.  Louis  they  met  their  American  father,  and  explained  to  him 
their  business,  and  urged  the  release  of  their  friend.  The  American  chief  told 
them  he  wanted  land,  and  that  they  had  agreed  to  give  him  some  on  the  west 
side  of  the  Mississippi,  and  some  on  the  Illinois  side,  opposite  the  Jeffreon; 
that  when  the  business  was  all  arranged,  they  expected  their  friend  released 
to  come  home  with  them.  But  about  the  time  they  were  ready  to  start, 
their  friend  was  let  out  of  prison,  who  ran  a short  distance,  and  was  shot 
dead!  This  was  all  myself  or  nation  knew  of  the  treaty  of  1804.  It  has 
been  explained  to  me  since.  I find,  by  that  treaty,  that  all  our  country  east 
of  the  Mississippi,  and  south  of  the  Jeffreon,  was  ceded  to  the  United  States 
for  one  thousand  dollars  a year!” 

The  treaty  was  doubtless  made  in  good  faith  on  the  part  of  the  commis- 
sioners, and  with  the  full  conviction  that  it  was  by  authority  of  the  tribes. 
From  this  time  forward  Black  Hawk  seems  to  have  entertained  a distrust  of 
the  Americans. 

Although  Spain  had  ceded  the  country  west  of  the  Mississippi  to  France 
in  1801,  the  former  power  still  held  possession  until  its  transfer  to  the  United 
States  by  France.  Black  Hawk  and  his  band  were  at  St.  Louis  at  this  time, 
and  he  was  invited  to  be  present  at  the  ceremonies  connected  with  the 
change  of  authorities.  He  refused  the  invitation ; and  in  giving  an  account 
of  the  transaction,  said: 

“ I found  many  sad  and  gloomy  faces,  because  the  United  States  were  about 
to  take  possession  of  the  town  and  country.  Soon  after  the  Americans  came,  I 
took  my  band  and  went  to  take  leave  of  our  Spanish  father.  The  Americans 
came  to  see  him  also.  Seeing  them  approach,  we  passed  out  of  one  door  as 
they  entered  another,  and  immediately  started  in  our  canoes  for  our  village 
on  Rock  river,  not  liking  the  change  any  more  than  our  friends  appeared 
to  at  St.  Louis.  On  arriving  at  our  village,  we  gave  the  news  that  strange 
people  had  arrived  at  St.  Louis,  and  that  we  should  never  see  our  Spanish 
father  again.  The  information  made  all  our  people  sorry.” 

In  August,  1805,  Lieut.  Zebulon  M.  Pike  ascended  the  river  from  St. 
Louis,  for  the  purpose  of  holding  councils  with  the  Indians,  and  selecting 
sites  for  military  posts  within  the  country  recently  acquired  from  France. 
At  the  mouth  of  Rock  river  he  had  a personal  interview  with  Black  Hawk, 
the  latter  being  favorably  impressed  with  the  young  lieutenant.  Speaking 
of  this  interview,  Black  Hawk  himself  said : 

“A  boat  came  up  the  river  with  a young  American  chief,  and  a small 
party  of  soldiers.  We  heard  of  them  soon  after  they  passed  Salt  river. 


44 


,THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


Some  of  our  young  braves  watched  them  every  day,  to  see  what  sort  of  peo- 
ple he  had  on  board.  The  boat  at  length  arrived  at  Rock  Island,  and  the 
young  chief  came  on  shore  with  his  interpreter,  and  made  a speech,  and 
gave  us  some  presents.  We,  in  turn,  presented  them  with  meat  and  such 
other  provisions  as  we  had  to  spare.  We  were  well  pleased  with  the  young 
chief.  He  gave  us  good  advice,  and  said  our  American  father  would  treat 
us  well.” 

Lieut.  Pike’s  expedition  was  soon  followed  by  the  erection  of  Fort  Ed- 
wards and  Fort  Madison,  the  former  on  the  site  of  the  present  town  of 
Warsaw,  Illinois,  and  the  latter  on  the  site  of  the  present  town  of  Fort 
Madison,  Iowa.  When  these  forts  were  being  erected,  the  Indians  sent  down 
delegations,  headed  by  some  of  their  chiefs,  to  have  an  interview  with  the 
Americans.  Those  who  visited  Fort  Edwards  returned  apparently  satisfied 
with  what  was  being  done.  The  erection  of  Fort  Madison  they  claimed  was 
a violation  of  the  treaty  of  1804.  In  that  treaty  the  United  States  had 
agreed  that  if  aany  white  persons  should  form  a settlement  on  their  lands, 
such  intruders  should  forthwith  be  removed.”  Fort  Madison  was  erected 
within  the  territory  reserved  for  the  Indians,  and  this  they  considered  an  intru- 
sion. Some  time  afterward  a party  under  the  leadership  of  Black  Hawk 
and  Pash-e-pa-ho  attempted  its  destruction.  They  sent  spies  to  watch  the 
movements  of  the  garrison.  Five  soldiers  who  came  out  were  fired  upon  by 
the  Indians,  and  two  of  the  soldiers  were  killed.  They  kept  up  the  attack 
for  several  days.  Their  efforts  to  destroy  the  fort  being  unsuccessful,  they 
returned  to  Rock  river. 

When-  the  war  of  1812  broke  out,  Black  Hawk  and  his  band  allied  them- 
selves with  the  British,  which  was  the  origin  of  his  party,  at  a later  date, 
being  known  as  the  “British  Band.”  In  narrating  the  circumstances  which 
induced  him  to  join  the  British,  he  says: 

“Several  of  the  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  were  called 
upon  to  go  to  Washington  to  see  the  Great  Father.  On  their  return  they 
related  what  had  been  said  and  done.  They  said  the  Great  Father  wished 
them,  in  the  event  of  a war  taking  place  with  England,  not  to  interfere  on 
either  side,  but  to  remain  neutral.  He  did  not  want  our  help,  but  wished  us  to 
hunt  and  support  our  families  and  live  in  peace.  He  said  that  British  traders 
would  not  be  permitted  to  come  on  the  Mississippi  to  furnish  us  with  goods, 
but  that  we  should  be  supplied  by  an  American  trader.  Our  chiefs  then  told 
him  that  the  British  traders  always  gave  them  credit  in  the  fall  for  guns,  powder 
and  goods  to  enable  us  to  hunt  and  clothe  our  families.  He  replied  that  the 
trader  at  Fort  Madison  would  have  plenty  of  goods;  that  we  should  go  there 
in  the  fall,  and  he  wrould  supply  us  on  credit,  as  the  British  traders  had 
done.” 

According  to  Black  Hawk,  this  proposition  pleased  his  people,  and  they 
went  to  Fort  Madison  to  receive  their  promised  outfit  for  the  winter’s  hunt, 
but  notwithstanding  the  promise  of  the  Great  Father,  at  Washington,  the 
trader  would  not  give  them  credit.  In  reference  to  their  disappointment, 
Black  Hawk  says: 

“Few  of  us  slept  that  night;  all  was  gloom  and  discontent.  In  the  morn- 
ing a canoe  was  seen  descending  the  river;  it  soon  arrived,  bearing  an  ex- 

?ress,  who  brought  intelligence  that  a British  trader  had  landed  at  Rock 
sland,  with  two  boats  loaded  with  goods,  and  requested  us  to  come  up  im- 
mediately, because  he  had  good  news  for  us,  and  a variety  of  presents.  The 
express  presented  us  with  tobacco,  pipes  and  wampum.  The  news  ran 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


45 


through  our  camp  like  fire  on  a prairie.  Our  lodges  were  soon  taken  down, 
and  all  started  for  Rock  Island.  Here  ended  all  hopes  of  our  remaining  at 
peace,  having  been  forced  into  the  war  by  being  deceived.” 

Black  Hawk  and  his  band  then  espoused  the  cause  of  the  British,  who,  as 
in  the  case  of  Tecumseh,  gave  him  the  title  of  “Gen.  Black  Hawk.”  But 
a large  portion  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  at  the  head  of  whom  was  Keokuk, 
chose  to  remain  neutral,  as  well  as  to  abide  by  the  treaty  of  1804.  Of  this 
party  Keokuk  was  the  recognized  chief.  The  nation  was  divided  into  the 
“ war  party  ” and  “ peace  party.”  Black  Hawk  maintained  his  fidelity  to 
the  British  until  the  end  of  the  war,  and  was  the  intimate  friend  and  sup- 
porter of  Tecumseh,  until  the  death  of  the  latter  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812,  Black  Hawk  returned  to  his  village  on 
Rock  river,  to  find  Keokuk  still  the  friend  of  the  Americans,  and  the  recog- 
nized war  chief  of  that  portion  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation  which  had  re- 
mained neutral.  As  stated  elsewhere,  a new  treaty  was  concluded  in  Sep- 
tember, 1815,  in  which,  among  other  matters,  the  treaty  of  St.  Louis  was  rati- 
fied. This  treaty  was  not  signed  by  Black  Hawk,  or  any  one  representing  his 
band,  but  was  signed  by  chiefs  of  both  the  Sacs  and  F oxes,who  were  fully  an  tlior- 
ized  to  do  so.  This  treaty  was  held  at  Portage  des  Sioux, and  was  a result  of  the 
war  of  1812,  with  England.  In  May,  1816,  another  treaty  was  held  at  St. 
Louis,  in  which  the  St.  Louis  treaty  of  1804  was  recognized.  This  treaty 
was  signed  by  Black  Hawk  and  twenty  other  chiefs  and  braves.  The  same 
year  Fort  Armstrong  was  erected  upon  Rock  Island,  a proceeding  very  dis^ 
tasteful  to  the  Indians.  Of  this  Black  Hawk  says: 

“We  did  not,  however,  object  to  their  building  the  fort  on  the  island,  but 
we  were  very  sorry,  as  this  was  the  best  island  on  the  Mississippi,  and  had 
long  been  the  resort  of  our  young  people  during  the  summer.  It  was  our  gar- 
den, like  the  white  people  have  near  their  big  villages,  which  supplied  us  with 
strawberries,  blackberries,  plums,  apples  and.  nuts  of  various  kinds ; and  its 
waters  supplied  us  with  pure  fish,  being  situated  in  the  rapids  of  the  river.  In 
my  early  life,  I spent  many  happy  days  on  this  island.  A good  spirit  had  care 
of  it,  who  lived  in  a cave  in  the  rocks,  immediately  under  the  place  where 
the  fort  now  stands,  and  has  often  been  seen  by  our  people.  He  was  white, 
with  large  wings  like  a swan’s,  but  ten  times  larger.  We  were  particular 
not  to  make  much  noise  in  that  part  of  the  island  which  he  inhabited,  for 
fear  of  disturbing  him.  But  the  noise  of  the  fort  has  since  driven  him  away, 
and  no  doubt  a bad  spirit  has  since  taken  his  place.” 

The  expedition  which  was  sent  up  the  river  to  erect  a fort  at  or  near  Rock 
Island,  consisted  at  first  of  the  Eighth  United  States  Infantry,  and  started 
from  St.  Louis  in  September,  1815,  under  the  command  Col.  R C.  Hichols. 
They  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Des  Moines,  where  they  wintered.  In  April, 
1816,  Gen.  Thomas  A.  Smith  arrived  and  took  command  of  the  expedition. 
They  reached  Rock  Island  on  the  lOtli  of  May,  and,  after  a careful  exami- 
nation, the  site  for  the  fort  was  selected.  The  regiment  being  left  under  the 
command  of  Col.  Lawrence,  the  work  on  the  fort  immediately  commenced. 
It  was  named  in  honor  of  John  Armstrong  of  Hew  York,  who  had  recently 
been  Secretary  of  War. 

After  the  establishment  of  the  fort  and  garrison  at  Rock  Island  settlements 
began  to  be  made  at  and  near  the  mouth  of  Rock  river,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Mississippi.  Keokuk,  as  the  head  chief  of  the  Foxes,  with  his  tribe,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  treaties  they  had  made  with  the  United  States,  left  in  1828  and 
established  themselves  on  Iowa  river,  but  Black  Hawk  and  his  “British 


46 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


Band”  of  about  500  warriors  remained  in  their  village  and  persistently 
refused  to  leave.  The  settlers  began  to  complain  of  frequent  depredations  at 
the  hands  of  Black  Hawk’s  people,  and  feared  that  the  neighboring  tribes  of 
Kickapoos,  Pottawattamies,  and  Winnebagoes,  might  be  induced  to  join 
Black  Hawk  in  a war  of  extermination.  Finally,  in  the  spring  of  1831,  Black 
Hawk  warned  the  settlers  to  leave.  These  troubles  culminated  in  the 
“ Black  Hawk  War,”  and  the  final  capture  of  the  chief  and  some  of  his  prin- 
cipal men,  as  related  elsewhere.  The  Black  Hawk  War  ended  hostilities 
with  the  Indians  at  or  near  Rock  Island.  A garrison,  however,  was  main- 
tained there  until  1836,  when  the  troops  were  sent  to  Fort  Snelling.  The 
fort  was  left  in  charge  of  Lieut.  John  Beach,  with  a few  men  to  take  care  of 
the  property. 

After  his  capture,  Black  Hawk  and  several  of  his  principal  men  were 
taken  to  Jefferson  Barracks,  where  they  were  kept  until  the  the  spring  of 
1833.  They  were  then  sent  to  Washington,  where  they  arrived  on  the  22d 
of  April,  and  on  the  26th  were  confined  in  Fortress  Monroe.  On  the  4th  of 
June,  1833,  they  were  set  at  liberty  by  order  of  the  government  and  per- 
mitted to  return  to  their  own  country. 

In  the  fall  of  1837  Black  Hawk,  accompanied  by  Keokuk,  Wapello,  Powe- 
shiek, and  some  forty  of  the  principal  chiefs  and  braves  of  the  Sac  and  Fox 
nations,  again  visited  Washington,  in  charge  of  Col.  George  Davenport,  who 
by  his  influence  with  the  Indians  assisted  the  government  in  making  another 
large  purchase  of  territory  in  Iowa.  This  tract  adjoined  the  “ Black  Hawk 
Purchase,”  and  embraced  1,250,000  acres. 

After  Black  Hawk’s  release  from  captivity  in  1833,  he  seemed  unwilling 
to  reside  in  any  of  the  villages  of  the  tribe.  His  band  was  broken  up  and 
dispersed,  as  stipulated  in  the  treaty  of  peace,  and  he  seemed  to  seek  seclu- 
sion from  his  people.  While  the  garrison  remained  at  Rock  Island,  he 
usually  lived  near  it,  and  often  put  up  his  wigwam  close  to  the  fort,  where 
his  vision  could  take  in  the  beautiful  country  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, which  had  been  his  home  for  more  than  half  a century.  But  the  time 
came  when  he  must  go  with  his  people  to  the  new  reservation  on  the  banks 
of  the  Des  Moines.  He  was  then  in  the  waning  years  of  his  life,  and  the 
other  chiefs  of  the  nation  seemed  disposed  to  pay  him  but  little  attention. 
His  family  consisted  of  his  wife,  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  He  established 
his  lodge  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Des  Moines,  about  three  miles  below  the 
site  of  the  present  town  of  Eldon.  Gen.  Street  presented  the  family  with  a 
cow,  which  was  a piece  of  property  which  exacted  much  solicitude  and  care 
at  the  hands  of  Madame  Black  Hawk.  His  lodge  was  near  the  trading  post 
of  Wharton  McPherson;  and  James  Jordan,  who  was  also  at  that  time  con- 
nected with  the  post,  had  his  cabin  within  a few  rods  of  Black  Hawk’s  lodge. 
This  was  in  the  summer  of  1838,  and  the  old  chief  who  had  defied  the  power 
of  the  United  States  and  caused  the  expenditure  of  millions  of  treasure  to 
subdue  him,  was  nearing  his  departure  for  a final  remove  beyond  the  power 
of  earthly  governments.  Hear  his  lodge,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  stood  a 
large  elm  tree,  with  its  spreading  branches  overhanging  the  stream,  and 
flowing  from  its  roots  was  a crystal  spring  of  pure  water.  Here  during  the 
sultry  summer  days  of  that  year  Black  Hawk  was  wont  to  repose  and  dream 
over  the  years,  of  his  former  greatness  and  the  wrongs  that  his  people  had 
suffered.  At  last,  on  the  3d  of  October,  1838,  death  came  to  his  relief, 
and,  according  to  the  Indian  idea,  his  spirit  passed  away  to  the  happy  hunt- 
ing grounds. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


47 


The  remains  of  Black  Hawk  were  interred  by  his  family  and  friends  near 
his  cabin  on  the  prairie,  a short  distance  above  the  old  town  of  Iowaville. 
The  body  was  placed  on  a board,  or  slab,  set  up  in  an  inclining  position,  with 
the  feet  extending  into  the  ground  some  fifteen  inches  and  the  head  elevated 
above  the  surface  some  three  feet  or  more.  This  was  enclosed  by  placing 
slabs  around  it  with  the  ends  resting  on  the  ground  and  meeting  at  the  top, 
forming  a kind  of  vault.  The  whole  was  then  covered  with  dirt  and  neatly 
sodded.  At  the  head  of  the  grave  was  placed  a flag-staff  thirty  feet  high, 
from  which  floated  the  American  flag  until  it  was  worn  out  by  the  wind. 
Interred  with  the  body  were  a number  of  his  prized  and  long-treasured 
relics,  including  a military  suit  presented  by  Jackson’s  cabinet;  a sword  pre- 
sented by  Jackson  himself;  a cane  presented  by  Henry  Clay,  and  another 
by  a British  officer;  and  three  silver  medals — one  presented  by  Jackson,  one 
by  John  Quincy  Adams,  and  the  other  by  citizens  of  Boston.  Hear  the 
grave  a large  post  was  set  in  the  ground,  on  which  were  inscribed  in  Indian 
characters,  emblems  commemorating  many  of  his  heroic  deeds.  The 
grave  and  flag-staff  were  enclosed  by  a rude  picket  fence  in  circular  form. 
Here  the  body  remained  until  July,  1839,  when  it  disappeared.  On  com- 
plaint being  made  by  Black  Hawk’s  family,  the  matter  was  investigated,  and  it 
was  finally  traced  to  one  Dr.  Turner,  who  then  resided  at  a place  called  Lex- 
ington, in  Yan  Buren  county.  The  remains  had  been  taken  to  Illinois,  but 
at  the  earnest  request  of  Black  Hawk’s  relatives,  Gov.  Lucas  interposed  and 
had  them  sent  to  Burlington.  The  sons  were  informed  that  the  remains 
were  in  Burlington  and  went  to  that  place  to  obtain  them.  While  there  it 
was  suggested  to  them  that  if  taken  away  they  would  only  be  stolen  again, 
and  they  concluded  to  leave  them  where  they  thought  they  might  be  more 
safely  preserved.  They  were  finally  placed  in  a museum  in  that  city,  and 
years  after,  with  a large  collection  of  other  valuable  relics,  were  destroyed  by 
the  burning  of  the  building.  In  the  meantime  the  relatives  of  the  renowned 
chief  removed  westward  with  the  rest  of  the  tribe,  and  were  finally  lost  to 
all  knowledge  of  the  white  man. 


KEOKUK. 

Keokuk  (Watchful  Fox)  belonged  to  the  Sac  branch  of  the  nation,  and 
was  born  on  Bock  river,  in  1780.  He  was  an  orator,  but  was  also  entitled 
to  rank  as  a warrior,  for  he  possessed  courage  and  energy,  but  at  the  same 
time  a cool  judgment.  He  had  an  intelligent  appreciation  of  the  power  and 
greatness  of  the  United  States,  and  saw  the  futility  of  Blade  Hawde’s  hope  to 
contend  successfully  against  the  government.  In  his  first  battle,  while 
young,  he  had  killed  a Sioux,  and  for  this  he  was  honored  with  a feast  by 
his  tribe. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  Black  Hawk  War  an  affair  transpired  which  "was 
dignified  by  the  name  of  the  “ Battle  of  Stillman’s  Bun,”  in  which  some  three 
hundred  volunteers  under  Maj.  Stillman  took  prisoners  five  of  Black  Hawk’s 
men  who  were  approaching  with  a flag  of  truce.  One  of  the  prisoners  was 
shot  by  Stillman’s  men.  Black  Hawk  had  also  sent  five  other  men  to  follow 
the  bearers  of  the  flag.  The  troops  came  upon  these  and  killed  two  of  them. 
The  other  three  reached  their  camp  and  gave  the  alarm.  Black  Hawk’s 
warriors  then  charged  upon  Stillman’s  advancing  troops  and  completely 
routed  them.  This  failure  to  respect  the  flag  of  truce  so  exasperated  the 
Indians  that  it  was  with  great  difficulty  that  Keokuk  could  restrain  his  war- 
riors from  espousing  the  cause  of  Black  Hawk.  Stillman’s  defeat  was  fol- 


48 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


lowed  by  a war-dance,  in  which  Keokuk  took  part.  After  the  dance  he 
called  a council  of  war,  and  made  a speech  in  which  he  admitted  the  justice 
of  their  complaints.  The  blood  of  their  brethren  slain  by  the  white  men, 
while  bearing  a flag  of  truce,  called  loudly  for  vengeance.  Said  he: 

“ I am  your  chief,  and  it  is  my  duty  to  lead  you  to  battle,  if,  after  fully  con- 
sidering the  matter,  you  are  determined  to  go.  But  before  you  decide  on 
taking  this  important  step,  it  is  wise  to  inquire  into  the  chances  of  success. 
But  if  you  do  determine  to  go  upon  the  war  path,  I will  agree  to  lead  you  on 
one  condition,  viz.:  that  before  we  go  we  will  kill  all  our  old  men  and  our 
wives  and  our  children,  to  save  them  from  a lingering  death  of  starvation, 
and  that  every  one  of  us  determine  to  leave  our  homes  on  the  other  side  of 
the  Mississippi.” 

Keokuk  so  forcibly  portrayed  in  other  parts  of  this  speech  the  great 
power  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  hopeless  prospect  before  them,  that 
his  warriors  at  once  abandoned  all  thought  of  joining  Black  Hawk. 

The  name  Keokuk  signified  Watchful  Fox.  As  we  have  seen,  he  eventu- 
ally superseded  Black  Hawk,  and  was  recognized  by  the  United  States  as  the 
principal  chief  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation,  which,  indeed,  had  much  to  do  in 
stinging  the  pride  of  the  imperious  Black  Hawk.  In  person  he  was  strong, 
graceful  and  commanding,  with  fine  features  and  an  intelligent  countenance. 
He  excelled  in  horsemanship,  dancing,  and  all  athletic  exercises.  He  was 
courageous  and  skillful  in  war,  but  mild  and  politic  in  peace.  He  had  a 
son,  a fine  featured,  promising  boy,  who  died  at  Keokuk’s  village  on  the 
Des  Moines.  Keokuk  himself  became  somewhat  dissipated  during  the  later 
years  of  his  life  in  Iowa.  It  was  reported  that  after  his  removal  wi th  his  people 
to  the  Indian  Territory  west  of  the  Mississippi,  he  died  of  delirium  tremens. 
Iowa  has  honored  his  memory  in  the  name  of  one  of  her  counties,  and  one 
of  her  principal  cities. 

APPANOOSE. 

Appanoose  was  a chief  who  presided  over  a band  of  the  Sacs.  His  name, 
in  the  language  of  that  tribe,  signified  “A  Chief  When  a Child,”  indicating 
that  he  inherited  his  position.  It  was  said  he  was  equal  in  rank  with  Keo- 
kuk, but  he  did  not  possess  the  influence  of  the  latter.  He  was  one  of  the 
“ peace  chiefs  ” during  the  Black  Hawk  War.  During  the  last  occupation  of 
Iowa  soil  by  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  Appanoose  had  his  village  near  the  site  of  the 
present  city  of  Ottumwa.  His  people  cultivated  a portion  of  the  ground  on 
which  that  city  is  located.  He  was  one  of  the  delegation  sent  to  Washing- 
ton in  1837,  at  which  time  he  visited  with  the  other  chiefs  the  city  of  Boston, 
where  they  were  invited  to  a meeting  in  Fanueil  Hall.  On  that  occasion  he 
made  the  most  animated  speech,  both  in  manner  and  matter,  that  was  deliv- 
ered by  the  chiefs.  After  Keokuk  had  spoken,  Appanoose  arose  and  said: 

“You  have  heard  just  now  what  my  chief  has  to  say.  All  our  chiefs  and 
warriors  are  very  much  gratified  by  our  visit  to  this  town.  Last  Saturday 
they  were  invited  to  a great  house,  and  now  they  are  in  the  great  councii- 
liouse.  They  are  very  much  pleased  with  so  much  attention.  This  we  can- 
not reward  you  for  now,  but  shall  not  forget  it,  and  hope  the  Great  Spirit 
will  reward  you  for  it.  This  is  the  place  which  our  forefathers  once  inhabi- 
ted. I have  often  heard  my  father  and  grandfather  say  they  lived  near  the 
sea-coast  where  the  white  man  first  came.  X am  glad  to  hear  all  this  from 
you.  I suppose  it  is  put  in  a book,  where  you  learn  all  these  things.  As 
far  as  I can  understand  the  language  of  the  white  people,  it  appears  to  me 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY 


4 VI 


50 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


that  the  Americans  have  attained  a very  high  rank  among  the  white  people. 
It  is  the  same  with  us,  though  I say  it  myself.  Where  we  live  beyond  the 
Mississippi,  I am  respected  by  all  people,  and  they  consider  me  the  tallest 
among  them.  I am  happy  that  two  great  men  meet  and  shake  hands  with 
each  other.” 

As  Appanoose  concluded  his  speech,  he  suited  the  action  to  the  word  by 
extending  his  hand  to  Gov.  Everett,  amid  the  shouts  of  applause  from  the 
audience,  who  were  not  a little  amused  at  the  self-complacency  of  the  orator. 
But  few  of  the  incidents  in  the  life  of  this  chief  have  passed  into  history. 
His  name  has  been  perpetuated  in  that  of  one  of  the  Iowa  counties. 

WAPELLO. 

Wapello,  or  Waupellow,  was  one  of  the  minor  chiefs  of  the  Sac  and  Fox 
Nation.  He  was  born  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  in  1787.  At  the  time  of  the 
erection  of  Fort  Armstrong  (1816)  he  presided  over  one  of  the  three  prin- 
cipal villages  in  that  vicinity.  His  village  there  was  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Mississippi,  near  the  foot  of  Rock  Island,  and  about  three  miles  north  of 
the  famous  Black  Hawk  village.  In  1829  he  removed  his  village  to  Musca- 
tine Slough,  and  then  to  a place  at  or  near»where  the  town  of  Wapello,  in 
Louisa  county,  is  now  located.  Like  Keokuk,  he  was  in  favor  of  abiding 
by  the  requirements  of  the  treaty  of  1804,  and  opposed  the  hostilities  in 
which  Black  Hawk  engaged  against  the  whites.  He  was  one  of  the  chiefs 
that  visited  Washington  in  1887,  and  his  name  appears  to  several  treaties 
relinquishing  lands  to  the  United  States.  He  appears  to  have  been  a warm 
personal  friend  of  Gen.  Jos.  M.  Street,  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  agency,  and  made 
a request  that  at  his  death  his  remains  be  interred  along  side  of  those  of 
Gen.  Street,  which  request  was  complied  with.  He  died  near  the  Forks  of 
Skunk  river,  March  15th,  1842,  at  the  age  of  55  years.  His  remains,  with 
those  of  Gen.  Street,  repose  near  Agency  City,  in  the  county  which  honors 
his  memory  with  its  name.  The  two  graves  and  the  monuments  have  re- 
cently been  repaired  by  parties  connected  with  the  Chicago,  Burlington  & 
Quincy  Railroad,  whose  line  passes  within  a few  rods  of  them. 

POWESHIEK. 

Poweshiek  was  a chief  of  the  same  rank  with  Wapello,  and  near  the  same 
age.  He  also  was  one  of  the  chiefs  who  visited  Washington  in  1837.  When 
the  greater  portion  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation  removed  to  the  Des  Moines 
river,  he  retained  his  village  on  the  Iowa  river,  where  he  presided  over 
what  was  known  as  the  Musquawkie  band  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes.  In  May, 
1838,  when  Gen.  Street  organized  a party  to  examine  the  new  purchase  made 
the  fall  before,  with  a view  of  selecting  a site  for  the  agency,  the  expedition 
was  accompanied  by  about  thirty  braves,  under  the  command  of  Poweshiek. 
At  that  time  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  were  at  war  with  the  Sioux,  and  after  leav- 
1 ing  their  reservation  these  men  were  very  fearful  that  they  might  be  sur- 
prised and  cut  off  by  the  Sioux.  A small  remnant  of  his  band  make  their 
home  on  Iowa  river,  in  Tama  county,  at  this  time.  He  also  remained  the 
friend  of  the  whites  during  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  the  people  of  Iowa 
have  honored  his  memory  by  giving  his  name  to  one  of  their  counties. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


51 


PASH-E-PA-HO. 

Pash-e-pa-ho,  called  also  tlie  Stabbing  Chief,  at  the  time  of  the  treaty  of 
1804,  and  until  after  the  Black  Hawk  war,  was  head  chief  among  the  Sacs. 
He  was  also  present  in  St.  Louis  at  the  making  of  that  treaty,  and  was  even 
then  well  advanced  in  years.  It  has  been  related  that  he  laid  a plan  to  at- 
tack Fort  Madison,  not  long  after  its  erection.  His  plan  was  to  gain  an 
entrance  to  the  fort  with  concealed  arms  under  their  blankets,  under  a pre- 
tense of  holding  a council.  A squaw,  however,  had  secretly  conveyed  intel- 
ligence to  the  commandant  of  the  garrison  of  the  intended  attack,  so  that  the 
troops  were  in  readiness  for  them.  When  Pash-e-pa-ho  and  his  warriors  ad- 
vanced in  a body  toward  the  closed  gate,  it  suddenly  opened,  revealing  to 
the  astonished  savages  a cannon  in  the  passage-way,  and  the  gunner  stand- 
ing with  lighted  torch  in  hand  ready  to  fire.  Pash-e-pa-ho  deemed  “ discre- 
tion the  better  part  of  valor  ”,  and  retreated. 

Some  time  after  the  plot  against  Fort  Madison,  Pash-e-pa-ho  made  an  at- 
tempt to  obtain  a lodgement  in  Fort  Armstrong,  though  in  quite  a different 
way.  Several  of  his  braves  had  the  year  before,  while  out  hunting,  fell  in 
with  a party  of  their  enemies,  the  Sioux,  and  had  lifted  several  of  their  scalps. 

The  Sioux  complained  of  this  outrage  to  the  Department  at  Washington, 
and  orders  were  issued  demanding  the  surrender  of  the  culprits.  They  were 
accordingly  brought  and  retained  as  prisoners  in  Fort  Armstrong,  where  they 
had  comfortable  quarters  and  plenty  to  eat  during  the  winter.  Having  fared 
sumptuously  for  several  months,  without  effort  on  their  part,  they  were  re- 
leased on  the  payment  of  a small  amount  out  of  the  annuities  of  their  tribes, 
to  the  Sioux.  The  next  fall  Pash-e-pa-ho  thought  he  might  avoid  the  trouble 
of  stocking  his  larder  for  the  winter.  So  he  voluntarily  called  on  the  com- 
mandant of  Fort  Armstrong,  and  informed  him  that  while  on  a recent  hunt 
he  had  unfortunately  met  a Sioux,  and  had  yielded  to  the  temptation  to  get 
his  scalp.  He  confessed  that  he  had  done  a very  wrongful  act,  and  wished 
to  save  the  Great  Father  at  Washington  the  trouble  of  sending  a letter  or- 
dering his  arrest;  therefore  he  would  surrender  himself  as  a prisoner.  The 
commandant  saw  through  his  scheme  to  obtain  comfortable  quarters  and 
good  boarding  for  the  winter,  and  so  told  him  he  was  an  honorable  Indian, 
and  that  his  voluntary  offer  to  surrender  himself  was  a sufficient  guarantee 
that  he  would  appear  when  sent  for.  That  was  the  last  that  was  heard  of 
the  matter.  Pash-e-pa-ho  was  never  sent  for. 

During  the  first  quarter  of  the  present  century  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  were 
frequently  at  war  with  the  Iowas.  The  latter  had  one  of  their  principal  villa- 
ges on  the  Des  Moines  river,  near  where  Black  Hawk  died  many  years  af- 
terward. It  was  here  that  the  last  great  battle  was  fought  between  these 
tribes.  Pash-e-pa-ho  was  chief  in  command  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes.  Black 
Hawk  was  also  a prominent  actor  in  this  engagement,  but  was  subject  to 
his  senior,  Pash-e-pa-ho.  Accounts  conflict  as  to  the  date,  but  the  eviden- 
ces of  the  conflict  were  plainly  visible  as  late  as  1824.  The  Sacs  and  Foxes 
surprised  the  Iowas  while  the  latter  were  engaged  in  running  their  horses 
on  the  prairie,  and  therefore  unprepared  to  defend  themselves.  The  result 
was  that  Pash-e-pa-ho  achieved  a decisive  victory  over  the  Iowas. 

Pash-e-pa-ho  was  among  the  chiefs  present  at  the  making  of  the  treaty 
of  1832,  when  the  “ Black  Ilawk  Purchase  ” was  made.  He  was  very  much 
given  to  intemperate  habits  whenever  he  could  obtain  liquor,  and  it  is  prob- 
ble  that,  like  Keokuk,  he  died  a drunkard. 


52 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


WISH-E-CO-MA-QUE. 

Quite  prominent  among  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  after  their  removal  to  Iowa, 
was  a man  known  by  the  name  of  Hardfisli,  or  Wish-e-co-ma-que,  as  it 
is  in  the  Indian  tongue.  He  was  not  a chief,  but  a brave  who  rose  al- 
most to  the  prominence  of  a chief.  He  adhered  to  Black  Hawk  in  his  hos- 
tility toward  the  whites,  and  when  Black  Hawk  died,  Hardfisk  became  the 
leader  of  his  band,  composed  mostly  of  those  who  had  participated  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war.  When  the  Sacs  and  "Foxes  occupied  their  reservation  on 
the  Des  Moines  river,  Hardfisli  had  his  village  where  Eddyville  is  now  lo- 
cated. It  was  quite  as  respectable  in  size  as  any  of  the  other  villages  of  the 
Sacs  and  Foxes.  Hardfish’s  hand  was  composed  of  people  from  the  Sac 
branch  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation.  One  John  Goodell  was  the  interpreter 
for  this  band.  The  name  of  Hardfisli  was  quite  familiar  to  the  frontier 
settlers  of  Southeastern  Iowa. 


CHOS-CHUN-CA. 

When,  in  1834,  Gen.  Henry  Dodge  made  a treaty  with  the  Winnehagoes 
for  the  country  occupied  by  them  in  Wisconsin,  they  were  transferred  to  a 
strip  of  land  extending  west  from  the  Mississippi,  opposite  Prairie  du  Chien, 
to  the  Des  Moines  river,  being  a tract  forty  miles  in  width.  The  chief  of 
the  Winnebagoes  at  that  time  was  Chos-chun-ca,  or  Big  Wave.  Soon  after 
their  removal  to  this  reservation  they  were  visited  by  Willard  Barrows,  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  Davenport,  who  had  an  interview  with  Chos-chun-ca. 
He  found  him  clothed  in  a buffalo  overcoat,  and  wearing  a high  crowned 
hat.  His  nose  was  surmounted  by  a pair  of  green  spectacles.  Mr.  Barrows 
held  his  interview  with  the  chief  just  south  of  the  lower  boundary  of  the 
reservation.  Chos-chun-ca  was  quite  reticent  as  to  the  affairs  of  his  people, 
and  refused  permission  to  Mr.  Barrows  to  explore  the  Winnebago  reserva- 
tion, being  impressed  with  the  idea  that  the  whites  had  sent  him  to  seek  out 
all  the  fine  country,  and  that  if  their  lands  were  found  desirable,  then  the 
Indians  would  be  compelled  to  remove  again.  Mr.  Barrows,  however,  with- 
out the  chief’s  permission,  passed  safely  through  their  territory. 


MAU-HAW-GAW. 


The  greater  portion  of  the  territory  embraced  within  the  limits  of  Iowa, 
was  once  occupied  by  a tribe,  or  nation  of  Indians,  known  in  history  as  the 
Iowas  (or  Ioways),  who  for  many  years  maintained  an  almost  constant  war- 
fare with  the  Sioux,  a powerful  rival  who  lived  to  the  north  of  them.  The 
Iowas  were  originally  the  Pau-hoo-cliee  tribe,  and  lived  in  the  region  of  the 
lakes,  to  the  northeast,  but  about  the  year  1700  they  followed  their  chief, 
Mau-kaw-gaw,  to  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  and  crossing  over,  settled  on 
the  west  bank  of  Iowa  river,  near  its  mouth,  and  there  established  a village. 
They  called  the  river  on  which  they  established  their  empire,  He-o-ho-nee, 
or  ‘‘Master  of  Bivers.”  For  some  years  they  prospered  and  multiplied, but 
the  Sioux  began  to  envy  them  the  prosperity  which  they  enjoyed,  and  with 
no  good  intentions  came  down  to  visit  them.  Sending  to  Mau-haw-gaw 
the  pipe  of  peace,  with  an  invitation  to  join  them  in  a dog  feast,  they  made 
great  professions  of  friendship.  The  Iowa  chief,  having  confidence  in  their 
protestations  of  good  feeling,  accepted  the  invitation.  In  the  midst  of  the 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


53 


feast  the  perfidious  Sioux  suddenly  attacked  and  killed  the  unsuspecting 
Mau-haw-gaw.  This  outrage  was  never  forgiven  by  the  Iowas. 

MA-HAS-KAH. 

One  of  the  most  noted  chiefs  of  the  Iowas  was  Ma-has-kali  (White 
Cloud),  a descendent  of  Mau-haw-gaw.  He  led  his  warriors  in  eighteen 
battles  against  the  Sioux  on  the  north,  and  the  Osages  on  the  south,  but 
never  failed  to  achieve  a victory.  He  made  his  home  on  the  Des  Moines 
river,  about  one  hundred  miles  above  the  mouth,  and  must  have  been  some- 
thing of  a Mormon,  for  it  is  said  he  had  seven  wives.  In  1824  he  was  one 
of  a party  of  chiefs  who  visited  Washington.  He  left  his  home  on  the  Des 
Moines  to  go  down  the  river  on  his  way  to  join  his  party,  and  when  near 
where  the  city  of  Keokuk  is  now  located,  he  stopped  to  prepare  and  eat  his 
venison.  He  had  just  commenced  his  meal  when  some  one  struck  him  on 
the  back.  Turning  round,  he  was  surprised  to  see  one  of  his  wives,  Pant- 
clie-wai-me  (Female  Flying  Pigeon),  standing  with  an  uplifted  tomahawk 
in  her  hand.  She  accosted  him  with — “ Am  I your  wife  ? Are  you  my  hus- 
band ? If  so,  I will  go  with  you  to  Maw-lie-hum-n e-che  (the  American  big 
house),  and  see  and  shake  the  hand  of  In-co-ho-nee  ”,  meaning  the  Great 
Father,  as  they  called  the  President.  Ma-has-kah  answered:  “ Tes,  you  are 
my  wife ; I am  your  husband  ; I have  been  a long  time  from  you  ; I am 
glad  to  see  you  ; you  are  my  pretty  wife,  and  a brave  man  always  loves  to 
see  a pretty  woman.”  Ma-has-kah  went  on  to  Washington  accompanied  by 
his  “ pretty  wife  ”,  Pant-che-wai-mie,  who  received  many  presents,  but  saw 
many  things  of  which  she  disapproved.  When  she  returned,  she  called  to- 
gether the  matrons  and  maidens  of  the  tribe,  and  warned  them  against  the 
vices  and  follies  of  their  white  sisters.  This  good  Indian  woman  was  killed 
by  being  thrown  from  her  horse,  some  time  after  her  return  from  Washing- 
ton. In  1834  Ma-has-kah  was  also  killed  about  sixty  miles  from  his  home, 
on  the  Hodaway,  by  an  enemy  who  took  a cowardly  advantage  of  him.  At 
the  time  of  his  death  he  was  fifty  years  of  age.  After  his  death  all  his  sur- 
viving wives  went  into  mourning  and  poverty,  according  to  the  custom  ol 
the  tribe,  except  one  named  Mis-so-rah-tar-ra-haw  (Female  Deer  that  bounds 
over  the  prairie),  who  refused  to  the  end  of  her  life  to  be  comforted,  saying 
that  her  husband  “was  a great  brave,  and  was  killed  by  dogs”,  meaning 
low,  vulgar  fellows. 

Soon  after  the  death  of  Ma-has-kah,  his  son  of  the  same  name,  at  the  age 
of  twenty-four,  became  the  chief  of  the  Iowas.  His  mother  was  Pant-che- 
Avai-me,  Avhose  tragic  death  is  mentioned  above.  He  also  visited  Washing- 
ton in  the  Avinter  of  1836-7,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  redress  for  injus- 
tice, which  he  claimed  had  been  done  to  his  people  by  the  government,  in 
failing  to  keep  intruders  from  their  lands,  and  in  disregarding  other  stipu- 
lations of  the  treaty  made  with  his  father  in  1825. 

SI-DOM-I-NA-DO-TAH. 

When  the  whites  began  to  make  settlements  on  the  upper  Des  Moines, 
the  region  about  Fort  Dodge  and  Spirit  Lake  was  inhabited  by  Sioux  In- 
dians, made  up  principally  of  that  dmsion  of  the  great  Sioux  or  Dacotali 
nation  known  by  the  name  of  Sisiton  Sioux.  When,  in  1848,  the  govern- 
ment surveys  of  the  lands  purchased  north  of  the  Paccoon  Forks  were  in  pro- 
gress, Mr.  Marsh,  of  Dubuque,  set  out  with  his  party  to  run  the  correction 


54 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


line  from  a point  on  the  Mississippi,  near  Dubuque,  to  the  Missouri  river. 
In  this  work  he  was  not  molested  until  he  crossed  the  Des  Moines,  when  on 
the  west  bank  of  the  river,  he  was  met  by  a party  of  Sioux,  under  the  lead- 
ership of  their  chief,  Si-dom-i-na-do-tah,  who  notified  Mr.  Marsh  and  his 
party  that  they  should  proceed  no  farther,  as  the  country  belonged  to  the 
Indians.  The  Sioux  then  left,  and  Mr.  Marsh  concluded  to  continue  his 
work.  He  had  not  proceeded  more  than  a mile  when  Si-dom-i-na-do-tah 
and  his  band  returned  and  surrounded  the  party,  robbing  them  of  every- 
thing. They  took  their  horses,  destroyed  their  wagons  and  surveying  instru- 
ments, destroyed  the  land-marks,  and  drove  the  surveying  party  back  to  the 
east  side  of  the  river.  This,  and  other  outrages  committed  on  families  who, 
in  the  fall  of  1849,  ventured  to  make  claims  on  the  upper  Des  Moines,  led 
to  the  establishment  of  a military  post  at  Fort  Dodge  in  1850. 

In  the  winter  of  1846-7  one  Henry  Lott,  an  adventurous  border  char- 
acter, had,  with  his  family,  taken  up  his  residence  at  the  mouth  of  Boone 
river,  in  what  is  now  Webster  county,  and  within  the  range  of  Si-dom-i-na- 
do-tah’s  band.  Lott  had  provided  himself  with  some  goods  and  a barrel  ot 
whisky,  expecting  to  trade  with  the  Indians,  and  obtain  their  furs  and  robes. 
In  a short  time  he  was  waited  upon  by  the  chief  and  six  of  his  braves  and 
informed  that  he  was  an  intruder  and  that  he  must  leave  within  a certain  time. 
The  time  having  expired,  and  Lott  still  remaining,  the  Indians  destroyed 
his  property,  shooting  his  stock  and  robbing  his  bee-hives.  Lott  and  his 
step-son  made  their  way  to  the  nearest  settlement,  at  Pea’s  Point,  about  16 
miles  south,  and  reported  that  his  family  had  been  murdered  by  the  Indians, 
as  he  doubtless  thought  they  would  be  after  he  left.  John  Pea  and  half  a 
dozen  other  white  men,  accompanied  by  some  friendly  Indians  of  another 
tribe,  who  happened  to  be  in  that  vicinity,  set  out  with  Lott  for  the  mouth 
of  Boone  river.  When  they  arrived  they  found  that  the  family  had  not 
been  tomahawked,  as  he  had  reported.  One  little  boy,  however,  aged  about 
twelve  years,  had  attempted  to  follow  his  father  in  his  flight,  by  going  down 
the  Des  Moines  river  on  the  ice.  Being  thinly  clad,  the  little  fellow  froze  to 
death  after  traveling  on  the  ice  a distance  of  about  twenty  miles.  The  body 
of  the  child  was  subsequently  found.  The  sequel  shows  that  Lott  was  de- 
termined on  revenge. 

In  November,  1853,  Lott  ventured  about  thirty  miles  north  of  Fort  Dodge, 
where  he  pretended  to  make  a claim,  in  what  is  now  Humboldt  county.  He 
took  with  him  several  barrels  of  whisky  and  some  goods,  and  he  and  his 
step-son  built  a cabin  near  what  is  now  known  as  Lott’s  creek  in  that 
county.  Si-dom-i-na-do-tah  had  his  cabin  on  the  creek  about  a mile  wTest  of 
Lott’s.  In  January,  1854,  Lott  and  his  step-son  went  to  the  cabin  of  the 
old  chief  and  told  him  that  they  had  seen,  on  their  way  over,  a drove  of  elk 
feeding  on  the  bottom  lands,  and  induced  the  old  man  to  mount  his  pony, 
with  gun  in  hand,  to  go  in  pursuit  of  the  elk.  Lott  and  his  step-son  fol- 
lowed, and  when  they  had  proceeded  some  distance  they  shot  and  killed  Si- 
dom-i-na-do-tah.  That  same  night  they  attacked  and  killed  six  of  the  chief’s 
family,  including  his  wife  and  two  children,  his  aged  mother,  and  two  young 
children  she  had  in  charge — including  with  the  chief,  seven  victims  in  all.  Two 
children,  a boy  of  twelve,  and  a girl  of  ten  years  of  age,  escaped  by  hiding 
themselves.  Some  days  after,  the  Indians  reported  the  murders  at  Fort 
Dodge,  thinking  at  first  that  the  slaughter  had  been  perpetrated  by  some  of 
their  Indian  enemies.  Investigation  soon  revealed  the  fact  that  Lott  and  his 
step-son  had  committed  the  deed.  Their  cabin  w^as  found  burned  down,  and 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


55 


a slight  snow  on  the  ground  showed  the  track  of  their  wagon  in  a circuitous 
route  southward,  avoiding  Fort  Dodge.  Intelligence  of  them  was  received 
at  various  points  where  they  had  been  trying  to  sell  furs  and  other  articles, 
and  where  the  chief’s  pony  was  noticed  to  be  in  their  possession.  Having 
several  days  start,  they  made  their  way  across  the  Missouri  and  took  the 
plains  for  California,  where,  it  was  subsequently  learned,  Lott  was  killed  in 
a quarrel.  It  is  believed  by  many  of  the  old  settlers  of  Northern  Iowa  that 
this  outrage  of  Henry  Lott  was  the  cause  of  that  other  tragedy,  or  rather 
series  of  tragedies,  in  the  history  of  Northern  Iowa,  known  as  the  “ Spirit 
Lake  Massacre.” 

INK-PA-DU-TAH. 

Ink-pa-du-tali,  it  is  said,  was  the  brother,  and  became  the  successor,  of  the 
chief  who  was  murdered  by  Henry  Lott.  He  is  known  to  the  whites  chiefly 
in  connection  with  the  horrible  outrages  committed  at  Spirit  and  Okoboji 
Lakes  in  Northern  Iowa,  and  at  Springfield  in  Southern  Minnesota.  He, 
in  connection  with  U-tan-ka-sa-pa  (Black  Buffalo),  headed  a band  of  about 
eighteen  lodges  of  Sioux,  who,  in  the  spring  of  1857,  robbed  the  settlers  and 
committed  the  most  inhuman  outrages,  culminating  in  the  massacres  of  the 
8th  and  9th  of  March  of  that  year.  During  the  year  1856  a dozen  or  more 
families  had  settled  about  the  lakes,  while  along  the  valley  of  the  Little  Sioux 
river  at  Smithland,  Cherokee,  and  Bock  Bapids  there  were  settlements. 
Ink-pa-du-tah  and  his  band  commenced  their  depredations  at  Smithland,  and 
passing  up  the  Little  Sioux  made  hostile  demonstrations  both  at  Cherokee 
and  Bock  Bapids,  killing  stock  and  carrying  away  whatever  they  saw  proper 
to  take,  but  committed  no  murders  until  they  reached  the  infant  settlement 
at  the  lakes.  There,  and  at  Springfield,  a small  settlement  in  Minnesota  a 
few  miles  northeast,  they  killed  forty-one,  wounded  three,  and  took  with 
them  as  captives  four  women — Mrs.  Howe,  Mrs.  Thatcher,  Mrs.  Marble,  and 
Miss  Gardner.  Twelve  persons  were  missing,  some  of  whose  remains  were 
afterward  found,  having  been  killed  while  attempting  to  escape.  Of  the 
four  women  taken  captives,  two  were  killed  on  their  flight,  Mrs.  Howe  and 
Mrs.  Thatcher.  The  other  two,  Mrs.  Marble  and  Miss  Gardner,  were  some 
months  after,  through  the  efforts  of  Gov.  Madarie,  of  Minnesota,  and  the 
Indian  agent  at  Laqua  Parle,  purchased  from  Ink-pa-du-tah  by  employing 
friendly  Indians  to  affect  the  purchase.  By  this  raid  and  massacre  the  set- 
tlement at  the  lakes  was  entirely  swept  away.  All  the  houses  were  burned, 
and  all  the  stock  either  killed  or  taken  away.  At  Springfield  the  settlers 
were  somewhat  prepared  to  defend  themselves,  having  heard  of  the  slaughter 
at  the  lakes.  Seven  or  eight  persons,  however,  were  killed  at  Springfield. 

The  winter  preceding  these  massacres  had  been  unusually  severe,  and 
snow  had  fallen  to  the  depth  of  from  one  to  two  feet.  In  March  all  the 
ravines  were  filled  with  drifted  snow,  with  a thick  and  heavy  crust,  so  that 
travel  in  that  region  was  almost  impossible.  For  this  reason  those  infant 
settlements  were  almost  cut  off  from  intercourse  with  the  thickly  inhabited 
parts  of  the  country.  It  was,  therefore,  some  time  before  the  news  of  the 
massacres  reached  Fort  Dodge,  the  nearest  settlement.  The  messengers 
who  conveyed  the  intelligence  were  Messrs.  Bell  and  Williams,  who  lived  on 
Little  Sioux  river.  Messrs.  Howe,  Snyder  and  Parmenter,  of  Newton,  who 
had  attempted  to  relieve  the  inhabitants  at  the  lakes  with  provisions,  also 
upon  arriving  there  found  all  the  settlers  murdered.  They,  too,  hastened  as 
rapidly  as  possible  to  Fort  Dodge  and  reported.  Messengers  were  at  once 


56 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


sent  to  Webster  City  and  Homer  to  request  the  citizens  to  turn  out  for  the 
relief  of  the  frontier,  and  they  responded  promptly.  Those  two  places  fur- 
nished forty  men  and  Fort  Dodge  eighty.  The  force  of  120  men  was 
formed  into  three  companies  of  forty  men  each,  under  Captains  C.  B. 
Richards,  John  F.  Duncombe,  and  J.  C.  Johnston.  The  battalion  was 
commanded  by  Major  W.  Williams.  On  the  25th  of  March  the  battalion 
started  from  Fort  Dodge,  the  snow  still  covering  the  ground  and  all  the 
ravines  being  so  gorged  with  drifted  snow  that  in  places  it  was  necessary  to 
cut  their  way  through  snow-banks  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  deep.  After 
marching  thirty  miles  ten  men  had  to  be  sent  back,  reducing  the  force  to 
110  men.  In  the  meantime  a force  from  Fort  Ridgely  was  approaching 
from  the  north.  The  Indians,  expecting  these  movements,  had  taken  their 
iliglit  across  the  Big  Sioux  river  to  join  the  Yanktons,  in  what  is  now 
Dakota.  The  troops,  after  almost  incredible  hardships  and  sufferings  for 
eighteen  days  and  nights,  being  without  tents,  failed  to  get  sight  of  a single 
hostile  Indian.  They  found  and  buried  the  bodies  of  twenty-nine  persons. 
A number  were  burned  in  the  houses  by  the  savages,  and  their  remains 
were  found  in  the  ashes.  The  expedition  lost  two  valuable  citizens,  Captain 
J.  C.  Johnston,  of  Webster  City,  and  William  Burkholder,  of  Fort  Dodge, 
the  latter  being  a brother  of  Mrs.  Gov.  C.  C.  Carpenter.  They  were  frozen 
to  death  on  their  return  from  the  lakes.  Eighteen  others  were  more  or  less 
frozen,  and  some  did  not  recover  for  a year  after.  Several  years  after  his 
death  the  remains  of  young  Burkholder  were  found  on  the  prairie,  being 
recognized  by  the  remains  of  his  gun  and  clothing.  When  overcome  by  the 
cold  he  was  separated  from  his  companions,  and  his  fate  was  for  sometime 
unknown. 

From  this  brief  account  of  Ink-pa-du-tah,  it  will  be  conceded  that  there  is 
no  reason  to  cherish  his  memory  with  any  degree  of  admiration.  He  was 
the  leader  of  a band  comprising  even  the  worst  element  of  the  Sioux  nation, 
the  best  of  which  is  bad  enough,  even  for  savages.  The  germ  of  the  banc! 
of  which  he  was  chief,  was  a family  of  murderers,  known  as  Five  Lodges, 
who,  it  was  said,  having  .murdered  an  aged  chief,  wandered  away  and  formed 
a little  tribe  of  their  own,  with  whom  rogues  from  all  the  other  bands  found 
refuge.  At  the  time  of  these  hostilities  against  the  whites  under  Ink-pa-du- 
tah,  they  numbered  probably  over  150  lodges.  They  were  constantly  roving 
about  in  parties,  stealing  wherever  they  could  from  trappers  and  settlers. 
The  subsequent  career  of  Ink-pa-du-tah  has  been  west  of  the  borders  of  Iowa 
and  Minnesota. 

EARLY  NAVIGATION  OF  WESTERN  RIVERS. 

Navigation  of  the  Mississippi  by  the  Early  Explorers— Flat-boats — Barges — Methods  of  Pro- 
pulsion— Brigs  and  Schooners — The  first  Steamboat  on  Western  Waters — The  “ Orleans  ” — 
The  “Comet” — The  “ Enterprise Capt.  Shreve — The  “Washington” — The  “General 
Pike” — First  Steamboat  to  St.  Louis — The  “Independence”  the  first  Steamboat  on  the 
Missouri — Capt.  Nelson — “Mackinaw  Boats  ” — Navigation  of  the  upper  Mississippi — The 
“Virginia” — The  “Shamrock  ” — Capt.  James  May — Navigation  of  the  upper  Missouri — 
Steamboating  on  the  Smaller  Rivers. 

We  have  accounts  of  the  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  river  as  early  as 
1539,  by  De  Soto,  while  in  search  of  the  “fountain  of  youth”.  His  voyage 
ended  with  his  life,  and  more  than  a hundred  years  passed  away,  when  Mar- 
quette and  Joliet  again  disturbed  its  waters  with  a small  bark  transported 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


57 


from  the  shores  of  Lake  Superior.  At  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin  they 
entered  the  Mississippi,  and  extended  their  voyage  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Arkansas.  Their  account  is  the  first  which  gave  to  the  world  any  accurate 
knowledge  of  the  great  valley  of  the  Mississippi  river.  Their  perilous  voy- 
age was  made  in  the  summer  of  1673.  The  account  was  read  with  avidity 
by  the  missionaries  and  others  about  Lake  Superior,  and  soon  after  a young 
Frenchman  named  La  Salle  set  out  with  a view  of  adding  further  informa- 
tion in  relation  to  the  wonderful  valley  of  the  great  river.  His  expedition 
was  followed  by  other  voyages  of  exploration  on  western  rivers,  but  the  nar- 
ratives of  the  explorers  are  mostly  lost,  so  that  very  little  of  interest  remains 
from  the  voyage  of  La  Salle  to  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century, 
when  the  French,  then  holding  Fort  .Du  Quesne,  contemplated  the  establish- 
ment of  a line  of  forts  which  would  enable  them  to  retain  possession  of  the 
vast  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  river.  Regular  navigation  of  the  Ohio 
and  Mississippi,  however,  was  not  attempted  until  after  the  Revolution,  when 
the  United  States  had  assumed  control  of  the  western  waters.  Trade  with 
New  Orleans  did  not  begin  until  near  the  close  of  the  century.  A few  flat 
boats  were  employed  in  the  trade  between  Pittsburg  and  the  new  settlements 
along  the  Ohio  river.  The  settlement  of  Kentucky  gradually  increased  the 
trade  on  the  Ohio,  and  caused  a demand  for  increased  facilities  for  convey- 
ance of  freight.  Boatmen  soon  found  it  profitable  to  extend  their  voyages 
to  the  Spanish  settlements  in  the  South.  Freight  and  passengers  were  con- 
veyed in  a species  of  boat  which  was  sometimes  called  a barge,  or  bargee  by 
the  French.  It  was  usually  from  75  to  100  feet  long,  with  breadth  of  beam 
from  15  to  20  feet,  and  a capacity  of  60  to  100  tons.  The  freight  was  re- 
ceived in  a large  covered  coffer,  occupying  a portion  of  the  hulk.  Rear  the 
stern  was  an  apartment  six  or  eight  feet  in  length,  called  “the  cabin”, 
where  the  captain  and  other  officials  of  the  boat  cpiartered  at  night.  The 
helmsman  was  stationed  upon  an  elevation  above  the  level  of  the  deck.  The 
barge  usually  carried  one  or  two  masts.  A large  square  sail  forward,  when 
the  wind  was  favorable,  sometimes  much  relieved  the  hands.  The  work  of 
propelling  the  barges  usually  required  about  fifty  men  to  each  boat.  There 
were  several  modes  of  propelling  the  barges.  At  times  all  were  engaged  in 
rowing,  which  was  often  a waste  of  labor  on  such  a stream  as  the  Missis- 
sippi. Sometimes  the  navigators  resorted  to  the  use  of  the  cordelle , a strong 
rope  or  hawser,  attached  to  the  barge,  and  carried  along  the  shore  or  beach 
on  the  shoulders  of  the  crew.  In  some  places  this  method  was  imprac- 
ticable on  account  of  obstructions  along  the  shores.  Then  what  was  known 
as  the  “warping”  process  was  resorted  to.  A coil  of  rope  was  sent  out  in 
the  yawl,  and  fasterited  to  a tree  on  the  shore,  or  a “ snag  ” in  the  river. 
While  the  hands  on  board  were  pulling  up  to  this  point,  another  coil  was 
carried  further  ahead,  and  the  “warping”  process  repeated.  Sometimes  it 
was  expedient  to  use  setting  poles,  but  this  method  was  used  chiefly  in  the 
Ohio.  During  a period  of  about  twenty-five  years,  up  to  1811,  the  mode  of 
conveyance  on  our  western  rivers  was  by  flat-boats  and  barges.  It  required 
three  or  four  months  to  make  a trip  from  Pittsburg  to  New  Orleans.  Pass- 
engers between  these  points  were  charged  from  $125  to  $150,  and  freight 
ranged  from  $5  to  $7  per  100  pounds.  It  cannot  be  supposed  that  under 
such  circumstances,  the  commerce  of  the  West  was  very  extensive. 

Previous  to  the  introduction  of  steamers  on  western  waters,  attempts  were 
made  to  use  brigs  and  schooners.  In  1803  several  ships  were  built  on.  the 
Ohio,  and  in  1805  the  ship  “Scott”  was  built  on  the  Kentucky  river,  and 


58 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


in  tlie  fall  of  that  year  made  her  first  trip  to  the  falls  of  the  Ohio.  While  there 
two  other  vessels,  built  by  Berthone  & Co.,  arrived.  All  of  them  were  com- 
pelled to  remain  three  months,  awaiting  a sufficient  rise  in  the  river  to  carry 
them  over  the  falls.  In  1807  Mr.  Dean  built  and  launched  a vessel  at  Pitts- 
burg. This  vessel  made  a trip  to  Leghorn,  and  when  making  her  entry  at 
the  custom  house  there,  her  papers  were  objected  to  on  the  ground  that  no 
such  port  as  Pittsburg  existed  in  the  United  States.  The  captain  called  the 
attention  of  the  officer  to  the  Mississippi  river,  traced  it  to  its  confluence 
writh  the  Ohio,  thence  following  the  latter  stream  past  Cincinnati  and  Mari- 
etta, to  the  new  city  in  the  wilderness,  more  than  two  thousand  miles  by 
water  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico ! All  these  vessels  were  found  inadequate  for 
the  purpose  of  trading  on  the  western  rivers,  and  were  soon  abandoned. 
They  could  not  stem  the  current  of  the  Mississippi.  They  were  transferred 
to  the  gulf,  and  the  commerce  of  the  rivers  was  abandoned  to  Mike  Fink 
and  his  followers,  remaining  with  them  until  1811.  In  this  year  Fulton  and 
Livingston  opened  a shipyard  at  Pittsburg,  and  built  the  small  propeller 
“ Orleans  ”,  which  was  also  furnished  with  two  masts.  She  was  a boat  of  one 
hundred  tons  burthen,  and  the  first  steamer  that  was  launched  on  western 
waters.  In  the  winter  of  1812  she  made  her  first  trip  to  New  Orleans  in 
fourteen  days.  As  she  passed  down  the  river,  the  settlers  lined  the  banks, 
and  the  greatest  excitement  prevailed.  The  flat-boatmen  said  she  never  could 
stem  the  current  on  her  upward  trip.  After  her  first  trip,  the  “Orleans  ” 
engaged  in  the  Natchez  and  New  Orleans  trade,  and  paid  her  owners  a 
handsome  profit  on  their  investment.  The  next  steamer  was  the  “ Comet  ”, 
and  she  was  built  by  D.  French.  She  carried  but  twenty-five  tons,  and 
made  her  first  trip  to  New  Orleans  in  the  spring  of  1811.  Soon  after  she 
was  taken  to  pieces,  and  her  engine  used  in  a cotton  factory.  The  “Vesu- 
vius ”,  of  48  tons  burthen,  was  launched  at  F ulton’s  ship-yard  in  the  spring 
of  1814,  made  a trip  to  New  Orleans,  and  on  her  return  was  grounded  on  a 
sand  bar,  where  she  remained  until  the  next  December.  This  boat  remained 
on  the  river  until  1819,  when  she  was  condemned.  The  “Enterprise”  was 
the  fourth  steamboat,  and  was  built  by  Mr.  French,  who  built  the  “ Comet.” 
The  “Enterprise”  carried  seventy-five  tons,  and  made  her  first  trip  to  New 
Orleans  in  the  summer  of  1814.  When  she  arrived  at  her  destination  she 
was  pressed  into  the  service  of  the  army,  under  Gen.  Jackson,  then  at  New 
Orleans.  She  was  very  efficient  in  carrying  troops  and  army  supplies  from 
the  city  to  the  seat  of  war,  a few  miles  below.  During  the  battle  of  the  8tli 
of  January  she  was  busily  engaged  in  supplying  the  wants  of  Jackson’s 
army.  On  the  5th  of  May  following  she  left  New  Orleans,  and  arrived  at 
Louisville  in  twenty-five  days. 

In  1816  Captain  Henry  Shreve  built  the  “Washington”  with  many  im- 
provements in  construction.  The  boilers,  which  had  hitherto  been  placed  in 
the  hold,  were  changed  by  Captain  Shreve  to  the  deck.  In  September,  1816, 
the  “Washington”  successfully  passed  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  made  her  trip 
to  New  Orleans,  and  returned  in  November  to  Louisville.  On  the  12th  of 
March,  1817,  she  departed  on  her  second  trip  to  New  Orleans,  the  ice  then 
running  in  the  Ohio  slightly  retarding  her  progress.  She  made  the  trip 
successfully,  and  returned  to  the  foot  of  the  falls  in  forty-one  days — the 
upward  trip  being  made  in  twenty-five  days.  By  this  time  it  was  generally 
conceded  by  the  flat-boatmen  that  Fitch  and  Fulton  were  not  visionary  fools, 
but  men  of  genius,  and  that  their  inventions  could  be  turned  to  immense 
advantage  on  the  rivers  of  the  West.  Steamboats  from  this  time  on  rapidly 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


59 


multiplied,  and  tlie  occupation  of  the  old  flat-boatmen  began  to  pass  away. 
On  Captain  Shreve’s  return  to  Louisville  the  citizens  gave  him  a public  re- 
ception. Toasts  and  speeches  were  made,  and  the  “ Washington  ” declared 
to  be  the  herald  of  a new  era  in  the  West.  Captain  Shreve  in  his  speech 
asserted  that  the  time  would  come  when  the  trip  to  New  Orleans  would  be 
made  in  ten  days.  His  prediction  was  more  than  verified,  for  as  early  as 
1853,  the  trip  was  made  in  four  days  and  nine  hours. 

While  these  festivities  were  going  on  in  Louisville,  the  “ General  Pike  ” 
was  stemming  the  current  of  the  Mississippi  for  a new  port  in  steamboat 
navigation.  With  a heavy  load  of  freight  and  passengers  she  left  New 
Orleans  for  St.  Louis.  On  her  arrival  at  the  latter  city  several  thousand 
people  greeted  her  as  she  slowly  approached  the  landing. 

Steam  navigation  commenced  on  the  Missouri  in  1839,  the  first  boat  being 
the  “Independent”,  commanded  by  Captain  Nelson.  She  ascended  as  far  as 
Chariton  and  Franklin,  at  which  points  she  received  a cargo  of  furs  and 
buffalo  hides,  and  returned  with  them  to  St.  Louis. 

In  1816  Fort  Armstrong  was  erected  at  the  lower  end  of  Rock  Island.  On 
the  10th  of  May  of  this  year  Col.  Lawrence,  with  the  Eighth  Regiment  and 
a company  of  riflemen,  arrived  here  in  keel  boats.  Col.  George  Davenport 
resided  near  the  fort  and  supplied  the  troops  with  provisions,  and  also  engaged 
in  trading  with  the  Indians.  Most  of  his  goods  were  brought  from  “Macki- 
naw” through  Green  Bay,  thence  up  Fox  river  to  the  “Portage”,  where  they 
were  packed  across  to  the  Wisconsin  river,  and  carried  down  the  Mississippi 
in  what  were  called  “Mackinaw  Boats.”  The  navigation  of  the  upper  Missis- 
sippi was  confined  to  keel-boats  until  1823,  when  the  first  steamboat  — the 
“Virginia”  — from  Wheeling  ascended  with  provisions  to  Prairie  du  Chien. 
This  boat  was  three  or  four  days  in  passing  the  rapids  at  Rock  Island. 
After  this,  up  to  1827,  steamboats  continued  to  ascend  the  upper  Mississippi 
occasionally  with  troops  and  military  stores.  In  this  year  Capt.  J ames  May, 
of  the  steamboat  “Shamrock”,  made  the  first  voyage  with  her  from  Pitts- 
burg to  Galena.  This  was  the  first  general  business  trip  ever  made  on  the 
upper  Mississippi  by  a steamboat.  Capt.  May  continued  as  master  of  a 
steamboat  on  this  part  of  the  river  until  1834. 

The  first  navigation  of  any  considerable  portion  of  the  Missouri  river  was 
that  of  Captains  Lewis  and  Clarke,  when  in  1804  they  ascended  that  river  in 
keel-boats,  or  barges,  from  its  mouth  almost  to  its  source.  Of  late  years 
steamboats  have  navigated  it  regularly  to  Fort  Benton.  Steamboat  navi- 
gation has  also  been  employed  on  many  of  the  smaller  rivers  of  the  West, 
including  the  Des  Moines  and  Cedar  rivers  in  Iowa.  The  introduction  of 
railroads  has  superseded  the  necessity  of  depending  upon  the  uncertain  nav- 
igation of  the  smaller  rivers  for  carrying  purposes.  The  great  water-courses, 
however,  will  doubtless  always  remain  the  indispensible  commercial  high- 
ways of  the  nation. 

ARCHAEOLOGY  OF  THE  NORTHWEST. 

Ancient  Works  — Conjectures  — Works  of  the  Mound  Builders  in  Ohio  — Different  forms  and 
Classes — Mounds  at  Gallipolis,  Marietta,  and  Chillicothe — Relics  Found — Ancient  Fortifi- 
cations at  Circleville  and  Other  Places — Pre-historic  Remains  in  Other  States — In  Iowa — 
Excavation  of  Mounds — Elongated  and  Round  Mounds — Their  Antiquity — Who  were  the 
Mound  Builders? 

Scattered  all  over  the  great  Northwest  are  the  remains  of  the  works  of  an 


60 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


ancient  people,  who  mnst  have  been  infinitely  more  advanced  in  the  arts 
than  the  Indian  tribes  who  inhabited  the  country  at  the  time  of  the  advent 
of  the  European.  The  question  as  to  whether  the  Indians  are  the  descend- 
ants of  that  people,  the  Mound  Builders,  is  a subject  of  antiquarian  specula- 
tion. One  thing,  however,  is  certain,  that  a people  once  inhabited  all  this 
vast  region  who  possessed  some  considerable  knowledge  of  the  arts  and  even 
the  sciences;  a people  of  wdiom  the  Indians  possessed  no  knowledge,  but 
whose  works  have  survived  the  mutations  of  hundreds,  and  perhaps  thous- 
ands of  years,  to  attest  that  they  lived,  and  acted,  and  passed  away.  There 
have  been  various  conjectures  of  the  learned  concerning  the  time  when,  by 
what  people,  and  even  tor  what  purpose,  these  monuments  of  human  ingenuity 
were  erected.  Their  origin  is  deeply  involved  in  the  obscurity  of  remote  an- 
tiquity. Neither  history,  nor  authentic  tradition,  afford  any  light  by  which 
to  conduct  inquiries  concerning  them,  and  it  is  probable  that  no  certainty 
upon  the  subject  will  ever  be  attained.  Brief  mention  of  some  of  these 
ancient  works  cannot  fail  to  interest  the  reader.  They  are  found  distributed 
over  the  country  generally  from  the  Alleghany  Mountains  to  the  Bocky 
Mountains.  They  are  more  numerous  and  more  remarkable,  however,  in 
some  parts  of  the  country  than  in  others. 

Some  of  the  most  remarkable  fortifications  in  Ohio  are  at  Worthington, 
Granville,  Athens,  Marietta,  Gallipolis,  Cliillicothe,  and  Circleville;  also,  on 
Paint  Creek,  18  miles  northwest  of  Cliillicothe,  and  on  a plain  three  miles 
northeast  of  the  last  named  city.  In  some  localities  there  are  both  mounds 
and  fortifications,  while  in  others  there  are  mounds  only.  The  mounds  vary 
in  magnitude,  and  also  somewhat  in  shape.  Some  are  conical,  ending  sharply 
at  the  summit,  and  as  steep  on  the  sides  as  the  earth  could  be  made  to  lie. 
Others  are  of  the  same  form,  except  that  they  present  a flat  area  on  the  top, 
like  a cone  cut  off  at  some  distance  from  its  vortex,  in  a plane  coincident 
with  its  base,  or  with  the  horizon.  Others  again,  are  of  a semi-globular 
shape.  Of  this  description  was  that  standing  in  Gallipolis.  The  largest 
one  near  Worthington  is  of  the  second  kind,  and  presents  on  the  summit  a 
level  area  of  forty  feet  in  diameter.  There  is' one  at  Marietta  of  this  kind, 
but  the  area  on  top  does  not  exceed  twenty  feet  in  diameter.  Its  perpendic- 
ular height  is  about  fifty  feet,  and  its  circumference  at  the  base  twenty  rods. 
Those  in  Worthington  and  Gallipolis  are  each  from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  in 
circumference  at  their  bases.  A large  mound  once  stood  in  the  heart  of  the 
city  of  Chillicothe,  but  was  leveled  forty  or  fifty  years  ago  to  make  room  for 
the  erection  of  a block  of  buildings,  and  in  its  destruction  a number  of  relics 
were  exhumed.  Several  smaller  mounds  were  located  in  the  same  vicinity. 
They  are  found  scattered  in  profusion  in  the  vallies  of  the  Miamis,  Scioto, 
Hocking  and  Muskingum  rivers,  as  well  as  south  of  the  Ohio  river.  One 
of  the  largest  is  near  the  Ohio  river,  14  miles  below  Wheeling.  This  is 
about  33  rods  in  circumference,  and  consequently  between  ten  and  eleven 
rods  in  diameter  at  its  base.  Its  perpendicular  height  is  about  seventy  feet. 
On  the  summit  is  an  area  of  nearly  sixty  feet  in  diameter,  in  the  middle  of 
which  is  a regular  cavity,  the  cubical  content  of  which  is  about  3,000  feet. 
Within  a short  distance  of  this  mound  are  five  smaller  ones,  some  of  which 
are  thirty  feet  in  diameter.  Some  of  the  mounds  mentioned,  and  others  not 
referred  to,  have  been  excavated,  either  by  the  antiquarian  or  in  the  construc- 
tion of  public  works,  and  in  most  of  them  human  bones  have  been  discov- 
ered. Most  of  these  bones  crumble  in  pieces  or  resolve  into  dust  shortly 
after  being  exposed  to  the  air;  except  in  some  instances,  wherein  the  teeth, 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


61 


jaw,  skull,  and  sometimes  a few  other  bones,  by  reason  of  their  peculiar 
solidity,  resist  the  effects  of  contact  with  the  air.  From  the  fact  of  the  find- 
ing human  remains  in  them  many  have  inferred  that  they  were  erected  as 
burial  places  for  the  dead.  In  some  of  them,  however,  which  have  been  ex- 
amined, no  human  remains  have  been  discovered,  hut  pieces  of  pottery,  stone 
hatchets,  and  other  relics,  are  found  in  nearly  all. 

Many  of  these  mounds  are  composed  of  earth  of  a different  quality  from 
that  which  is  found  in  their  immediate  vicinity.  This  circumstance  would 
seem  to  indicate  that  the  earth  of  which  they  were  composed  was  transported 
some  distance.  A striking  instance  of  this  difference  of  composition  was 
first  noticed  some  sixty  or  seventy  years  ago,  in  a mound  at  Frankl inton, 
near  the  main  fork  of  the  Scioto  river.  This  mound  was  composed  alto- 
gether of  clay,  and  the  brick  for  the  court-house  in  that  town  were  made  of 
it  at  that  time.  In  it  were  likewise  found  a much  greater  number  of  hu- 
man bones  than  is  usually  found  in  mounds  of  its  size.  The  characteris- 
tics mentioned  in  connection  with  the  mounds  in'  Ohio  apply  to  those  gen- 
erally throughout  the  Northwest. 

Not  so  numerous  as  the  mounds,  but  more  remarkable  as  involving  the 
principles  of  science,  especially  mathematics,  are  the  fortifications,  or  earth 
walls,  found  in  many  places.  They  are  commonly  supposed  to  have  been 
forts,  or  military  fortifications.  They  generally  consist  of  a circular  wall, 
composed  of  earth,  and  usually  as  steep  on  the  sides  as  the  dirt  could  con 
veniently  be  made  to  lie.  Sometimes,  though  rarely,  their  form  is  elliptical, 
or  oval,  and  a few  of  them  are  quadrangular  or  square.  In  height  they  are 
various ; some  of  them  are  so  low  as  to  be  scarcely  perceptible  ; some  from 
twenty  to  thirty  feet  in  height,  while  others  again  are  of  an  intermediate 
elevation.  The  wall  of  the  same  fort,  however,  is  pretty  uniformly  of  the 
same  height  all  around.  They  are  likewise  equally  various  in  the  contents 
of  the  ground  which  they  enclose,  some  containing  but  a few  square  rods  of 
ground,  while  others  contain  nearly  one  hundred  acres.  The  number  of  their 
entrances,  or  gateways,  varies  in  different  forts  from  one  to  eight  or  more, 
in  proportion  to  the  magnitude  of  the  enclosure.  The  walls  are  mostly  sin- 
gle, but  in  some  instances  these  works  have  been  found  to  consist  of  two 
parallel  walls,  adjacent  to  each  other.  The  forts  are  generally  located  on 
comparatively  elevated  ground,  adjoining  a river  or  stream  of  water.  Their 
situation  is  usually  such  as  a skillful  military  engineer  or  tactician  would 
have  selected  for  military  positions.  This  fact  would  seem  to  strengthen 
the  theory  that  they  were  designed  and  constructed  for  fortifications. 

The  city  of  Circleville,  Ohio,  is  located  on  the  site  of  one  of  the  most  re- 
markable of  these  fortifications,  and  from  this  circumstance  takes  its  name. 
There  are,  or  were,  indeed,  two  forts  at  that  place,  one  circular,  and  the  other 
square,  as  represented  in  the  diagram  on  the  opposite  page. 

In  this,  it  will  be  seen  that  a square  fort  adjoins  a circular  one  on  the  east, 
communicating  with  it  by  a gateway.  The  black  points  in  the  square  fort, 
opposite  the  gateways,  show  the  location  of  mounds,  each  about  three  feet 
high.  The  circular  fort  consists  of  two  parallel  walls,  whose  tops  are,  ap- 
parently, about  three  rods  apart,  the  inner  circle  being  forty-seven  rods  in 
diameter.  Between  these  two  walls  is  a fosse,  excavated  sufficiently  deep 
and  broad  to  have  afforded  earth  enough  for  the  construction  of  the  exterior 
wall  alone,  and  no  more.  From  this  circumstance  and  others,  the  earth  for 
the  construction  of  the  inner  wall  is  supposed  to  have  been  transported  from 
a distance.  The  inner  wall  is  composed  of  clay,  and  the  outer  one  of  dirt 


62 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


and  gravel  of  similar  quality  with  that  which  composes  the  neighboring 
ground,  which  is  another  circumstance  quite  conclusive  of  the  correctness 
of  the  conjecture  that  the  material  for  the  inner  wall  was  brought  from  a 
distance.  There  is  but  one  original  opening,  or  passage,  into  the  circular 
fort,  and  that  is  on  the  east  side,  connecting  it  with  the  square  one.  The 
latter  has  seven  avenues  leading  into  it,  exclusive  of  the  one  which  connects 
with  the  circle.  There  is  one  at  every  corner,  and  one  on  each  side  equi-distant 
from  the  angular  openings.  These  avenues  are  each  twelve  feet  wide,  and 
the  walls  on  either  hand  rise  immediately  to  their  usual  height,  which  is 
above  twenty  feet.  When  the  town  of  Circleville  was  originally  laid  out, 
the  trees  growing  upon  the  walls  of  these  fortifications  and  the  mounds 
enclosed  in  the  square  one,  were  apparently  of  equal  size  and  age,  and  those 
lying  down  in  equal  stages  of  decay,  with  those  in  the  surrounding  forest, 
a circumstance  proving  the  great  antiquity  of  these  stupendous  remains  of 
former  labor  and  ingenuity.  Of  course,  the  progress  of  modern  civiliza- 
tion in  the  building  of  a 'city  over  these  ancient  remains,  has  long  since 
nearly  obliterated  many  of  their  parts.  The  above  is  a description  of  them  as 
they  appeared  sixty  years  ago,  when  Circleville  was  a mere  village,  and  be- 
fore the  hand  of  modern  vandalism  had  marred  or  obliterated  any  of  the 
parts.  A somewhat  minute  description  of  these  ancient  remains  is  given, 
not  because  they  are  more  remarkable  than  many  others  found  in  different 
parts  of  the  Northwest,  but  as  an  example  to  show  the  magnitude  of  many 
similar  works.  Among  others  in  the  same  State  may  be  mentioned  a re- 
markable mound  near  Marietta,  which  is  enclosed  by  a wall  embracing  an 
area  230  feet  long  by  215  wide.  This  mound  is  thirty  feet  high  and  ellip- 
tical in  form.  This  mound,  with  the  wall  enclosing  it,  stand  apart  from  two 
other  irregular  enclosures,  one  containing  fifty  and  the  other  twenty-seven 
acres.  Within  the  larger  of  these  two  enclosures  there  are  four  truncated 
pyramids,  three  of  which  have  graded  passage  ways  to  their  summits.  The 
largest  pyramid  is  188  feet  long  by  132  feet  wide,  and  is  ten  feet  high. 
From  the  southern  wall  of  this  enclosure  there  is  a graded  passage  way  150 
feet  broad,  extending  600  feet  to  the  immediate  valley  of  the  Muskingum 
river.  This  passage  way  is  guarded  by  embankments  on  either  side  from 
eight  to  ten  feet  high.  In  the  smaller  square  there  are  no  pyramidal  struc- 
tures, but  fronting  each  gate-way  there  is  a circular  mound.  The  walls  of 
these  several  enclosures  are  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  broad  at  the  base,  and 
from  five  to  six  feet  high.  Besides  these,  many  similar  embankments  may 
be  traced  in  the  same  vicinity. 

Squier  and  Davis,  authors  of  that  most  elaborate  work,  entitled  “The  An- 
cient Monuments  of  the  Mississippi  Valley”,  estimated  that  there  were  in 
Ross  county,  Ohio,  at  least  one  hundred  enclosures  and  five  hundred  mounds. 
They  give  the  probable  number  in  that  State  at  from  one  thousand  to  fifteen 
hundred  enclosures,  and  ten  thousand  mounds.  These  estimates  are  quite 
likely  to  be  far  below  the  actual  number,  as  their  investigations  were  made 
many  years  ago,  when  large  portions  of  the  State  were  yet  covered  with  for- 
ests, and  before  any  general  interest  had  been  awakened  on  the  subject  of 
which  they  treated.  Among  the  remarkable  fortifications  in  Ross  county 
is  one  at  Cedar  Bank,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Scioto  river,  about  five  miles 
north  of  Chillicothe.  It  is  of  a square  form,  enclosing  an  area  of  thirty- 
two  acres.  The  west  side  of  this  enclosure  is  formed  by  the  high  bluff  bor- 
dering the  river  at  this  point.  There  are  two  gate-ways  opposite  each  other, 
one  on  the  north  and  the  other  on  the  south  side.  Inside  of  the  enclosure, 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


63 


on  a line  with  the  gate-ways,  there  is  a mound  245  feet  long  and  150  feet 
broad.  The  form  of  this  work  is  shown  by  the  diagram  on  the  opposite  page. 

When  this  work  first  attracted  the  attention  of  Mr.  E.  G.  Squier,  Dr. 
Davis,  and  others  engaged  in  archaeological  research,  it  was  in  the  midst  of 
a dense  forest  of  heavy  timber.  Trees  of  the  largest  growth  stood  on  the 
embankments,  and  covered  the  entire  area  of  ground  enclosed.  About  a 
mile  and  a half  below,  on  the  same  side  of  the  Scioto,  are  other  fortifica- 
tions, both  circular  and  square,  even  more  remarkable  than  the  one  last  de- 
scribed, on  account  of  the  forms  and  combinations  which  they  exhibit. 
Another  fortification  in  this  county,  in  the  form  of  a parallelogram,  2,800 
feet  long  by  1,800  feet  wide,  encloses  several  smaller  works  and  mounds, 
which  altogether  make  3,000,000  cubic  feet  of  embankment. 

A series  of  the  most  wonderful  and  most  gigantic  of  these  pre-historic 
works,  is  to  be  found  in  the  Licking  Valley,  near  Newark.  They  cover  an 
area  of  two  square  miles.  The  works  are  of  such  vast  magnitude  that  even 
with  our  labor-saving  implements  to  construct  them,  would  require  the  la- 
bor of  thousands  of  men  continued  for  many  months.  “Fort  Ancient”,  as 
it  is  called,  in  Warren  county,  Ohio,  has  nearly  four  miles  of  embankment, 
from  eighteen  to  twenty  feet  high. 

Mounds  and  fortifications  similar  to  those  in  Ohio  are  found  in  all  the 
States  of  the  Northwest,  and  indeed,  throughout  the  entire  valley  of  the 
Mississippi  and  its  tributaries.  In  the  valley  of  the  Wabash,  in  Indiana, 
are  many  interesting  remains  of  the  works  of  the  Mound  Builders.  Near 
Kahokia,  Illinois,  there  is  a mound  2,000  feet  in  circumference,  and  ninety 
feet  high.  Many  remarkable  objects  of  interest  to  the  antiquary  are  found 
in  Wisconsin.  Scattered  over  her  undulating  plains  are  earth-works,  mod- 
eled after  the  forms  of  men  and  animals.  At  Aztalan,  in  Jefferson  county, 
is  an  aqcient  fortification  550  yards  long  and  275  yards  wide.  The 
walls  are  from  four  to  five  feet  high,  and  more  than  twenty  feet  in  thickness 
at  the  base.  Near  the  Blue  Mounds,  in  that  State,  there  is  another  work, 
in  form  resembling  a man  in  a recumbent  position.  It  is  one  hundred  and 
twenty  feet  long  and  thirty  feet  across  the  trunk.  At  Prairicville  there  is 
still  another  resembling  a turtle  in  shape  which,  is  fifty-six  feet  in  length. 
At  Cassville  there  is  one  wliish  is  said  to  resemble  the  extinct  mastedon. 
In  some  instances  these  animal  resemblances  and  forms  are  much  defaced 
by  time,  while  in  other  cases  they  are  distinctly  visible.  Fragments  of  an- 
cient pottery  are  found  scattered  about  most  of  them. 

Scattered  over  the  surface  of  Iowa,  also,  are  to  be  found  many  of  these 
monuments  of  a pre-historic  race.  The  mounds  especially  are  numerous, 
appearing  most  in  that  portion  of  the  State  east  of  the  Des  Moines  river, 
but  in  a few  instances  west  of  it.  Groups  of  mounds  are  found  along  Iowa 
river,  in  J ohnson  county,  presenting  the  same  general  appearance  with  those 
in  the  States  east  of  the  Mississippi.  Near  the  mouth  of  this  river,  in  Louisa 
county,  are  the  remains  of  an  ancient  fortification,  with  a number  of  mounds 
in  the  same  vicinity,  which  have  attracted  the  attention  of  the  curious.  In 
the  vicinity  of  Ottumwa,  Wapello  county,  are  a large  number  of  mounds, 
several  of  which  have  been  examined.  There  is  a chain  of  them  in  this  last 
named  county,  commencing  near  the  mouth  of  Sugar  Creek,  a small  tribu- 
tary of  the  Des  Moines,  and  extending  twelve  miles  nortward,  with  distances 
between  them  in  some  instances  as  great  as  two  miles.  Two  of  them  were 
excavated  several  years  ago.  One  of  them  was  about  45  feet  in  diameter, 
and  situated  upon  the  highest  ground  in  the  vicinity.  The  other  was  directly 


64 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


north  about  one-fourtli  of  a mile.  Its  diameter  at  the  base  was  about  75 
feet.  In  the  center  of  this  last  named  mound,  was  found,  at  the  depth  ot 
four  feet,  a layer  of  stone,  with  the  appearance  of  having  been  subjected  to 
the  action  of  tire.  There  'were  also  found  a mass  of  charcoal,  a bed  of  ashes, 
and  calcined  human  bones.  A number  of  relics  were  also  found  in  the 
smaller  mound  first  mentioned.  These  examinations  were  made  by  several 
gentlemen  of  Ottumwa. 

Mr.  F.  C.  Koberts,  in  a Fort  Madison  paper,  writes  of  the  examination  of 
a mound  situated  about  six  miles  north  of  that  city,  a few  years  ago.  It  is 
located  on  the  brow  of  a hill,  is  of  an  elliptical  shape,  and  small  in  size, 
being  only  about  30  feet  long,  and  fifteen  feet  wide;  its  height  was  about 
six  feet.  The  mound  contained  a number  of  separate  compartments,  con- 
structed as  follows:  First,  there  was  a floor  made  of  limestone,  which  must 
have  been  brought  a distance  of  several  miles,  as  none  nearer  could  have 
been  obtained.  This  floor  was  laid  regular  and  smooth,  the  best  stone  only 
being  used.  Above  the  floor,  with  an  intervening  space  of  about  twenty 
inches,  there  was  a roof,  also  made  of  limestone.  The  sides  of  this  vault,  if 
it  may  so  be  called,  seemed  to  have  once  had  stone  walls,  but  they  were  more 
or  less  caved  in.  It  was  also  thought  that  the  roof  had  originally  been  much 
higher.  The  compartments  were  made  by  partitions  or  walls  of  stone.  Each 
compartment  was  occupied  by  a human  skeleton,  and  articles  of  flint  and 
stone,  as  well  as  some  bones  of  animals.  All  the  skeletons  of  human  origin 
were  placed  in  a sitting  position,  with  the  knees  drawn  up,  and  the  head  in- 
clined forward  between  them.  The  arms  were  placed  by  the  side,  and  some- 
times clasped  around  the  knees.  Besides  the  human  bones,  there  were  those 
of  some  large  birds  and  of  some  animal.  Some  of  these  were  charred,  and 
were  found  in  connection  with  charcoal  and  ashes.  There  were  numerous 
flint  weapons,  and  small  three  cornered  stones. 

In  Clayton  and  other  counties  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  State,  the 
Mound  Builders  have  left  numerous  monuments  of  their  existence  in  that 
region  in  pre-historic  times.  The  researches  of  Hon.  Samuel  Murdock,  of 
Clayton  county,  have  been  extensive  and  successful  in  giving  to  the  scien- 
tific and  antiquarian  world  much  information  in  relation  to  these  works 
of  an  ancient  people  who  once  occupied  our  continent.  He  has  collected 
a vast  number  of  relics  from  the  mounds  in  that  portion  of  the  State. 
After  long  and  thorough  investigation,  he  gives  it  as  his  opinion  that  in 
Clayton  county  alone  there  are  not  less  than  one  hundred  thousand  arti- 
ficial mounds,  including  the  two  classes,  the  round  and  the  elongated, 
the  latter  ranging  from  one  hundred  to  six  hundred  feet  in  length. 
All  of  them,  so  far  as  examinations  have  been  made,  contain  more  or  less 
skeletons.  One  which  was  examined  near  Clayton  was  estimated  to  have 
contained  over  one  hundred  bodies.  From  investigations  made,  the  infer- 
ence is  drawn  that  the  elongated  mounds  are  of  greater  antiquity  than  the 
round  ones.  The  skeletons  found  in  the  former  are  in  a more  advanced  state 
of  decay,  and  in  some  of  them  there  is  scarcely  any  trace  of  bones.  In 
nearly  all  the  round  mounds  skeletons  were  found  in  a remarkably  good 
state  of  preservation,  and  can  be  obtained  by  the  thousand.  These  facts  in- 
dicate most  conclusively  that  the  elongated  mounds  were  the  work  of  an 
older  race  of  the  Mound  Builders,  and  that  they  were  erected  ages  before  the 
round  ones  were.  The  fact  that  human  remains  have  been  found  in  nearly 
all  of  both  classes  favors  the  theory  that  they  were  erected  as  receptacles  for 
the  dead. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY 


65 


66 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


While  workmen  were  excavating  a mound  for  the  foundation  of  a ware- 
house in  the  city  of  McGregor,  in  the  summer  of  1874,  human  bones  were 
found,  and  also  a stone  axe  weighing  thirteen  pounds.  It  was  embedded 
twenty  feet  below  the  original  surface. 

As  stated,  the  work  of  the  Mound  Builders  was  not  confined  to  that  por- 
tion of  the  State  embracing  the  Mississippi  drainage.  Similar  remains, 
though  not  so  numerous,  are  observed  on  the  western  slope  of  the  water-  shed 
between  the  two  great  rivers  bordering  the  State.  Some  five  miles  below 
Denison,  Crawford  county,  in  the  valley  of  Boyer  river,  there  is  a semi-cir- 
cular group  of  artificial  mounds.  They  are  situated  on  a plateau,  rising 
above  the  first,  or  lower  bottom,  and  are  about  nine  in  number,  each  rising 
to  a height  of  from  five  to  six  feet  above  the  general  level  of  the  ground. 
Another  similar  group  is  located  on  a second  bottom,  at  the  mouth  of  Para- 
dise creek,  in  the  same  county.  Human  remains  have  been  found  in  some 
of  them. 

Having  noticed  briefly  some  of  the  various  forms  in  which  these  stupen- 
dous works  of  men  who  lived  far  back  in  the  centuries,  whose  annals  have 
not  come  down  to  us  in  any  written  language,  we  can  say  now  that  the  most 
learned  have  only  been  able  to  conjecture  as  to  the  remoteness  of  their  an- 
tiquity. The  evidences  that  they  are  of  very  great  age  are  abundant  and 
conclusive,  but  how  many  hundreds  or  thousands  of  years?  This  is  the 
problem  that  many  an  antiquary  would  freely  give  years  of  study  and  inves- 
tigation to  solve.  The  length  of  time  which  elapsed  during  which  these 
works  were  in  progesss  is  another  of  the  unsolved  questions  connected  with 
them,  and  yet  there  is  abundant  evidence  that  some  of  them  are  much  older 
than  others;  that  the  process  of  their  construction  extends  over  a large  dura- 
tion of  time — a time  during  which  the  Mound  Builders  themselves  passed 
through  the  changes  which  mark  the  monuments  that  they  have  left  behind 
them.  It  is  a wrell  known  fact  that  the  manners  and  customs  of  rude  nations 
isolated  from  intercourse  and  commerce  with  the  world,  pass  through  the 
process  of  change  and  development  very  slowly.  The  semi-civilized  nations 
of  eastern  lands,  after  the  lapse  of  thousands  of  years,  still  cling  to  the  man- 
ners and  customs,  and  the  superstitions  of  their  ancestors,  who  lived  at  the 
early  dawn  of  our  historic  period.  They  use  the  same  rude  implements  ot 
husbandry,  the  same  utensils  in  the  household,  the  same  arms  in  warfare, 
and  practice  the  same  styles  of  dress — all  with  but  little  change  or  modifi- 
cation. The  changes  are  only  sufficiently  marked  to  be  perceptible  after 
many  generations  liave  passed  away.  Situated  as  the  Mound  Builders  were, 
we  can  but  infer  that  they  too  passed  slowly  through  the  processes  of  change, 
and  the  works  which  they  liave  left  behind  them  thoroughly  attest  the  truth 
of  this  proposition.  Their  older  works  appear  to  be  more  elaborate  and 
more  intricate,  showing  that  the  earlier  workers  were  possessed  of  a higher 
degree  of  attainment  in  the  mechanical  arts  than  those  whose  works  are 
more  recent.  The  inference  is  that  probably  after  long  ages,  they  gradually 
retrograded,  and  were  finally  subdued  or  driven  southward  into  Mexico  and 
'Central  America,  by  the  ancestors  of  the  Indians, who  came  upon  them  from 
the  northwest,  as  the  Goths  and  Yandals  invaded  and  subverted  the  Homan 
Empire.  This  final  subjugation  may  have  resulted  after  centuries  of  war- 
fare, during  which  time  these  fortifications  were  constructed  as  defences 
against  the  enemy.  That  they  were  for  military  purposes  is  scarcely  sus- 
ceptible of  a doubt.  This  implies  a state  of  warfare,  and  war  implies  an 
enemy.  The  struggle  ended  in  the  final  subjugation  of  that  people  to  whom 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


67 


we  apply  the  name  of  Mound  Builders — their  conquerors  and  successors 
being  a race  of  people  in  whom  we  recognize  to  this  day,  traces  of  the 
Asiatic  type. 

We,  another  race  of  people,  after  the  lapse  of  other  ages,  tread  to-day,  in 
our  turn,  on  the  ruins  of  at  least  a limited  civilization — a civilization  older 
than  that  of  the  Aztecs,  whom  Cortez  found  in  Mexico.  This  great  Missis- 
sippi valley  was  once  a populous  empire,  millions  of  whose  subjects  repose 
in  the  sepulchers  scattered  in  our  valleys  and  over  our  prairies.  While  we 
bow  at  the  shrine  of  a more  intelligent  Deity,  and  strive  to  build  up  a truer 
and  better  civilization,  let  us  still  remember  that  we  tread  on  classic  ground. 

SKETCHES  OF  WESTERN  AND  NORTHWESTERN  STATES. 

Legislation  in  Regard  to  Ohio — Admission  as  a State — Description — Climate  and  Soil — Origin 
of  Name — Seat  of  Government — Legislation  in  Regard  to  Indiana — Description — Lost 
River — Wyandot  Cave — Seat  of  Government — Internal  Improvements — Vincennes — Illi- 
nois— Admission  as  a State — Description — Productions — Towns  and  Cities — “Lover’s 
Leap”  — “Buffalo  Rock’’ — “Cave  in  the  Rock’’ — Michigan — The  Boundary  Question 
— Admission  as  a State — Description — History — Towns  and  Cities — Wisconsin — Descrip- 
tion— Climate  and  Productions — Objects  of  Interest — Towns  and  Cities — Sketch  of  Mil- 
waukee— Minnesota — Description — Lakes — Climate  and  Productions — Natural  Scenery — 
Red  Pipe  Stone — Historical  Sketch — Towns  and  Cities — Nebraska — Description — Towns 
and  Cities — Missouri — Organic  Legislation — The  “ Missouri  Compromise  ” — Description — 
Early  Settlement — St.  Louis — Other  Towns  and  Cities. 

OHIO. 

Ohio  was  the  first  State  formed  out  of  the  territory  northwest  of  the  river 
Ohio,  which  was  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
Virginia  in  1783,  and  accepted  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  March 
1,  1784.  This  territory  was  divided  into  two  separate  governments  by  act 
of  Congress  of  May  7,  1800.  Ohio  remained  a Territorial  government  until 
under  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  April  30, 1802,  it  adopted  a State  consti- 
tution, and  was  allowed  one  representative  in  Congress.  On  the  first  of 
November  of  the  same  year  the  constitution  was  presented  in  Congress. 
The  people  having,  on  November  29,  1802,  complied  with  the  act  of  Con- 
gress of  April  30, 1802,  whereby  the  State  became  one  of  the  United  States, 
an  act  was  passed  and  approved  February  19, 1803,  for  the  due  execution  of 
the  laws  of  the  United  States  within  that  State. 

The  State  embraces  an  area  of  about  39,964  square  miles,  or  25,576,960 
acres.  There  are  no  mountains,  but  the  central  portion  of  the  State  is  ele- 
vated about  1000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  while  other  portions  are 
from  600  to  800  feet  in  elevation.  A belt  of  highlands  north  of  the  middle 
of  the  State  separates  the  rivers  flowing  north  into  Lake  Erie  from  those 
flowing  south  into  the  Ohio  river.  The  middle  portion  of  the  State  in 
great  part  is  an  elevated  plain  with  occasional  patches  of  marsh  land.  A 
large  proportion  of  the  State  when  first  settled  was  covered  with  forests,  but 
in  the  central  part  there  was  some  prairie.  Boulders  are  found  scattered 
over  the  surface,  as  they  are  generally  throughout  the  Northwest. 

The  bituminous  coal-field  of  the  State  extends  over  an  area  embracing 
nearly  12,000  square  miles.  It  occupies  the  eastern  and  southeastern  parts, 
with  its  northern  boundary  running  near  Wooster,  Newark,  and  Lancaster. 
There  are  also  frequent  beds  of  limestone,  as  well  as  sandstone  well  suited  for 
heavy  masonry.  The  most  important  of  the  other  mineral  productions  is 


68 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


iron,  which  it  possesses  in  great  abundance.  This  is  found  running  through 
the  counties  of  Lawrence,  Gallia,  Jackson,  Meigs,  Yinton,  Athens,  and 
Hocking,  in  a bed  100  miles  long  by  12  wide.  For  fine  castings  it  is  not 
surpassed  by  that  found  in  any  other  part  of  the  United  States.  Salt 
springs  are  also  frequent. 

The  great  river  of  the  State  is  the  Ohio,  which  forms  its  southern  bound- 
ary, and  receives  the  tributary  volume  of  waters  flowing  from  the  Muskin- 
gum, Scioto,  and  Miami,  as  well  as  those  of  many  smaller  streams.  The 
interior  rivers  mentioned  vary  in  length  from  110  to  200  miles.  The  Ohio 
is  navigable  by  steamboats  of  the  first-class  during  one-half  the  year  to  Pitts- 
burg. The  Muskingum  is  navigable  by  means  of  dams  and  locks  to 
Zanesville,  70  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  at  times  30  miles  farther  up  to 
Coshocton.  On  the  northern  slope  of  the  State,  beginning  at  the  northwest, 
are  the  Maumee,  Sandusky,  Huron,  and  Cuyahoga,  all  blowing  into  Lake 
Erie,  and  all  flowing  their  entire  course  within  the  State,  except  the  Mau- 
mee, which  rises  in  Indiana.  The  last-named  river  is  navigable  for  lake 
steamers  a distance  of  18  miles.  Lake  Erie  coasts  the  state  about  150  miles 
on  the  north  and  northeast,  affording  several  good  harbors. 

The  climate  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State  is  mild,  while  in  the  north 
the  temperature  is  equally  as  rigorous  as  in  the  same  latitude  near  the 
Atlantic.  Great  droughts  have  occasionally  prevailed,  but  the  State  is  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  most  productive  in  the  Union.  Indian  corn,  wheat, 
rye,  oats,  and  barley,  are  the  leading  cereals.  All  the  fruits  of  the  temperate 
latitudes  are  generally  abundant.  The  forest  trees  are  of  many  kinds,  includ- 
ing the  several  varieties  of  oak,  hickory,  sugar  and  maple,  beech,  poplar,  ash, 
sycamore,  paw-paw,  buckeye,  dogwood,  cherry,  elm,  and  hackberry. 

The  State  receives  its  name  from  that  of  the  river  which  forms  its  southern 
boundary.  It  is  of  Indian  or  aboriginal  origin.  It  is  not  easy  to  determine 
its  real  signification  in  the  Indian  language,  but  some  writers  have  claimed 
that  it  means  handsome  or  beautiful.  This  opinion  would  seem  to  be  some- 
what plausible  from  the  fact  that  the  early  French  explorers  called  it  La 
Belle  Riviere , or  the  Beautiful  River,  having  probably  learned  the  significa- 
tion of  the  Indian  name,  and  therefore  gave  it  a French  name  with  the 
same  signification. 

Ohio  was  first  partially  settled  by  a few  French  emigrants  on  the  Ohio 
river,  while  they  possessed  Canada  and  Louisiana,  about  the  middle  of  the 
the  last  century.  But  these  settlements  were  very  inconsiderable  until  the 
year  1787  and  1788,  when  the  Ohio  Company  and  others  from  Hew  England 
made  the  settlement  at  Marietta.  The  early  inhabitants  were  much  annoyed 
by  the  incursions  of  the  Indians,  who  had  successively  defeated  Gen.  Harmar 
and  Gen.  St.  Clair,  in  1791  and  1792,  but  were  themselves  utterly  routed  by 
Gen.  Wayne  in  August,  1794.  Fort  Sandusky,  in  the  war  of  1812,  was  suc- 
cessfully defended  by  Maj.  Croghan,  then  but  21  years  of  age,  with  160  men 
against  the  attack  of  Gen.  Proctor,  with  500  British  regulars  and  as  many 
Indians.  Cincinnati  was  laid  out  as  early  as  17 88,  but  there  were  only  a few  set- 
tlers until  after  Wayne’s  victory.  It  then  improved  rapidly,  having  in  1818 
a population  of  upward  of  9,000.  Chillicothe  was  laid  out  in  1796,  and  in 
1818  had  a population  of  2,600.  Columbus,  the  present  capital,  was  laid 
out  early  in  the  year  1812,  and  in  1818  contained  about  1,500  inhabitants. 
Cleveland  was  laid  out  in  1796,  and  about  the  same  time  a number  of  set- 
tlements were  made  alongthe  Miami.  Until  the  legislature  met  in  Colum- 
bus, in  December,  1816,  Cincinnati  and  Chillicothe  had  alternately  enjoyed 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


69 


the  distinction  of  being  both  the  Territorial  and  State  capitals.  In  1814  the 
first  State-house,  a plain  brick  building,  was  erected  at  Columbus,  the  per- 
manent seat  of  the  State  Government.  In  February,  1852,  it  was  entirely 
consumed  by  fire,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  present  fine  State  capitol,  which 
had  been  commenced  prior  to  the  destruction  of  the  old  one.  The  conven- 
tion which  formed  the  first  constitution  of  the  State  was  held  in  Chillicothe, 
in  November,  1802. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Ohio  at  the  close  of  each 
decade  from  1800  to  1870: 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

1800 

45,028 

337 

45,365 

1810 

228,861 

1,899 

230,760 

1820 

576,572 

4,723 

581,295 

1830 

928,329 

9,574 

937,903 

1840 

1,502,122 

17,345 

1,519,467 

1850 

1,955,050 

25,279 

1,980,329 

1860 

2,302,808 

36,673 

*2,339,511 

1870 

2,601,946 

63,213 

*2,665,260 

* The  above  aggregate  for  1860  includes  30  enumerated'  as  Indians,  and  the  aggregate  for 
1870  includes  100  enumerated  as  Indians. 


INDIANA. 

Indiana  was  formed  out  of  a part  of  the  Northwestern  Territory  which 
was  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  Virginia.  It  received  a separate  Ter- 
ritorial form  of  government  by  act  of  Congress  of  May  7,  1800,  and  William 
Henry  Harrison  was  appointed  Governor.  At  this  time  it  included  all  the 
territory  west  to  the  Mississippi  river,  including  all  now  embraced  in  the 
States  of  Michigan,  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  and  that  part  of  Minnesota  east  of 
the  Mississippi.  The  seat  of  the  territorial  government  was  established  at 
Vincennes.  By  act  of  January  11,  1805,  it  was  divided  into  two  separate 
governments,  and  that  of  Michigan  created.  Again,  February  3, 1809,  that  of 
Illinois  was  created.  On  the  19th  of  April,  1816,  Congress  passed  an  act 
to  enable  the  people  of  Indiana  to  form  a constitution  and  State  government. 
On  the  29th  of  June  of  the  same  year  the  people  formed  a constitution,  and 
on  the  11th  of  December,  1816,  an  act  of  Congress  was  approved  admitting 
the  State  into  the  Union.  The  laws  of  the  United  States  were  extended  to 
the  State  by  an  act  of  March  3,  1817. 

Indiana  is  278  miles  in  its  greatest  length  from  north  to  south,  and  about 
144  miles' in  width,  and  includes  an  area  of  33,809  square  miles,  or  21,637,- 
760  acres.  It  has  no  mountains  or  great  elevations,  but  portions  south  of 
White  river  are  somewhat  hilly.  North  of  the  White  and  Wabash  rivers 
the  country  is  generally  level  or  slightly  undulating.  The  rivers  are  gener- 
ally bordered  by  rich  alluvial  bottom  lands,  sometimes  extending  for  several 
miles  in  width.  Some  of  the  southeastern  counties  in  places  present  a 
rocky  surface.  The  eastern  part  is  generally  heavily  timbered,  while  the 
western  is  chiefly  prairie.  The  State  has  a gradual  inclination  toward  the 
Ohio,  and  most  of  the  streams  flow  into  that  river.  Lake  Michigan  borders 
the  State  on  the  northwest  for  a distance  of  about  40  miles,  while  the  Ohio 
forms  the  entire  southern  boundary.  In  the  northern  part  there  are  some 
small  lakes.  The  Wabash  is  the  largest  interior  river,  and  with  its  tributa- 
ries drains  nearly  three-fourths  of  the  State.  At  high  water  it  is  navigable 


70 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


by  steamboats  as  far  as  Covington.  White  river  is  its  principal  tributary. 
It  rises  in  two  branches  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  the  two  branches 
uniting  about  30  miles  from  the  Wabash.  The  Maumee  is  formed  by  the 
St.  Joseph’s  and  St.  Mary’s  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  State,  and  passes 
off  into  Ohio.  The  Kankakee,  one  ot  the  sources  of  the  Illinois,  drains 
the  northwestern  part  of  the  State.  Among  other  streams  are  the  Tippeca- 
noe, Mississiniwa,  Whitewater,  Flat  Rock,  and  Blue  rivers. 

The  State  yields  an  abundance  of  coal,  the  great  deposit  being  in  the 
southwestern  portion,  and  embracing  an  area  of  nearly  8,000  square  miles,  or 
some  twenty-two  counties,  in  most  of  which  it  is  profitably  mined.  There 
are  also  iron,  zinc,  gypsum,  and  lime  and  sandstone.  Many  quarries  of  stone 
yield  excellent  building  material. 

Indiana  is  not  without  its  natural  wonders  which  have  attracted  the  atten- 
tion of  the  curious.  Among  these  is  Lost  river,  in  Orange  county.  This 
stream  is  about  fifty  feet  in  width.  It  sinks  many  feet  under  ground,  and 
then  rises  to  the  surface  at  a distance  of  11  miles.  Then  there  is  Wyandot 
Cave,  in  Crawford  county.  In  beauty  and  magnificence  it  almost  rivals  the 
celebrated  Mammoth  Cave  in  Kentucky.  It  has  been  explored  a distance 
of  over  twenty  miles.  Its  greatest  width  is  about  300  feet,  and  its  greatest 
height  245  feet.  Among  its  interior  wonders  are  “Bandit’s  Hall,”  “Pluto’s 
Ravine,”  “Monument  Mountain,”  “Lucifer’s  Gorge.”  and  “Calypso’s 
Island.”  The  interior  is  brilliantly  sparred  with  pendant  stalactites. 

The  climate  is  milder,  than  in  the  same  latitude  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  but 
somewhat  subject  to  sudden  changes.  The  soil  is  generally  productive,  and 
in  the  river  bottoms  very  deep,  well  adapted  to  Indian  corn  and  other  kinds 
of  grain.  The  alluvial  bottom  lands  of  the  Wabash  and  its  tributaries  are 
especially  noted  for  their  fertility.  The  productions  are  the  various  kinds 
of  grain,  vegetables,  and  fruits  common  in  temperate  latitudes. 

Indiana  has  a large  variety  of  forest  trees.  Among  those  indigenous  to 
the  State  are  several  kinds  of  oak,  poplar,  ash,  walnut,  hickory,  elm,  cherry, 
maple,  buckeye,  beech,  locust,  sycamore,  cottonwood,  haekberry,  mulberry, 
and  some  sassafras. 

Indianapolis  is  the  capital,  and  is  situated  on  the  west  fork  of  White 
river,  in  Marion  c >unty.  The  site  was  selected  for  the  capital  in  1820,  while 
the  whole  country  for  forty  miles  in  every  direction  was  covered  with  a 
dense  forest.  Previous  to  1825  the  State  capital  was  at  Corydon,  but  in 
that  year  the  public  offices  were  removed  to  Indianapolis.  The  State-house 
was  erected  at  a cost  of  $60,000,  and  at  that  time  was  considered  an  elegant 
building.  It  is  now  unsuited  for  the  purposes  of  a great  State  like  Indiana 
and  will  soon  give  place  to  a larger  and  more  elegant  structure.  Indianapolis, 
in  1840, had  a population  of  2,692 ; in  1850  it  had  8,900 ; in  1860  it  had  18,611 ; 
and  in  1870  it  had  48,244. 

In  works  of  internal  improvement  Indiana  stands  among  the  leading  States 
of  the  Mississippi  valley.  Railroads  radiate  in  all  directions  from  Indian- 
apolis, and  there  is  scarcely  a place  in  the  State  of  any  considerable  import- 
ance that  is  not  connected,  directly  or  indirectly,  with  the  larger  cities. 
Among  her  early  improvements  were  the  Wabash  and  Erie  Canal,  connect- 
ing Evansville  with  Toledo,  and  the  Whitewater  Canal,  connecting  Cam- 
bridge City  with  Lawrenceburg,  on  the  Ohio.  Of  the  Wabash  and  Erie 
Canal,  379  miles  are  within  the  limits  of  Indiana.  The  Whitewater  Canal 
is  74  miles  long.  Indianapolis  is  the  largest  and  most  important  city  in 
the  State,  and  among  the  principal  cities  may  be  mentioned  Kew  Albany, 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


71 


Evansville,  Fort  Wayne,  La  Fayette,  Terre  Haute,  Madison,  Laporte,  Jeffer- 
sonville, Logansport,  Crawfordsville,  Lawrenceburg,  South  Bend  and  Michi- 
gan City.  Corydon,  the  former  State  capital,  is  115  miles  south  of  Indian- 
apolis, in  Harrison  county.  When  the  seat  of  government  was  removed  from 
this  place  to  Indianapolis,  in  1831,  it  remained  stationary  for  a long  time, 
hut  within  a few  years  it  has  become  more  flourishing.  Vincennes,  the  an- 
cient seat  of  the  Territorial  government,  is  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Wabash 
river,  120  miles  south  of  Indianapolis.  It  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  State, 
and  possesses  much  historic  interest,  being  first  settled  by  the  French  about 
the  year  1735.  Many  of  the  present  inhabitants  are  of  French  descent. 
The  seat  of  government  was  removed  from  Vincennes  to  Corydon  in  1813. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Indiana,  at  the  close  of  each 
decade,  from  1800  to  1870: 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

1800 

2,402 

298 

2,517 

1810 

23,890 

630 

24,520 

1820 

145,758 

1,420 

147,178 

1830 

339,399 

3,632 

343,031 

1840 

678,698 

7,168 

685,866 

1850 

977,154 

11,262 

988,416 

1860 

1,338,710 

11,428 

*1,350,428 

1870 

1,655,837 

24,560 

*1,680,637 

* The  above  aggregate  for  1860  includes  290  enumerated  as  Indians,  and  the  aggregate  for 
1870  includes  240  enumerated  as  Indians. 


ILLINOIS. 

Illinois  was  formed  out  of  a part  of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  which 
was  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  State  of  Virginia.  An  act  for  divid- 
ing the  Indian  Territory,  was  passed  by  Congress,  and  approved  February 
3d,  1809.  An  act  to  enable  the  people  of  the  Territory  to  form  a constitu- 
tion and  State  government,  and  authorizing  one  representative  in  Congress, 
was  passed  and  approved  April  18th,  1818.  By  the  same  act  a part  of  the 
Territory  of  Illinois  was  attached  to  the  Territory  of  Michigan.  The  people 
having,  on  the  26th  of  August  of  the  same  year,  formed  a constitution,  a 
joint  resolution  was  passed  by  Congress,  and  approved  December  3d,  1818, 
admitting  the  State  into  the  Union,  and  on  the  2d  of  March  following,  an 
act  was  approved  to  provide  for  the  due  execution  of  the  laws  of  the  United 
States  within  the  State  of  Illinois. 

The  extreme  length  of  Illinois  from  north  to  south  is  about  380  miles, 
and  its  greatest  width  about  200  miles.  It  embraces  an  area  of  55,409  square 
miles,  or  35,459,200  acres.  The  surface  of  the  State  is  generally  level,  with 
a general  inclination  from  north  to  south,  as  indicated  by  the  course  of  its 
rivers.  There  are  some  elevated  bluffs  along  the  Mississippi  and  Illinois 
rivers,  and  a small  tract  of  hilly  country  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State. 
The  northwest  part  also  contains  a considerable  amount  of  broken  land. 
Some  of  the  prairies  are  large,  but  in  the  early  settlement  of  the  State  there 
were  many  small  prairies,  skirted  with  fine  groves  of  timber.  The  prairies 
are  generally  undulating,  and  in  their  native  state  were  clothed  in  a great 
variety  of  beautiful  wild  flowers.  The  State  is  well  supplied  with  minerals 
of  great  economic  value.  The  region  of  Galena,  in  the  northwest  part,  has 


n 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


LINCOLN  MONUMENT,  SPRINGFIELD,  ILL. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


73 


for  many  years  yielded  vast  quantities  of  lead.  The  coal  fields  cover  an  area 
of  44,000  square  miles.  There  are  salt  springs  in  Gallatin,  Jackson  and 
Yermillion  counties;  and  medicinal  springs,  chiefly  sulphur  and  chalybeate, 
have  been  found  in  several  places.  Excellent  building  stone  for  heavy  ma- 
sonry, are  quarried  at  Joliet,  La  Mont,  Quincy,  and  other  places. 

Illinois  possesses  pre-eminent  facilities  for  water  transportation,  the  Missis- 
sippi river  forming  the  entire  western  boundary,  and  the  Ohio  the  entire 
southern,  while  Lake  Michigan  bounds  it  on  the  northeast  60  miles.  The 
Illinois  river  is  navigable  for  steamboats  286  miles.  Rock  river,  though 
having  obstructions  near  its  mouth,  has  in  times  of  high  water  been  navi- 
gated for  a considerable  distance.  Kaskaskia,  Sangamon  and  Spoon  rivers 
have  also  been  navigated  by  steamboat,  but  the  construction  of  railroads  has 
in  a great  measure  superseded  the  necessity  of  this  means  of  transportation. 
Among  the  rivers  are  the  upper  portion  of  the  Wabash,  which  receives  from 
this  State  the  waters  of  the  Yermillion,  Embarras  and  Little  Wabash.  The 
principal  tributaries,  or  sources,  of  the  Illinois  river  are  Kaskaskia,  Des 
Plaines  and  Fox  rivers.  Lake  Peoria  is  an  expansion  of  the  Illinois  river, 
near  the  middle  of  the  State.  Lake  Pishtoka,  in  the  northeast  part,  is  a lake 
of  some  importance. 

Illinois,  extending  through  five  degrees  of  latitude,  presents  considerable 
variety  of  climate.  Peaches  and  some  other  fruits,  which  do  not  succeed  so 
well  in  the  northern  part,  rarely  fail  to  yield  abundantly  in  the  southern  part. 
The  State  has  immense  agricultural  capabilities,  unsurpassed,  indeed,  by  any 
other  State  in  the  Union,  unless  it  may  be  the  younger  State  of  Iowa.  Among 
its  agricultural  staples  are  Indian  corn,  wheat,  oats,  rye,  potatoes,  butter  and 
cheese.  Stock  raising  on  the  prairies  of  Illinois  has,  for  many  years,  been 
carried  on  extensively.  All  the  fruits  and  vegetables  common  to  the  latitudes 
in  which  it  is  situated  are  successfully  and  abundantly  produced. 

Timber  is  plentiful,  but  not  very  equally  diffused.  The  bottom  lands  are 
supplied  with  fine  growths  of  black  and  white  walnut,  ash,  hackberry,  elm, 
sugar  maple,  honey  locust,  sycamore,  cottonwood,  hickory,  and  several  species 
of  oak.  Some  of  these  also  grow  on  the  uplands,  and  in  addition  white  oak, 
and  other  valuable  kinds  of  timber.  White  and  yellow  poplar  flourish  in 
the  southern  part,  and  cypress  on  the  Ohio  bottom  lands. 

As  we  have  seen,  Illinois  did  not  become  a member  of  the  Federal  Union 
• until  1818,  yet  settlements  were  made  within  its  limits  about  the  same  time 
that  William  Penn  colonized  Pennsylvania,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  seven- 
teenth century.  These  settlements,  like  other  French  colonies,  failed  to  in- 
crease very  rapidly,  and  it  was  not  until  after  the  close  of  the  Revolution, 
that  extensive  colonization  commenced. 

1822.  It  is  situated 
, county,  and  is  sur- 

rounded by  rich  and  extensive  prairies,  which  have  been  transformed  into 
splendid  farms.  Large  quantities  of  bituminous  coal  are  mined  in  this 
vicinity.  This  city  will  ever  be  memorable  as  the  home  of  Abraham  Lincoln, 
and  as  the  place  where  his  remains  are  entombed.  In  1840  it  had  a pop- 
ulation of  2,579;  in  1850  it  had  4,533;  in  1860  it  had  7,002;  and  in  1870 
it  had  17,364.  Since  the  last  date  the  population  has  increased  rapidly.  A 
new  and  magnificent  State  capitol  has  been  erected,  and  Springfield  may 
now  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  flourishing  cities  of  Illinois. 

Chicago,  on  the  site  of  old  Fort  Dearborn,  is  now  the  largest  interior  city 
of  the  United  States.  It  stands  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  with  the 


Springfield,  the  capital  of  Illinois,  was  laid  out  in 
three  miles  south  of  the  Sangamon  river,  in  Sangamon  county, 


74 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


Chicago  river  flowing  through  it.  As  the  great  commercial  emporium  of 
the  [Northwest,  a special  account  of  this  city  will  he  given  elsewhere.  Among 
other  large  and  thriving  cities  are  Peoria,  Quincy,  Galena,  Belleville,  Alton, 
Rockford,  Bloomington,  Ottawa,  Aurora,  Lincoln,  Rock  Island,  Galesburg, 
Joliet  and  Jacksonville. 

The  internal  improvements  of  Illinois  are  on  a grand  scale.  The  rail- 
roads traverse  almost  every  county,  connecting  her  towns  and  cities  with  her 
great  commercial  city  on  the  lake,  and  with  the  markets  of  the  East.  Besides 
these,  she  has  her  great  canal,  from  Chicago  to  Peru,  uniting  the  waters  of 
Lake  Michigan  with  the  Mississippi  river.  This  canal  is  100  miles  long. 

A few  striking  features  of  the  natural  scenery  of  this  State  may  be  men- 
tioned. Along  the  Mississippi  are  bold  and  picturesque  bluffs,  rising  from 
one  to  three  hundred  feet.  “ Starved  Rock  ” and  “ Lover’s  Leap  ” are  eminen- 
ces on  Illinois  river,  the  former  being  a perpendicular  mass  of  limestone, 
eight  miles  below  Ottawa,  and  rising  150  feet  above  the  river.  It  is  so  called 
from  an  incident  in  Indian  warfare.  A band  ofTllinois  Indians  took  refuge 
on  this  eminence  from  the  Pottawattamies,  but  being  surrounded  by  the 
latter,  they  all  died,  it  is  said  not  of  starvation,  but  of  thirst.  Nearly  oppo- 
site “ Lover’s  Leap  ” is  “ Buffalo  Rock,”  100  feet  high.  Here  the  Indians 
formerly  drove  the  buffalo,  and  with  shouts  caused  them  to  crowd  each  other 
over  the  precipice.  On  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  in  Hardin  county,  is  “ Cave 
in  the  Rock,”  the  entrance  to  which  is  but  little  above  the  water.  The  cave 
ascends  gradually  from  the  entrance  to  the  extreme  limit,  back  180  feet.  In 
1797  it  was  the  rendezvous  of  a band  of  robbers,  who  sallied  forth  to  rob 
boatmen  and  emigrants.  Other  outlaws  have  since  made  it  their  abode. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Illinois  at  the  close  of  each 
decade,  from  1800  to  1870. 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

1800 

2,275 

183 

2,458 

1810 

11,501 

781 

12,282 

1820 

53,788 

1,374 

55,162 

1830 

155,061 

2,384 

157,445 

1840 

472,254 

3,929 

476,183 

1850 

846,034 

5,436 

851,470 

1860 

1,704.291 

7,628 

*1,711,951 

1870 

2,511.096 

28,762 

*2,539.891 

*The  above  aggregate  for  1860  includes  32  enumerated  as  Indians,  and  the  same  number 
enumerated  as  Indians  in  1870. 


MICHIGAN. 

Michigan  was  formed  out  of  a part  of  the  territory  ceded  to  the  United 
States  by  the  State  of  Virginia.  It  was  detached  from  Indiana  Territory, 
and  become  a separate  Territorial  government  under  an  act  of  Congress  ap- 
proved January  11,  1805.  It  remained  for  more  than  thirty  years  under  a 
territorial  form  of  government,  but  embraced  a vast  region  not  now  inclu- 
ded in  the  State.  During  this  time  there  was  considerable  legislation  in 
regard  to  its  boundaries,  the  most  important  of  which  was  the  adjustment 
of  the  boundary  line  between  Michigan  and  the  State  of  Ohio,  in  1836.  In 
January,  1833,  a memorial  of  the  Legislative  Council  of  the  Terri tory  was 
presented  in  Congress,  praying  for  admission  into  the  Union  as  a State. 
The  prayer  of  the  memorial  was  not  granted  at  that  time,  partly  on  account 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


75 


of  the  disputed  boundary  question.  Finally,  on  the  15th  of  June,  1836,  an 
act  was  passed  “ to  establish  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State  of  Ohio, 
and  to  provide  for  the  admission  of  the  State  of  Michigan  into  the  Union, 
upon  conditions  therein  expressed.”  One  of  the  conditions  was,  that  if  a 
convention  of  delegates  elected  by  the  people  of  Michigan  for  the  purpose 
of  giving  their  assent  to  the  boundaries,  as  declared  and  established  by  the 
act  of  June  15th,  1836,  should  first  give  their  assent,  then  Michigan  was  to 
be  declared  one  of  the  States  of  the  Union.  This  condition  having  been 
complied  with,  Congress,  on  the  26th  of  January,  1837,  passed  an  act  de- 
claring Michigan  one  of  the  United  States,  and  admitting  it  into  the  Union 
upon  an  equal  footing  with  the  original  States. 

Michigan  occupies  two  peninsulas,  the  southern  one  lying  between  Lakes 
Erie,  St.  Clair  and  Huron  on  the  east,  and  Lake  Michigan  on  the  west ; and 
the  northern  one  between  Lakes  Michigan  and  Huron  on  the  south,  and 
Lake  Superior  on  the  north.  The  northern  peninsula  is  about  320  miles  in 
extreme  length,  from  southeast  to  northwest,  and  130  miles  in  its  greatest 
width.  The  southern  peninsula  is  about  283  miles  from  north  to  south,  and 
210  from  east  to  west  in  its  greatest  width.  The  joint  area  of  the  two 
peninsulas  is  56,243  square  miles,  or  35,595,520  acres.  The  northern  penin- 
sula embraces  about  two-fifths  of  the  total  area. 

The  southern  peninsula  is  generally  an  undulating  plain,  with  a few  slight 
elevations.  The  shores  of  Lake  Huron  are  often  characterized  by  steep 
bluffs,  while  those  of  Lake  Michigan  are  coasted  by  shifting  sand-hills,  ris- 
ing from  one  hundred  to  two  hundred  feet  in  height.  In  the  southern  part 
of  this  peninsula  are  large  districts  covered  with  thinly  scattered  trees,  called 
“oak  openings.” 

The  northern  peninsula  is  in  striking  contrast  with  the  southern,  both  as 
to  soil  and  surface.  It  is  rugged,  with  streams  abounding  in  water-falls. 
The  Wisconsin,  or  Porcupine  Mountains,  form  the  water-shed  between  Lakes 
Michigan  and  Superior,  and  attain  an  elevation  of  2,000  feet  in  the  northwestern 
portion  of  the  peninsula.  The  shores  of  Lake  Superior  are  composed  of 
sandstone  rock,  which  in  places  is  worn  by  the  winds  and  waves  into  many 
strange  and  fanciful  shapes,  resembling  the  ruins  of  castles,  and  forming 
the  celebrated  “ Pictured  Pocks.”  The  northern  peninsula  of  Michigan 
possesses  probably  the  richest  copper  mines  in  the  world,  occupying  a belt 
one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  in  length  by  from  two  to  six  miles  in  width. 
It  is  rich  in  minerals,  but  rigorous  in  climate  and  sterile  in  soil.  Coal  is 
plentiful  at  Corunna,  one  hundred  miles  from  Detroit. 

The  State  is  so  surrounded  and  intersected  by  lakes  as  to  fairly  entitle  it 
to  the  soubriquet  of  “ The  Lake  State.”  There  are  a number  of  small  lakes 
in  the  interior  of  the  State,  which  add  to  the  general  variety  of  scenery,  but 
are  not  important  to  navigation.  The  Straits  of  Mackinaw  (formerly  writ- 
ten Michilimackinac)  divide  the  southern  from  the  northern  peninsula,  and 
connect  the  waters  of  Lakes  Michigan  and  Huron  by  a navigable  channel. 
There  are  a number  of  small  rivers,  the  most  important  in  the  southern  pe- 
ninsula being  St.  Joseph’s,  Kalamazoo,  Grand,  Muskegon  and  Manistee,  all 
emptying  into  Lake  Michigan;  and  Au  Sable  and  Siganaw,  flowing  into 
Lake  Huron,  and  the  Huron  and  Paisin  discharging  their  waters  into  Lake 
Erie.  The  principal  rivers  of  the  northern  peninsula  are  the  Menomonee, 
Montreal  and  Ontonagon.  The  shores  around  the  lakes  are  indented  by  nu- 
merous bays.  Several  small  islands  belong  to  Michigan,  the  most  impor- 
tant of  which  is  Isle  Poyale,  noted  for  its  copper  mines. 


76 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


The  climate  of  Michigan  is  generally  rigorous,  except  in  proximity  to  the 
lakes,  where  the  fruits  of  the  temperate  zone  succeed  admirably.  The  north- 
ern peninsula  is  favorable  for  winter  wheat,  but  Indian  corn  does  not  suc- 
ceed well.  In  the  southern  peninsula,  Indian  corn  is  produced  abundantly, 
as  well  as  the  winter  grains.  This  part  of  the  State  is  pre-eminently  agri- 
cultural. 

Portions  of  the  northern  peninsula  are  heavily  timbered  with  white  pine, 
spruce,  hemlock,  birch,  aspen,  maple,  ash  and  elm,  and  vast  quantities  of 
lumber  are  manufactured  at  the  fine  mill-sites  afforded  by  the  rapid  streams. 
Timber  is  plentiful  also  in  the  southern  peninsula,  and  consists  chiefly  of 
several  species  of  oak,  hickory,  ash,  basswood,  maple,  elm,  linden,  locust, 
dogwood,  poplar,  beech,  sycamore,  cottonwood,  black  and  white  walnut, 
cherry,  pine,  tamarack,  cypress,  cedar  and  chestnut. 

Northern  Michigan  abounds  in  picturesque  scenery,  among  which  may 
be  mentioned  the  “ Pictured  Pocks,”  composed  of  sandstone  of  various  col- 
ors. They  extend  for  about  twelve  miles,  and  rise  300  feet  above  the  water. 
Sometimes  cascades  shoot  over  the  precipice,  so  that  vessels  can  sail  between 
them  and  the  natural  wall  of  the  rock.  This  portion  of  the  State  every  sea- 
son attracts  large  numbers  of  excursionists  and  pleasure-seekers,  on  account 
of  its  charming  and  interesting  scenery. 

The  State  is  named  for  the  lake  which  forms  a part  of  its  boundary,  and 
signifies  in  the  Indian  language,  “ Great  Water.”  The  first  white  settle- 
ments were  by  the  French,  near  Detroit  and  at  Mackinaw,  in  the  latter  hall 
of  the  seventeenth  century ; but  these  colonies  did  not  progress  rapidly. 
This  territory,  with  other  French  possessions  in  North  America,  came  into 
possession  of  Great  Britain  at  the  peace  of  1763.  It  remained  under  the 
dominion  of  Great  Britain  until  the  American  Devolution,  when  it  became 
the  possession  of  the  United  States.  The  British,  however,  did  not  surren- 
der Detroit  until  1796.  This  region  was  chiefly  the  scene  of  the  exploits 
of  the  celebrated  chief  Pontiac,  after  the  expulsion  of  the  French.  During 
the  war  of  1812,  Michigan  became  the  theater  of  several  of  the  battles  and 
many  of  the  incidents  connected  with  that  war.  At  Frencht-own,  in  this 
State,  January  22, 1813,  occurred  a cruel  massacre  by  the  savages  of  a party  of 
American  prisoners  of  war.  Gen.  Harrison  soon  after  drove  the  enemy  out 
of  the  Territory,  and  removed  the  seat  of  war  into  Canada,  where  he  fought 
and  gained  the  battle  of  the  Thames. 

Lansing,  the  capital  of  Michigan,  is  situated  on  Grand  river,  in  Ingham 
county  one  hundred  and  ten  miles  northwest  of  Detroit.  It  was  selected  for 
the  seat  of  government  in  1817,  at  which  time  it  was  surrounded  by  an  al- 
most unbroken  wilderness.  The  river  here  affords  excellent  water  power. 
A new  and  handsome  State  capitol  has  just  been  completed. 

Detroit,  situated  on  the  river  from  which  it  takes  its  name,  eighteen  miles 
from  the  head  of  Lake  Erie,  is  the  largest  city  in  the  State.  It  was  the 
capital  until  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  government  to  Lansing,  in  1850. 
Historically  it  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  cities  in  the  West.  The  French 
had  here  a military  post  as  early  as  1670.  Three  Indian  tribes,  the  LIurons, 
Pottawattamies  and  Ottawas,  had  their  villages  in  the  vicinity.  With  other 
French  possessions,  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  British  at  the  peace  of 
1763,  and  twenty  years  later  it  came  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  United 
States,  although,  as  stated  above,  it  was  not  surrendered  until  1796.  June 
lltli,  1805,  it  was  almost  totally  destroyed  by  fire.  Gen.  Wm.  Hull,  first 
governor  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  then  projected  the  city  on  a new 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


W 

plan.  On  the  18th  of  August,  1812,  this  same  Gen.  Hull  surrendered  it 
into  the  hands  of  the  British,  but  the  latter  evacuated  it  September  29th  of 
the  same  year.  In  1870  the  population  was  79,577,  and  since  then  has  rap- 
idly increased. 

Among  the  other  important  towns  and  cities  in  the  State,  are  Grand  Bap- 
ids,  Adrian,  Kalamazoo,  Ann  Arbor,  Jackson  and  Monroe. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Michigan  at  the  close  of  each 
decade,  from  1800  to  1870: 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

1800 

551 

551 

1810 

4,618 

144 

4,762 

1820 

8,591 

174 

8,765 

1830 

31,346 

293 

31,639 

1840... 

211,560 

707 

212,276 

1850 

395,071 

2,583 

397,654 

1860 

736,142 

6,799 

*749,113 

1870 

1,167,232 

11,849 

*1,184,059 

* The  above  aggregate  for  1860  includes  6,172  enumerated  as  Indians,  and  the  aggregate 
for  1870  includes  4,926  enumerated  as  Indians. 


WISCONSIN. 

Wisconsin  was  formed  out  of  a portion  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  but 
was  originally  a part  of  the  Northwestern  Territory  ceded  by  the  State  of 
Virginia  to  the  United  States.  On  the  12th  of  December,  1832,  a resolution 
passed  the  house  of  representatives  directing,  a committee  to  inquire  into  the 
expediency  of  creating  a Territorial  government  for  Wisconsin  out  of  a part 
of  Michigan.  On  the  20th  of  April,  1836,  an  act  was  passed  and  approved 
establishing  a Territorial  government.  On  the  20th  of  June,  1838,  an  act 
was  passed  and  approved  to  divide  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  and  to  estab- 
lish the  Territorial  government  of  Iowa.  June  12, 1838,  an  act  was  passed 
designating  the  boundary  line  between  the  State  of  Michigan  and  the  Terri- 
tory of  Wisconsin.  On  the  6th  of*  August,  1846,  an  act  was  passed  and 
approved  to  enable  the  people  to  form  a constitution  and  State  government. 
On  the  21st  of  January,  1847,  the  people  adopted  a constitution,  and  on  the 
3d  of  March  of  the  same  year  an  act  of  Congress  was  passed  and  approved 
for  the  admission  of  the  State  into  the  Union.  By  act  of  May  29,  1848,  the 
State  was  declared  admitted  into  the  Union,  to  be  entitle^  to  three  represen- 
tatives in  Congress  after  March  3,  1849. 

The  extreme  length  of  Wisconsin  from  north  to  south  is  about  285  miles, 
and  its  greatest  breadth  from  east  to  west  is  about  255  miles.  It  includes 
an  area  of  about  53,924  square  miles,  or  34,51 1 ,360  acres.  It  is  generally  of  an 
elevated  rolling  surface,  with  a large  proportion  of  prairie.  There  are  no 
mountains,  properly  so  called,  though  the  descent  toward  Lake  Superior  is 
quite  abrupt,  and  the  rivers  full  of  rapids  and  falls,  which  afford  valuable 
mill-sites.  The  great  lakes,  Superior  and  Michigan,  lave  the  northern  and 
eastern  borders,  besides  which  there  are  a number  of  smaller  lakes,  the  most 
important  of  which  is  Lake  Winnebago,  southeast  of  the  middle  of  the  State. 
It  is  28  miles  long  and  10  miles  wide,  and  communicates  with  Green  Bay 
through  the  Fox  or  Neenah  river.  In  the  northwestern  part  are  numerous 
small  lakes,  with  clear  water,  gravelly  or  rocky  bottoms,  and  bold  picturesque 


78 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


shores.  The  rivers  generally  flow  in  a southwest  direction  and  discharge 
their  waters  into  the  Mississippi,  which  flows  along  the  southwest  border  of 
the  State  for  more  than  200  miles.  The  most  important  interior  river  is  the 
"Wisconsin,  which  has  a course  of  about  200  miles  almost  directly  south, 
when  it  changes  its  course  westwardly,  and  flows  about  100  miles  further  to 
its  junction  with  the  Mississippi.  At  favorable  stages  it  is  navigable  for 
steamboats  180  miles.  The  Bad  Axe,  Black,  Chippewa,  and  St.  Croix  rivers 
are  important  streams  for  floating  timber  and  lumber  from  the  pine  region 
in  the  northwest  part  of  the  State.  The  streams  flowing  into  Lake  Superior 
are  small,  but  rapid,  affording  excellent  mill-sites. 

The  climate  is  severe  and  the  winters  long,  but  the  State  is  free  from  the 
unhealthy  changes  which  are  common  farther  south.  The  south  and  middle 
portions  form  a fine  agricultural  region.  Wheat  is  the  great  staple  produc- 
tion, though  all  kinds  of  small  grain  and  Indian  corn  are  raised  successfully. 
Large  portions  of  the  State  are  well  adapted  to  grazing  and  the  dairy.  The 
northern  part  of  the  State,  about  the  head- waters  of  the  Black  and  Chippewa 
rivers,  and  the  sources  of  the  rivers  emptying  into  Lake  Superior,  has  but 
limited  agricultural  capabilities,  as  in  that  region  are  many  ponds  and 
marshes,  and  also  large  quantities  of  boulders  scattered  over  the  surface. 

There  are  many  objects  of  interest  to  the  tourist  and  the  lover  of  the 
picturesque.  The  rivers  abound  in  rapids  and  falls.  In  St.  Louis  river 
there  is  a series  of  cascades  which  have  a descent  of  320  feet  in  16  miles. 
The  Menomonee  river  at  Quinnesec  Falls  dashes  down  over  a perpendicular 
ledge  of  rocks  40  feet,  and  has  a fall  of  134  feet  in  a mile  and  a half.  Among 
other  noted  falls  are  the  St.  Croix,  Chippewa  and  Big  Bull  Falls  in  the  Wis- 
consin river.  Along  the  rivers  are  many  grand  views  of  bluffs,  rising  from 
150  to  200  feet,  and  at  one  place  in  Richland  county  on  the  Wisconsin, 
where  it  passes  through  a narrow  gorge,  the  cliffs  have  an  elevation  of  from 
400  to  500  feet.  On  the  Mississippi,  in  La  Crosse  county,  the  rocks  rise 
500  feet  perpendicularly  above  the  water. 

The  great  lead  region  extends  into  the  southwestern  part  of  Wisconsin. 
The  deposit  here  is  intermingled  to  some  extent  with  copper  and  zinc, 
together  with  some  silver.  Copper  is  found  in  a number  of  places,  and  also 
some  iron  ore.  The  iron  ores  of  the  Lake  Superior  region  extend  into  Wis- 
consin. Beautiful  varieties  of  marble  are  found  on  the  Menomonee  river  and 
in  other  localities. 

On  the  upper  Wisconsin  river,  and  other  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi, 
north  of  the  Wisconsin,  are  vast  forests  of  pine,  and  immense  quantities  are 
annually  floated  down  the  Mississippi  to  supply  the  markets  in  other  States. 
Among  other  forest  trees  are  spruce,  tamarack,  cedar,  hemlock,  oak  of  sev- 
eral varieties,  birch,  aspen,  basswood,  hickory,  elm,  ash,  poplar,  sycamore  and 
sugar-maple. 

Wisconsin  was  visited  at  an  early  period  by  French  missionaries,  and  a 
settlement  was  made  in  the  latter  part  of  the  seventeenth  century. 

Madison,  the  capital  of  the  State,  is  situated  on  an  isthmus  between  Lakes 
Mendota  and  Monona,  80  miles  west  of  Milwaukee,  and  132  miles  northwest 
of  Chicago.  When  the  place  was  selected  for  the  seat  of  government  in 
1836,  there  were  no  buildings  except  a solitary  log  cabin.  The  State  capitol 
is  a fine  looking  stone  building  erected  at  a cost  of  $500,000,  and  stands  on 
an  elevation  seventy  feet  above  the  lakes.  The  city  overlooks  a charming 
country,  diversified  by  a pleasing  variety  of  scenery.  It  has  steadily  and 
rapidly  increased  in  population. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


79 


The  great  city  of  Wisconsin  is  Milwaukee  (called  at  an  early  day  “ Mil- 
wacky  ”)  and  next  to  Chicago  may  be  regarded  as  the  commercial  metropolis 
of  the  Northwest.  It  is  situated  on  the  west  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  about 
90  miles  north  of  Chicago.  Milwaukee  river  empties  into  the  lake  at  this 
point.  The  city  is  situated  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  and  has  one  of  the 
best  harbors  on  the  whole  chain  of  lakes.  The  fine  water  power  of  the  Mil- 
waukee river  is  an  important  element  in  its  prosperity.  Being  a port  of 
entry,  the  government  has  expended  large  sums  in  the  improvements  of  its 
harbor,  and  in  the  erection  of  public  buildings. 

In  1805  Jacques  Yieau,  a half-breed  trader  whose  house  was  at  Green 
Bay,  visited  the  country  at  the  mouth  of  the  Milwaukee  river  for  the  pur- 
pose of  trading  with  the  Indians.  This  he  did  annually  until  in  September, 
1818,  when  he  brought  with  him  a young  man  named  Solomon  Juneau,  who 
became  his  son-in-law.  The  young  man  established  friendly  relations  with 
the  Indians,  and  in  1822  erected  a block-house  on  the  site  of  the  present  city 
of  Milwaukee.  He  remained  for  18  years  the  only  permanent  white  resi- 
dent, being  visited  occasionally  by  fur  traders  to  whom  he  sold  goods.  In 
1836,  the  village  which  has  grown  to  be  a large  city,  began  to  appear.  Jun- 
eau died  in  1856,  at  the  age  of  64  years,  having  lived  to  see  the  place  he 
founded  grow  to  a prosperous  and  flourishing  city.  In  1836  the  population 
was  275;  in  1840,  it  was  1810;  in  1850,  it  was  19,873;  in  I860,  it  was  45,286; 
in  1870,  it  was  71,640;  and  at  the  present  time  (1878)  it  is  estimated  at  123,- 
000. 

Among  other  important  towns  and  cities  of  Wisconsin  are  Bacine,  Janes- 
ville, Oshkosh,  Fond  du  Lac,  Watertown,  Sheboygan,  Beliot,  Kenosha,  La 
Crosse,  Wauwatosa,  Manitowoc,  Portage  City,  Platteville,  Sheboygan  Falls, 
Beaver  Dam,  Whitewater,  Port  Washington,  Green  Bay,  Mineral  Point, 
Shullsburg,  Monroe,  Prescott,  and  Hudson. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Wisconsin  at  the  close  of  each 
decade  from  1800  to  1870: 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

1800 

115 

115 

1810... 

1820 

1830 

1840 

30,749 

304,756 

773,693 

1,051,351 

’i96 

635 

1,171 

2,113 

30.945 

305,391 

*775,881 

*1,054,670 

1850 

I860 

1870 

* The  above  aggregate  for  1860  includes  1017  enumerated  as  Indians,  and  the  aggregate 
for  1870  includes  1206  enumerated  as  Indians. 


MINNESOTA. 

The  eastern  portion  of  Minnesota  formed  a part  of  the  territory  surrendered 
by  the  French  to  Great  Britain  at  the  peace  of  1763,  and  subsequently  by 
the  latter  to  the  United  States  at  the  close  of  the  Revolution.  The  western 
portion  is  a part  of  the  territory  known  as  the  Louisiana  Purchase,  ceded  by 
France  to  the  United  States  in  1803.  It  received  a Territorial  form  of  gov- 
ernment under  an  act  of  Congress  which  became  a law  March  3,  1849,  and 
was  admitted  into  the  Union  as  a State  May  11,  1853. 

The  extreme  length  of  Minnesota  north  and  south  is  about  380  miles,  and 


80 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


in  width  is  about  300  miles.  It  embraces  an  area  of  81,259  square  miles,  or 
52,005,760  acres.  The  face  of  the  country  generally  presents  the  appearance 
of  an  undulating  plain,  although  it  is  the  most  elevated  tract  of  country 
between  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  Hudson’s  Bay.  There  are  no  mountains, 
hut  the  summits  of  the  water-sheds  rise  to  a height  of  nearly  two  thousand 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

Minnesota  is  one  of  the  best  watered  States  in  the  Union,  being  drained  by 
many  rivers  and  dotted  over  with  innumerable  small  lakes  and  some  of  con- 
siderable size.  The  great  Mississippi  has  its  humble  origin  as  a mere  rivulet 
in  Lake  Itasca.  This  diminutive  stream,  here  but  a few  feet  in  width,  first 
meanders  in  a northeasterly  direction,  receiving  tribute  as  it  passes  from  a 
number  of  other  small  lakes,  when  it  changes  its  course  to  the  south,  and 
after  meandering  a length  of  six  hundred  miles  in  Minnesota,  dashes  its 
waters  down  over  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  then  flows  along  the  border  of 
the  State  two  hundred  miles  further,  and  thence  grandly  pursues  its  course 
to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Several  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi  drain  the 
southeastern  portion  of  the  State.  The  Red  River  of  the  North  drains  the 
northern  part,  passing  olf  into  Hudson’s  Bay.  It  is  the  outlet  of  a number 
of  lakes,  among  which  are  Traverse,  Otter  Tail,  and  Red.  This  river  also 
forms  the  west  boundary  of  the  State  for  about  two  hundred  miles.  That 
portion  of  the  State  sloping  toward  Lake  Superior  is  drained  by  the  St.  Louis 
and  its  tributaries.  St.  Peters,  or  Minnesota  river,  has  a total  length  of 
over  four  hundred  miles  within  the  State.  Its  principal  branch  is  Blue 
Earth  or  Mankato  river,  which  flows  nearly  north.  The  St.  Peters,  Crow- 
Wing  and  Crow  rivers  are  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi  from  the  west. 

Lake  Superior  forms  a part  of  the  eastern  boundary,  and  the  Lake  of  the 
Woods  a part  of  the  northern.  Among  other  lakes  of  considerable  size  are 
Rainy,  Red  Lake,  Lake  Cass,  and  Leech  Lake.  Devil  Lake  in  the  north- 
west part  is  about  40  miles  long  and  15  miles  wide,  and  is  said  to  have  no 
visible  outlet.  Lake  Pepin  is  an  expansion  of  the  Mississippi  in  the  north- 
eastern part  of  the  State,  and  is  a beautiful  sheet  of  water.  The  State  abounds 
in  small  lakes  which  are  mostly  clear  and  beautiful.  Owing  to  the  multitude 
of  lakes  Minnesota  seldom  suffers  from  inundations,  as  they  tend  to  check 
the  sudden  rise  and  violence  of  the  streams. 

The  climate  of  the  northern  part  of  Minnesota  is  severe,  but  in  the 
southern  part  is  not  so  rigorous  as  to  prevent  fair  crops  of  Indian  corn  from 
being  produced  some  seasons.  Wheat  and  other  winter  grains  succeed  ad- 
mirably in  nearly  all  parts.  In  the  valleys  of  the  rivers  the  soil  is  excellent, 
and  even  the  valley  of  the  Red  River  of  the  North  is  regarded  as  a fine 
agricultural  region.  Wheat  is  the  great  staple  and  the  facilities  for  manu- 
facturing flour  are  unsurpassed,  as  the  water  power  is  practically  unlimited. 

A portion  of  the  State  is  heavily  timbered  with  pine,  and  one  of  the  great 
industries  is  the  manufacture  of  lumber.  Extensive  forests  of  pine  grow  on 
the  Rum,  St.  Croix,  and  Pine  rivers,  and  on  the  shores  of  the  Mississipju,- 
below  Pokegamin  Falls.  Taken,  as  a whole,  however,  Minnesota  cannot  be 
called  a well-wooded  country.  The  river  bottoms  furnish  some  very  good 
growths  of  oak,  aspen,  soft  maple,  basswood,  asli,  birch,  white  walnut,  linden 
and  elm.  In  the  swamps  or  marshy  places  are  found  tamarack,  cedar,  and 
cypress. 

Minnesota  presents  to  the  tourist  many  natural  objects  of  interest,  especially 
in  her  grand  and  beautiful  scenery  along  the  Mississippi  and  around  her  lakes. 
St.  Anthony’s  Falls  are  celebrated,  not  so  much  for  their  magnitude  as  a 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


81 


cataract,  as  for  their  geological  interest  and  the  wild  scenery  connected  with 
them.  Like  Niagara,  the  falls  are  divided  by  an  island,  with  the  larger 
volume  of  water  passing  on  the  west  side.  This  west  division  is  310 
yards  wide.  The  greatest  perpendicular  fall  of  water  is  but  1 6^  feet,  but  in- 
cluding the  rapids  the  descent  is  58  feet  in  260  rods.  The  rivers  of  Minne- 
sota have  numerous  picturesque  falls  and  rapids,  and  are  in  many  places 
bordered  with  perpendicular  bluffs  of  limestone  and  sandstone. 

So  far  as  revealed  by  geological  examination,  Minnesota  possesses  no 
great  mineral  or  metallic  wealth.  There  is,  however,  a rich  deposit  of  iron 
ore  in  that  part  of  the  State  bordering  on  Lake  Superior.  A thin  vein  of 
lead  was  discovered  by  the  geological  corps  of  Prof.  Owen  on  Waraju  river, 
and  some  copper  was  found,  but  not  “ in  place,”  having  probably  been  car- 
ried thither  by  the  drift.  Stone  suitable  for  building  purposes  exists  in 
great  abundance.  In  the  southwest  part  of  the  State  is  a singular  deposit 
known  as  “ red  pipestone.”  Of  this  the  Indians  made  their  pipes,  and  the 
place  of  its  deposit  was  held  in  great  sacredness  by  them.  It  is  said  that 
different  tribes  at  enmity  with  each  other,  met  here  on  terms  of  amity  and 
smoked  the  pipe  of  peace.  Longfellow  has  rendered  this  locality  celebrated 
in  “ Hiawatha.”  It  was  here — 

“ On  the  Mountains  of  the  Prairie, 

On  the  great  Red  Pipe-stone  Quarry, 

Gitche  Manito,  the  mighty, 

He  the  Master  of  Life,  descending, 

On  the  red  crags  of  the  quarry. 

Stood  erect,  and  called  the  nations, 

Called  the  tribes  of  men  together.” 

The  first  white  men  who  are  said  to  have  visited  the  country  now  embraced 
in  Minnesota,  were  two  fur  traders  in  the  year  1654.  They  returned  to  Mon- 
treal two  years  afterward  and  gave  a glowing  account  of  the  country.  This 
was  followed  by  the  visits  of  trappers  and  missionaries,  and  to  the  latter  we 
are  indebted  for  the  first  printed  accounts  of  Minnesota.  In  1805  an  explor- 
ing expedition  under  Pike  traversed  the  country.  A military  post  was 
established  at  Fort  Snelling  in  1819.  Excepting  a British  settlement  at 
Pembina,  which  was  not  then  known  to  be  within  the  limits  of  the  United 
States,  no  settlements  were  formed  in  Minnesota  until  after  1840. 

St.  Paul,  the  capital  of  Minnesota,  is  in  Pamsey  county,  on  the  bank  of 
the  Mississippi,  2070  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  9 miles  by  land  below  the 
Falls  of  St.  Anthony.  The  first  settlement  was  made  about  the  year  1840. 
The  population  has  increased  rapidly,  and  as  a manufacturing,  commercial 
and  business  place  it  has  assumed  considerable  importance.  Minneapolis,  a 
few  miles  above  St.  Paul,  is  a rapidly  growing  city,  and  is  noted  for  its 
great  water  power  and  manufacturing  resources.  Among  other  important 
towns  are  Stillwater,  Red  Wing,  St.  Anthony,  Fort  Snelling,  and  Mankato. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Minnesota  at  the  close  of  each 
decade  from  1850  to  1870: 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

1850 

6,038 

39 

6,077 

1860 

169,395 

259 

*172,023 

1870 

438,257 

759 

*439,706 

* The  above  aggregate  for  1860  includes  2369  enumerated  as  Indians,  and  the  aggregate 
for  1870  includes  690  enumerated  as  Indians. 

6 


82 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


NEBRASKA. 

Nebraska  is  formed  out  of  a part  of  the  territory  ceded  to  the  United 
States  by  France  by  the  treaty  of  April  30,  1804.  It  was  erected  into  a 
separate  Territory  May  30,  1854,  the  limits  subsequently  being  greatly 
reduced  by  the  formation  of  Dakota  Territory  in  1861,  a right  reserved  in 
the  act  creating  the  Territory  of  Nebraska.  It  was  admitted  into  the  Union 
as  a State,  March  1,  186T. 

Nebraska  is  in  its  extreme  length  from  east  to  west  about  412  miles,  and 
in  breadth  from  north  to  south  about  208  miles,  embracing  an  area  of  75,905 
square  miles,  or  48,336,800  acres.  The  greater  portion  of  the  State  is  an 
elevated  undulating  prairie  with  a general  inclination  toward  the  Missouri 
river.  There  are  no  mountains  or  very  high  hills.  The  soil  is  various,  but 
generally  fertile,  except  in  the  western  portion  near  the  base  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  The  bottom  lands  along  the  rivers  are  not  surpassed  in  fertility 
by  any  in  the  United  States,  while  the  higher  undulating  prairie  is  equally 
productive  with  that  of  other  western  States.  When  the  prairies  are  once 
broken  they  are  easy  of  cultivation,  the  soil  being  light  and  mellow.  The 
staple  productions  are  wheat,  Indian  corn,  oats,  and  other  cereals  common 
to  the  latitude.  The  climate  is  mild,  as  compared  with  that  of  the  same 
latitude  on  the  Atlantic.  The  summers  are  sometimes  very  warm,  and  the 
extreme  western  part  is  occasionally  deficient  in  rain.  Taken  as  a whole, 
however,  this  is  destined  to  become  one  of  the  foremost  agricultural  States 
in  the  Union. 

Nebraska  is  deficient  in  native  timber,  but  the  older  settled  portions  are 
dotted  over  with  groves  of  artificial  or  cultivated  timber,  which  is  so  rapid 
in  its  growth  as  to  require  but  a few  years  to  produce  enough  for  the  ordinary 
wants  of  the  settler.  The  rivers  and  streams  aie  generally  bordered  with 
groves  of  native  trees,  including  oak,  walnut,  hickory,  cottonwood  and  willow. 
Along  the  Missouri  river  in  places  are  some  heavy  growths  of  cottonwood. 

The  Missouri  river  forms  the  entire  eastern  boundary,  and  is  navigable 
for  steamboats  throughout  the  whole  extent  of  that  boundary  and  for  hun- 
dreds of  miles  above.  Among  the  important  interior  rivers  are  the  Platte, 
the  Niobrara,  the  Republican  Fork  of  the  Kansas,  the  Elkhorn,  the  Loup 
Fork  of  the  Platte,  the  Big  Blue  and  the  Nemaha.  These  rivers  are  so  dis- 
tributed, as,  with  their  numerous  tributaries,  to  afford  admirable  drainage  to 
all  parts  of  the  State,  and  as  a consequence  it  is  free  from  marshes,  conduc- 
ing to  the  excellent  health  for  which  Nebraska  is  noted. 

So  far  as  yet  revealed,  the  State  is  not  rich  in  minerals.  Coal,  however, 
has  recently  been  discovered  in  the  southeastern  part,  in  a vein  sufficiently 
thick  for  mining.  Near  Lincoln  are  some  salt  springs  of  sufficient  magni- 
tude to  yield  large  quantities  of  salt.  On  Platte  river  and  other  streams 
both  limestone  and  sandstone  are  obtained  of  suitable  quality  for  building 
material. 

Rapid  progress  has  been  made  in  the  construction  of  railroads  in  Nebraska. 
Among  them  are  the  Union  Pacific  and  its  branches,  the  Burlington  & Mis- 
souri River  and  its  branches,  and  others,  affording  railroad  advantages  to  a 
large  portion  of  the  State,  and  connecting  the  principal  towns  with  the 
main  lines,  east,  west  and  south. 

Lincoln,  the  capital  of  Nebraska,  is  in  Lancaster  county,  in  the  southeast- 
ern part  of  the  State.  Here  are  most  of  the  State  institutions.  It  is  a 
thriving  young  city  and  is  in  the  midst  of  a fine  agricultural  portion  of  the 
State.  Near  it,  on  a little  stream  known  as  Salt  Creek,  are  a number  of 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


83 


salt  springs,  and  considerable  quantities  of  salt  have  been  manufactured. 
Railroads  connect  it  with  all  tbe  great  markets  of  tbe  country. 

Omaha  is  the  leading  commercial  city  of  the  State,  and  is  located  on  the 
west  bank  of  the  Missouri  river  in  Douglas  county.  It  is  18  miles  by  land 
above  the  mouth  of  the  Platte  river.  The  principal  portion  of  the  city  is 
situated  on  gently  rising  slopes  extending  from  the  river  to  the  bluffs.  The 
elevations  are  crowned  with  fine  residences,  and  command  pleasant  views  of 
the  river  and  valley,  with  the  city  of  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  in  the  distance. 
Since  the  completion  of  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  it  has  grown  in  popula- 
tion and  wealth  very  rapidly.  A costly  iron  railroad  bridge  spans  the  Mis- 
souri river  at  this  point.  As  a produce,  shipping  and  general  commercial 
point  it  is  rapidly  growing  into  prominence.  It  was  the  first  capital  of  the 
Territory  and  State,  and  takes  its  name  from  a tribe  of  Indians. 

Among  other  important  towns  and  cities  are  Nebraska  City,  Columbus, 
Kearney,  Grand  Island,  Hastings,  Plattsmouth,  Tecumseh,  and  Niobrara. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Nebraska  by  the  census  of 
1860  and  1870: 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

J860  

28,696 

122,117 

82 

789 

28,841 

122,993 

1870  

In  the  aggregate  for  1860,  the  enumeration  includes  63  Indians,  and  in  that  of  1870,  the 
enumeration  includes  87  Indians. 


MISSOURI. 

Missouri  was  formed  out  of  a part  of  the  territory  ceded  by  France  to  the 
United  States  in  1803.  By  an  act  approved  March  26th,  1804,  the  French, 
or  Louisiana  purchase,  was  divided,  that  part  embracing  the  present  State 
of  Missouri  being  at  first  designated  as  the  District  of  Louisiana.  The 
name  was  changed  to  Territory  of  Louisiana,  by  an  act  passed  March  3d, 
1805,  and  again  by  an  act  of  June  4,  1812,  Louisiana  Territory  was  changed 
to  Missouri  Territory.  By  an  act  passed  March  2,  1819,  the  southern  por- 
tion was  detached  and  organized  as  the  Territory  of  Arkansas.  During  the 
same  year  the  people  of  the  Territory  of  Missouri,  through  their  Legislative 
Council  and  House  of  Representatives,  memorialized  Congress  for  admis- 
sion into  the  Union  as  a State.  On  the  6th  of  March  following  an  act  was 
passed  to  authorize  the  people  of  the  Territory  to  form  a State  constitution. 
Missouri  being  the  first  State  formed  wholly  out  of  territory  west  of  the 
Mississippi,  the  question  of  the  extension  of  slavery  came  up  and  gave 
rise  to  a stormy  debate  in  Congress  while  the  Missouri  bill,  as  it  was 
called,  was  pending.  The  propriety  and  expediency  of  extending  that  in- 
stitution to  the  new  States  west  of  the  Mississippi,  was  powerfully  and  earn- 
estly contested,  and  resulted  in  a compromise  restricting  slavery  to  certain 
limits,  and  prohibiting  the  extension  of  slavery  to  certain  territory.  The 
bill,  however,  of  March  6th,  passed  without  restrictions.  The  people  on  the 
19th  of  July,  1820,  adopted  their  constitution,  which  was  laid  before  Con- 
gress November  16th  of  the  same  year.  The  Senate  passed  a joint  resolu- 
tion declaring  the  admission  of  the  State  of  Missouri  into  the  Union.  This 
was  referred  to  a select  committee  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  on 


84 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


the  10th  of  February,  3821,  Mr.  Clay  made  a report.  The  House  rejected 
the  resolution,  and  on  motion  of  Mr.  Clay,  a committee  on  the  part  of  the 
House  was  appointed  to  join  a committee  on  the  part  of  the  Senate  to  con- 
sider the  subject  and  report.  On  the  26th  of  February,  Mr.  Clay,  from  the 
joint  committee,  reported  a “ Resolution  providing  for  the  admission  of  the 
State  of  Missouri  into  the  Union,  on  a certain  condition.”  This  resolution 
was  passed  and  approved,  March  2,  1821.  The  condition  was  that  Missouri, 
by  its  legislature,  should  assent  to  a condition  that  a part  of  the  State  con- 
stitution should  never  be  construed  to  authorize  the  passage  of  a law  by 
which  any  citizen  of  either  of  the  States  in  the  Union  should  be  excluded 
from  the  enjoyment  of  any  of  the  priviliges  and  immunities  to  which  such 
citizen  is  entitled  under  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  AVhat  was 
known  as  the  “ Missouri  Compromise,”  was  embraced  in  the  act  of  the  pre- 
vious session,  which  authorized  the  people  of  the  State  of  Missouri  to  form  a 
State  constitution,  and  consisted  of  a compromise  section  in  the  bill  by  which 
slavery  was  to  be  forever  prohibited  in  that  part  of  the  territory  west  of  the 
Mississippi  (except  the  State  of  Missouri),  lying  north  of  thirty-six  degrees 
and  thirty  minutes  north  latitude.  Thus,  after  fierce  and  stormy  debates, 
running  through  two  sessions  of  Congress,  Missouri  came  into  the  Union, 
and  the  exciting  question  of  slavery  was  supposed  also  to  have  been  settled. 
On  the  10th  of  August,  1821,  President  Monroe  issued  his  proclamation 
declaring  the  admission  of  Missouri  completed,  according  to  law. 

Missouri  in  its  greatest  length  from  east  to  west  is  about  285  miles,  and 
in  width  from  north  to  south,  280  miles.  It  embraces  an  area  of  67,380 
square  miles,  or  43,123,200  acres.  That  portion  of  it  north  of  the  Missouri 
ri  ver  is  mostly  undulating  prairie  and  timber  land,  while  that  portion  south 
of  the  Missouri  river  is  characterized  by  a great  variety  of  surface.  In  the 
southeast  part,  near  the  Mississippi,  is  an  extensive  area  of  marshy  land. 
The  region  forming  the  outskirts  of  the  Ozark  Mountains  is  hilly  and  bro- 
ken. West  of  the  Osage  river  is  a vast  expanse  of  prairie.  The  geological 
features  of  Missouri  are  exceedingly  interesting.  Coal,  iron  and  several 
kinds  of  stone  and  marble  for  building  purposes  exist  in  great  abundance. 
A vast  region,  in  the  vicinity  of  Iron  Mountain  and  Pilot  Knob,  produces 
iron  of  the  best  quality,  and  exists  in  inexhaustible  quantity.  It  • is  also 
found  in  other  parts  of  the  State.  There  is  also  lead,  which  has  been  mined 
in  considerable  quantities.  Copper  is  found  throughout  the  mineral  region, 
but  is  found  combined  with  other  minerals.  Silver  is  also  combined  with 
the  lead  ore.  The  bituminous  coal  deposits  are  mainly  on  both  sides  of  the 
Missouri  river,  below  the  mouth  of  the  Osage,  and  extending  forty  miles  up 
that  river.  Cannel-coal  is  found  in  Calla^vay  county. 

Missouri  possesses  the  advantages  of  two  of  the  greatest  navigable  rivers  in 
the  United  States — the  Mississippi,  which  forms  her  entire  eastern  boundary, 
and  the  Missouri,  which  flows  along  her  northwestern  border  nearly  two 
hundred  miles,  and  crosses  the  State  in  a south-easterly  course  to  its  junc- 
tion with  the  Mississippi.  As  both  of  these  rivers  are  navigable  for  the 
largest  steamers,  the  State  has  easy  and  ready  commercial  intercourse  to  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico  and  the  Rocky  Mountains,  as  well  as  up  the  Ohio  to  Pitts- 
burg. Besides  the  Missouri,  the  State  lias  several  important  interior  rivers, 
to-wit : Grand  river  and  Chariton,  tributaries  of  the  Missouri  river  from 
the  north,  and  the  Osage  and  Gasconade  from  the  south  ; also,  Salt  river  and 
Maramec,  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi.  The  St.  Francis  and  White  river 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


85 


drain  the  southeastern  part,  passing  from  the  State  into  Arkansas.  The 
Osage  is  navigable  for  steamboats  about  275  miles. 

Missouri  as  a State  has  many  material  resources,  fitting  her  for  becoming 
one  of  the  most  wealthy  and  populous  States  in  the  Union.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally excellent,  producing  the  finest  crops,  while  those  portions  not  so  well 
adapted  to  agriculture  are  rich  in  minerals.  The  greater  portion  of  the  State 
is  well  timbered.  In  the  river  bottoms  are  heavy  growths  of  oak,  elm, 
ash,  hickory,  cottonwood,  sugar,  and  white  and  black  walnut.  On  the 
uplands  also  are  found  a great  variety  of  trees.  Various  fruits,  including 
apples,  pears,  peaches,  plums,  cherries  and  strawberries,  are  produced  in  the 
greatest  abundance.  Among  the  staple  productions  are  Indian  corn,  wheat, 
oats,  potatoes,  hemp  and  tobacco.  A great  variety  of  other  crops  are  also 
raised. 

The  State  has  an  uneven  aud  variable  climate — the  winters  being  very  cold 
and  the  summers  excessively  hot.  Chills  and  fever  are  common  to  some 
extent  along  the  rivers. 

The  earliest  settlement  in  Missouri  seems  to  have  been  by  the  French,  about 
the  year  1719.  About  that  time  they  built  what  was  called  Fort  Orleans, 
near  Jefferson  City,  and  the  next  year  worked  the  lead  mines  to  some  extent. 
Ste.  Genevieve  was  settled  in  1755,  also  by  the  French,  and  is  the  oldest  town 
in  the  State.  Missouri’s  greatest  commercial  metropolis,  St.  Louis,  was  first 
settled  in  1764,  the  earliest  settlers  being  mostly  French. 

Jefferson  City,  the  capital  of  the  State,  is  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
Missouri  river,  in  Cole  county.  It  is  128  miles  by  land,  and  155  miles  by 
water  from  St.  Louis.  The  location  being  elevated,  commands  a fine  view 
of  the  river,  with  the  pleasant  and  picturesque  scenery  which  is  presented  at 
this  point  on  the  Missouri. 

St.  Louis,  the  great  commercial  city  of  Missouri,  as  well  as  of  a large  por- 
tion of  the  Northwest,  is  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Mississippi, 
twenty  miles  below  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri,  and  174  above  the  mouth  of 
the  Ohio.  It  is  744  miles  below  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  and  1194  miles 
above  New  Orleans.  The  city  enjoys  many  natural  advantages  as  a com- 
mercial emporium,  being  situated  nearly  midway  between  the  two  oceans, 
and  centrally  in  the  finest  agricultural  region  on  the  globe.  With  the 
greatest  navigable  river  on  the  continent,  affording  her  a water  highway  to 
the  ocean,  and  to  many  of  the  large  inland  cities  of  the  country,  St.  Louis  is 
rapidly  and  surely  going  forward  to  a grand  future.  Her  already  great  and 
constantly  improving  system  of  railways,  is  tending  every  year  to  open  up  to 
her  larger  fields  of  business  and  commercial  intercourse.  Of  late  years  a 
strong  rivalry  has  sprung  up  between  St.  Louis  and  Chicago,  in  regard  to 
population,  etc.,  each  claiming  to  be  the  third  city  in  the  Union.  The  in- 
crease of  St.  Louis  since  the  war  has  been  great,  the  ascendency  being  at  an 
annual  rate  of  about  ten  per  cent.  At  this  increase  she  is  fast  earning  the 
soubriquet  of  the  “ Future  Great  City.” 

The  site  on  which  St.  Louis  stands  was  selected  February  15th,  1764,  by 
Laclede,  as  a post  possessing  peculiar  advantages  for  collecting  and  trading 
in  furs,  as  well  as  for  defense  against  the  Indians.  For  many  years  it  was 
but  a frontier  village,  the  principal  trade  of  which  was  in  furs,  buffalo  robes, 
and  other  collections  of  trappers  and  hunters.  A great  part  of  the  popula- 
tion was  absent  during  the  hunting  and  trapping  seasons,  so  that  the  in- 
fancy of  this  city  was  almost  a struggle  for  existence.  As  late  as  1820,  the 
population  was  but  4,598.  The  first  brick  house  was  erected  in  1813.  In 


86 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


1822,  St.  Louis  was  chartered  as  a city,  under  the  title  given  by  Laclede  in 
in  honor  of  Louis  XV  of  France.  In  1830  the  population  was  6,694,  an 
increase  of  only  2,096  in  ten  years.  In  1840  the  population  had  reached 
16,469;  in  1850  it  was  77,950,  including  2,650  slaves;  in  1860  the  2>opula- 
tion  was  160,773  ; and  in  1870  it  was  312,963. 

Kansas  City,  one  of  the  rapidly  advancing  young  cities  of  the  State,  is 
situated  on  the  Missouri  river  just  below  the  mouth  of  the  Kansas.  In 
1870  the  population  was  32,260.  Since  that  time  there  has  been  a rapid  in- 
crease, both  in  population  and  business. 

St.  Joseph  is  one  of  the  flourishing  cities,  and  is  situated  on  the  left,  or 
east  bank  of  the  Missouri  river,  496  miles  by  water  from  St.  Louis.  It  was 
laid  out  in  1843,  and  became  an  important  point  of  departure  for  overland 
emigration  to  California  and  Oregon.  In  1870  the  population  was  19,560, 
but  has  rapidly  increased  since  then. 

Among  the  important  and  thriving  towns  and  cities  are  Hannibal,  Spring- 
field,  Boonville,  Lexington,  Chillicothe,  Independence,  Palmyra,  Canton, 
Iron  Mount  and  Moberly. 

The  following  table  shows  the  population  of  Missouri  at  the  close  of  each 
decade,  from  1810  to  1870  : 


YEAR. 

WHITE. 

COLORED. 

AGGREGATE. 

1810 

17,227 

3,618 

20,845 

1820 

55,988 

10,569 

66,557 

1830 

114,795 

25,660 

140,455 

1840 

323,888 

59,814 

383,702 

1850 

592,004 

90,040 

682,044 

1860 

1,063,489 

118,503 

*1,182,012 

1870 

1,603,146 

118.071 

*1,721,295 

* The  aggregate  for  1860  includes  20  enumerated  as  Indians,  and  the  aggregate  for  1870 
includes  75  enumerated  as  Indians. 


EXPEDITION  OF  LEWIS  AND  CLARKE. 


Organization  of  Exploring  Party — Departure — Osage  Indians — Strange  Tradition  of  the  Ori- 
gin of  the  Osage  Nation — The  Missouris — Old  French  Fort — Artificial  Mounds — The  Ot- 
toes  and  Pawnees — Indian  Graves — The  Ayauway  Indians — Council  with  Indians  at  Coun- 
cil Bluffs — Little  Sioux  River— Death  of  Sergeant  Floyd — Great  Sioux  River — Red  Pipe- 
stone Quarries — Buffalo  and  other  Animals — Mountain  of  the  Little  Spirits — Council  with 
the  Sioux — Indian  Idols — The  Mandans — Winter  Quarters — White  and  Brown  Bears — 
Antelopes — Black  Hills — First  View  of  Rocky  Mountains — Natural  Scenery — The  Great 
Falls  of  the  Missouri — Shoshones — Sources  of  the  Missouri — Columbia  River — The  Tush- 
epaws — Short  of  Provisions — Pierced-Nose  Indians — Down  Lewis  River — The  Sokulks — 
Great  Falls  of  the  Columbia-— The  Echeloots — Wooden  Houses — Fingers  as  War  Tro- 
pies  — Sight  of  the  Pacific — Fort  Clatsop — Return — Arrival  at  St.  Louis. 

In  January,  1803,  President  Jefferson,  in  a confidential  message  to  Con- 
gress in  regard  to  Indian  affairs,  took  occasion  to  recommend,  among  other 
things,  the  organization  of  a party  to  trace  the  Missouri  river  to  its  source, 
and  thence  proceed  to  the  Pacific  ocean.  The  recommendation  was  favor- 
ably considered,  and  Capt.  Merri wether  Lewis,  was,  on  his  own  application, 
appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  expedition.  Wm.  Clarke  was  subsequently 
associated  with  him,  so  that  this  celebrated  expedition  is  known  in  our  his- 
tory as  that  of  Lewis  and  Clarke.  The  incidents  of  this  long,  tedious,  and 
romantic  journey  are  worthy  to  be  related  as  among  the  most  interesting 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


87 


in  the  annals  of  American  adventure.  At  that  time  all  that  vast  region 
bordering  on  the  Upper  Missouri  and  its  tributaries,  as  well  as  the  regions 
bordering  on  the  Pacific,  were  unknown  and  unexplored  by  white  men.  By 
the  latter  part  of  the  year  1803  the  party  comprising  the  expedition  was 
made  up  and  ready  to  start.  The  highest  settlement  of  whites  on  the  Mis- 
souri river  at  that  time  w7as  at  a place  called  La  Charrette,  sixty-eight  miles 
above  the  mouth.  At  this  place  it  had  been  the  design  of  Capt.  Lewis  to 
winter,  but  the  Spanish  authorities  of  Louisiana  had  not  yet  received  official 
information  of  the  transfer  of  the  country  to  the  United  States.  For  this 
reason  the  party  remained  in  winter  quarters  at  the  mouth  of  Wood  river, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  Mississippi. 

Besides  Captains  Lewis  and  Clarke,  the  party  was  made  up  nine  young 
men  from  Kentucky,  twelve  soldiers  of  the  regular  army,  two  Frenchmen 
as  watermen  and  interpreters,  and  a colored  servant  belonging  to  Captain 
Clarke — twenty-six  persons  in  all.  A corporal,  six  soldiers  and  nine  water- 
men, in  addition  to  the  above,  were  engaged  to  accompany  the  expedition  as 
far  as  the  country  of  the  Mandans,  as  there  was  some  apprehension  of  at- 
tacks by  the  Indians  between  Wood  river  and  that  tribe. 

Three  boats  were  provided  for  the  expedition.  The  largest  was  a keel- 
boat,  fifty -five  feet  long,  drawing  three  feet  of  water,  carrying  one  large 
square  sail,  and  twenty-two  oars.  The  other  two  were  open  boats,  one  of 
six,  and  the  other  of  seven  oars. 

The  expedition  started  from  the  encampment  at  the  mouth  of  Wood 
river  on  Monday,  May  14,  1804.  Captain  Lewis,  who  was  at  that  time  in 
St.  Louis,  joined  the  expedition  at  St.  Charles,  twenty-one  miles  up  the 
Missouri,  which  place  they  reached  on  the  16th.  Here  they  remained  until 
the  21st,  when  they  proceeded  on  their  voyage,  reaching  La  Charrette,  the 
last  white  settlement,  on  the  evening  of  the  25th.  The  village  consisted  of 
but  seven  poor  families.  On  the  1st  of  June  they  arrived  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Osage,  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  miles  on  their  journey.  The  coun- 
try bordering  on  this  river  was  inhabited  by  a tribe  known  as  the  Osage 
Indians.  They  had  a remarkable  tradition  among  them  as  to  the  origin  of 
their  nation.  They  believed  that  its  founder  was  a snail  passing  a quiet  ex- 
istence along  the  banks  of  the  Osage,  till  a flood  swept  him  down  to  the  Mis- 
souri and  there  left  him  exposed  on  the  shore.  By  the  heat  of  the  sun  he 
was  changed  to  a man.  The  change,  however,  did  not  cause  him  to  forget 
his  native  place  away  up  on  the  banks  of  the  Osage,  and  he  immediately 
sought  his  old  home.  Being  overtaken  with  hunger  and  fatigue,  the  Great 
Spirit  appeared,  gave  him  a bow  and  arrow7,  and  taught  him  to  kill  deer  and 
prepare  its  flesh  for  food  and  its  skin  for  clothing.  When  he  arrived  at  his 
original  place  of  residence  he  was  met  by  a beaver,  who  inquired  who  he 
was,  and  by  what  authority  he  came  to  disturb  his  possession.  The  Osage 
replied  that  he  had  once  lived  on  the  borders  of  that  river  and  that  it  was 
his  own  home.  While  they  were  disputing  the  daughter  of  the  beaver  ap- 
peared, and  entreated  her  father  to  be  reconciled  to  the  young  stranger.  The 
father  yielded  to  her  entreaties,  and  the  Osage  soon  married  the  beaver’s 
daughter.  They  lived  happily  on  the  banks  of  the  Osage,  and  from  them  soon 
came  the  villages  and  nation  of  the  Osages.  Ever  since  they  entertained  a 
pious  reverence  for  their  ancestors,  never  killing  a beaver,  for  by  so  doing  they 
would  slay  a brother.  It  has  been  observed,  however,  that  after  the  opening 
of  the  fur  trade  with  the  whites,  the  sanctity  of  their  maternal  relations  was 
very  much  reduced. 


88 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


The  next  tribe  mentioned  by  the  explorers  was  that  of  the  Missouris,  once 
a powerful  nation,  but  then  reduced  to  about  thirty  families.  They  finally 
united  with  the  Osages  and  the  Ottoes,  and  as  a separate  nation  became  ex- 
tinct. The  Sauks,  Ayauways  (Iowas),  and  the  Sioux  are  mentioned  as  being 
the  enemies  of  the  Osages,  and  as  making  frequent  excursions  against  them. 
On  the  26tli  of  June  they  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kansas,  340  miles 
from  the  Mississippi,  where  they  remained  two  days  for  rest  and  repairs. 
Here  resided  the  tribe  of  Indians  of  the  same  name,  and  had  two  villages 
not  far  from  the  mouth  of  the  river.  This  tribe  at  that  time  had  been  re- 
duced by  the  Sauks  and  Ayauways  to  only  about  three  hundred  men.  The 
party  at  this  stage  of  their  journey,  saw  numerous  buffalo  on  the  prairies. 
On  the  2d  of  July  the  party  passed  Bear  Medicine  Island,  near  which  were 
the  remains  of  an  old  fort,  built  by  the  French,  the  ruins  of  the  chimneys 
and  the  general  outline  of  the  fortification  being  visible.  On  the  8th  of 
July  they  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Nodawa.  The  river  is  mentioned  as 
navigable  for  boats  some  distance.  On  the  11th  they  landed  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Nemahaw.  Mention  is  made  of  several  artificial  mounds  on  the  Ne- 
mahaw,  about  two  miles  up  the  stream  at  the  mouth  of  a small  creek. 
From  the  top  of  the  highest  mound  there  was  a fine  view  of  the  country. 
On  the  14th  they  passed  the  Nishnahbatona  river,  finding  it  to  be  only  three 
hundred  yards  from  the  Missouri  at  a distance  of  twelve  miles  from  its 
mouth.  Platte  river  and  other  streams,  both  in  Iowa  and  Nebraska,  are  men- 
tioned and  the  country  described  with  great  accuracy.  Along  in  this  part 
of  the  country  were  the  first  elk  they  had  seen. 

On  the  22d  of  J uly  the  explorers  encamped  on  the  north  (Iowa)  side  of 
the  river,  ten  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  Platte  river,  to  make  observa- 
tions and  to  hold  an  interview  with  the  neighboring  tribes.  They  remained 
here  in  camp  until  the  27th.  Among  the  streams  mentioned  in  this  vicin- 
ity are  the  Papillon,  Butterfly  Creek  and  Moscheto  Creek,  the  last  named 
being  a small  stream  near  Council  Bluffs.  In  mentioning  them  we  use  the 
orthography  of  the  explorers,  which  in  some  instances  differs  from  that  now 
in  use.  The  Indians  who  occupied  the  country  about  the  .mouth  of  Platte 
river  at  this  time  were  the  Ottoes  and  Pawnees.  The  Ottoes  were  much 
reduced,  and  formerly  lived  about  twenty  miles  above  the  Platte  on  the 
Nebraska  side  of  the  river.  They  lived  at  this  time  under  the  protection 
of  the  Pawnees.  The  latter  were  also  milch  dispersed  and  broken.  One 
band  of  the  nation  formerly  lived  on  the  Republican  branch  of  the  Kanzas 
River.  Another  band  were  the  Pawnee  Loups,  or  Wolf  Pawnees,  who  re- 
sided on  the  Wolf  fork  of  the  Platte.  Another  band  originally  resided  on 
the  Kanzas  and  Arkansaw,  but  in  their  wars  with  the  Osages  they  were 
often  defeated  and  retired  to  the  Red  river.  Various  other  tribes  living  fur- 
ther west,  are  mentioned.  On  the  27th  they  continued  their  journey,  and 
about  ten  leagues  from  their  encampment,  on  the  south  (Nebraska)  side  of 
the  river,  they  saw  and  examined  a curious  collection  of  graves,  or  mounds. 
They  were  of  different  heights,  shapes  and  sizes.  Some  were  of  sand,  and 
others  of  both  earth  and  sand.  They  were  supposed  to  indicate  the  position 
of  the  ancient  village  of  the  Ottoes  before  they  retired  to  the  protection  of 
the  Pawnees.  On  the  29th  they  passed  the  spot  where  the  Ayauway  Indians, 
a branch  of  the  Ottoes,  once  lived,  and  who  had  emigrated  from  that  place 
to  the  Des  Moines.  Mention  is  here  made  of  an  interview  with  one  of  the 
Missouri  Indians  who  lived  with  the  Ottoes,  and  the  resemblance  of  his 
language  to  that  of  the  Osages,  particularly  in  calling  a chief  inca. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


89 


On  the  30th  of  July  the  party  encamped  on  the  south  (Nebraska)  side  ot 
the  river.  At  that  place  next  to  the  river  was  a plain,  and  back  of  it  a 
wooded  ridge,  rising  about  seventy  feet  above  the  plain.  At  the  edge  of 
this  ridge  they  formed  their  camp,  and  sent  an  invitation  to  the  Indians  to 
meet  them.  From  the  bluffs  at  this  point  they  mention  a most  beautiful 
view  of  the  river  and  adjoining  country.  The  latitude  of  the  camp  was  de- 
termined by  observation  to  be  41  degrees  18  minutes  and  14  seconds.  The 
messenger  sent  to  invite  the  Ottoes  returned  on  the  evening  of  the  2d  of 
August,  witli  fourteen  Ottoe  and  Missouri  Indians,  accompanied  by  a French- 
man who  resided  among  them,  and  who  acted  as  interpreter.  Lewis  and  Clarke 
made  them  presents  of  pork,  flour  and  meal,  and  the  Indians  returned  presents 
of  watermelons.  The  next  morning  (Aug.  3d)  a council  was  held  with  the 
six  chiefs  who  were  of  the  party  of  Indians;  they  were  told  of  the  change 
in  the  government,  and  promised  protection  and  advised  as  to  their  future  con- 
duct. All  the  chiefs  expressed  their  joy  at  the  change  in  the  government, 
and  wished  to  be  recommended  to  the  Great  Father  (the  President)  that 
they  might  obtain  trade  and  necessaries.  They  asked  the  mediation  of  the 
Great  Father  between  them  and  the  Mahas  (Omahas),  with  whom  they  were 
then  at  war.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  council  medals  and  other  presents 
were  given  to  the  chiefs,  and  also  some  presents  to  the  other  Indians  who 
were  with  them.  The  grand  chief  of  the  Ottoes  was  not  present,  but  to 
him  was  sent  a flag,  a medal,  and  some  ornaments  for  clothing.  The  ex- 
plorers gave  to  the  place  where  this  council  was  held  the  name  of  Council 
Bluffs.  The  reader  will  remember,  however,  that  it  was  above  the  present 
city  of  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  and  was  on  the  Nebraska  side  of  the  river. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  3d  of  August  they  resumed  their  journey,  and  on 
the  7 th  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  a river  on  the  north  side,  called  by  the  Sioux 
Indians,  Eaneahwadepon  (Stone  river),  and  by  the  French,  Petite  Riviere 
des  Sioux , or  in  English,  Little  Sioux  river.  The  explorers  were  informed 
by  their  interpreter  (M.  Durion)  that  this  river  rises  within  about  nine  miles 
of  the  Des  Moines;  that  within  fifteen  leagues  of  that  river  it  passes  through 
a large  lake,  nearly  sixty  miles  in  circumference,  and  divided  into  two  parts 
by  rocks,  which  approach  each  other  very  closely.  Its  width  is  various ; it 
contains  many  islands,  and  is  known  by  the  name  of  Lae  d ’ Esprit — Spirit 
Lake.  The  country  watered  by  it  is  open  and  undulating,  and  may  be  visited 
in  boats  up  the  river  for  some  distance.  The  interpreter  further  added  that 
the  Des  Moines  was  about  eighty  yards  wide  where  the  Little  Sioux  ap- 
proaches it;  that  it  was  shoally,  and  that  one  of  its  principal  branches  was 
called  Cat  river.  The  interpreter  claimed  to  have  been  to  the  sources  of  the 
Little  Sioux,  and  those  who  are  familiar  with  the  country  about  Spirit  Lake, 
will  concede  that  he  described  it  quite  accurately.  The  explorers  speak  of  a 
long  island  two  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  Little  Sioux,  which  they  named 
Pelican  island,  from  the  large  number  of  pelicans  which  were  feeding  on  it, 
one  of  which  they  killed.  They  also  killed  an  elk.  On  the  10th  they  passed 
the  first  highland  near  the  river,  after  leaving  their  encampment  at  Council 
Bluffs.  Not  far  from  this,  on  a high  bluff,  was  the  grave  of  Blackbird,  one 
of  the  great  chiefs  of  the  Mahas,  who  had  died  of  small-pox  four  years  be- 
fore. The  grave  was  marked  by  a mound  twelve  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base, 
and  six  feet  high,  and  was  on  an  elevation  about  300  feet  above  the  water. 
In  the  center  of  the  grave  was  a pole  eight  feet  high.  Near  this  the  Mahas 
had  a village,  and  lost  four  hundred  men  of  their  nation,  and  a like  proportion 
of  women  and  children  by  the  small-pox  at  the  time  that  Blackbird  died. 


90 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


After  this  dreadful  scourge  they  burned  their  village,  which  had  consisted  of 
three  hundred  cabins.  On  a hill  at  the  rear  of  the  place  where  the  village 
stood  were  the  graves  of  the  nation.  On  the  evening  of  the  18th  the  ex- 
plorers were  again  visited  at  their  camp  by  a party  of  Ottoes  and  Missouris, 
who  entertained  them  with  a dance.  The  professed  object  of  their  visit  was 
to  ask  intercession  for  promoting  peace  between  them  and  the  Mahas,  hut 
probably  the  real  object  was  to  share  a portion  of  the  strangers’  provisions 
and  liquors. 

The  next  day,  August  20th,  after  passing  a couple  of  islands,  they  landed 
on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  under  some  blulfs — the  first  near  the  river  on 
that  side  after  leaving  the  Ayauway  village.  It  was  here  that  the  party  had 
the  misfortune  to  lose  one  of  their  men — Sergeant  Charles  Floyd.  He  had 
the  day  before  been  siezed  with  a billious  colic.  Before  his  death  he  said  to 
Captain  Clarke,  “ I am  going  to  leave  you;  I want  you  to  write  me  a letter.” 
Soon  after  making  this  request  the  brave  soldier  passed  away.  He  was  buried 
on  the  top  of  the  bluff,  with  honors  due  to  a soldier.  The  place  of  his  inter- 
ment was  marked  by  a cedar  post,  on  which  his  name  and  the  day  of  his 
death  were  inscribed.  About  a mile  further  up  on  the  same  side  of  the  Mis- 
souri, they  came  to  a small  river,  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of  Floyd  river, 
in  honor  of  their  deceased  companion.  The  place  of  the  burial  of  Sergeant 
Floyd  was  but  a short  distance  below  where  Sioux  City  now  stands.  During 
a great  freshet  in  the  spring  of  1857,  the  Missouri  river  washed  away  a por- 
tion of  the  bluff,  exposing  the  remains  of  the  soldier.  The  citizens  of  Sioux 
City  and  vicinity  repaired  to  the  place,  and  with  appropriate  ceremonies,  re- 
interred  them  some  distance  back  from  the  river  on  the  same  bluff.  The 
same  cedar  post  planted  by  his  companions  over  his  grave  on  that  summer 
day  more  than  half  a century  before,  remained  to  mark  the  place  of  inter- 
ment up  to  1857,  although  during  nearly  all  this  time  the  country  had  been 
inhabited  only  by  savages. 

On  the  21st  of  August  the  expedition  passed  the  site  where  Sioux  City 
now  stands,  and  noted  in  their  journal  the  confluence  of  the  Great  Sioux 
river  with  the  Missouri.  From  their  interpreter,  M.  Durion,  they  received 
an  account  of  the  Great  Sioux  river.  He  stated  that  it  was  navigable  for 
more  than  two  hundred  miles,  to  the  great  falls,  and  even  beyond  them.  The 
reader  will  remember  that  this  was  before  the  time  of  steamboats  on  western 
waters.  He  mentioned  a creek  that  emptied  into  the  Great  Sioux  below  the 
falls,  which  passed  through  cliffs  of 'red  rock,  out  of  which  the  Indians  made 
their  pipes;  that  the  necessity  for  procuring  that  article  had  caused  the  intro- 
duction of  a law  among  the  nations,  by  which  the  banks  of  that  creek  were 
held  to  be  sacred,  and  even  tribes  at  war  met  at  the  quarries  without  hos- 
tility. These  were  what  are  now  known  as  the  “ Bed  Pipestone  Quarries,” 
in  southwestern  Minnesota. 

A few  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Sioux,  on  the  north,  or  Dakota 
side  of  the  river,  they  killed  a buffalo,  a deer  and  a heaver.  They  also  saw 
some  elk.  The  place  where  the  buffalo  was  killed  they  described  as  a beau- 
tiful prairie,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  Buffalo  Prairie.  They  mention  on  the 
south  side  of  the  river,  a bluff  of  blue  clay,  rising  to  the  height  of  180  or 
190  feet.  Several  miles  from  this,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  Captains 
Lewis  and  Clarke,  with  ten  of  their  men,  went  ta  see  a mound  regarded  with 

treat  terror  by  the  Indians,  and  called  by  them  the  Mountain  of  the  Little 
pirits.  They  believed  it  was  the  abode  of  little  devils  in  human  form, 
eighteen  inches  high,  and  having  large  heads;  that  they  had  sharp  arrows, 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


91 


and  were  always  on  the  watch  to  kill  those  who  might  approach  their  place 
of  residence.  The  Sioux,  Mahas  and  Ottoes  never  would  visit  the  hill  or 
mound  for  fear  of  the  vengeance  of  the  Little  Spirits.  The  mound,  though 
extraordinary  in  its  formation,  they  did  not  regard  as  artificial.  From  its 
top  they  could  see  large  herds  of  buffalo  feeding  at  a distance. 

On  the  26th  they  passed  the  mouth  of  Yankton  river,  and,  on  landing, 
were  met  by  several  Indians,  who  informed  them  that  a large  body  of  Sioux 
were  encamped  near.  On  the  30th  and  31st  they  held  a council  with  the 
Sioux,  and  smoked  with  them  the  pipe  of  peace.  The  Indians  exhibited 
their  skill  in  dancing  and  various  other  amusements  to  entertain  their  vis- 
itors. These  Indians  were  the  Yankton  tribe  of  the  Sioux  nation.  Their 
grand  chief  was  We-u-cha,  or  in  English,  Shake  Hand.  Speeches  were 
made  and  presents  exchanged. 

On  the  1st  of  September  the  explorers  passed  Calumet  Bluffs,  and  the 
next  day  Bonhomme  Island,  near  which  they  visited  some  ancient  earth- 
works, or  fortifications,  on  the  south,  or  Nebraska,  side  of  the  Missouri. 
They  made  a minute  and  careful  examination  of  these  works.  They 
embraced  nearly  five  hundred  acres.  A day  or  two  after,  on  a hill  to  the 
south,  near  Cedar  Island,  they  discovered  the  backbone  of  a fish,  45  feet 
long,  in  a perfect  state  of  petrifaction. 

After  several  conferences  with  different  tribes,  and  observations  in  regard 
to  the  country,  its  formation,  and  the  different  animals  seen,  on  the  13th  of 
October  they  reached  a small  stream  on  the  north  side,  to  which  they  gave 
the  name  of  Idol  Creek.  Near  its  mouth  were  two  stones  resembling  human 
figures,  and  a third  like  a dog.  These  were  objects  of  great  veneration  among 
the  Ricaras  (Ricarees),  who  occupied  the  country  in  that  vicinity.  They  had 
a legend  that  a young  brave  was  deeply  enamored  with  a girl  whose  parents 
refused  their  consent  to  the  marriage.  The  young  brave  went  out  into  the 
fields  to  mourn  his  misfortunes,  and  a sympathy  of  feeling  led  the  lady  to 
the  same  spot.  The  faithful  dog  would  not  cease  to  follow  his  master.  The 
lovers  wandered  away  together  with  nothing  to  subsist  on  but  grapes,  and 
they  were  at  last  changed  into  stone,  with  the  lady  holding  in  her  hands  a 
bunch  of  grapes.  When  the  Ricaras  pass  these  sacred  stones,  they  stop  to 
make  offerings  of  dress  to  propitiate  the  deities,  as  they  regard  them.  Such 
was  the  account  given  to  Lewis  and  Clarke,  by  the  Ricara  chief.  As  they 
found  here  a great  abundance  of  fine  grapes,  they  regarded  one  part  of  the 
story  as  very  agreeably  confirmed. 

On  the  19th  they  reached  the  ruins  of  one  of  the  Mandan  villages.  It 
had  been  fortified.  This,  they  were  informed  by  the  Ricara  chief,  was  one 
of  several  villages  once  occupied  by  the  Mandans  until  the  Sioux  forced  them 
forty  miles  higher  up  the  river.  In  this  vicinity  they  counted  no  less  than 
52  herds  of  buffalo,  and  3 herds  of  elk  at  a single  view. 

About  the  1st  of  November,  1804,  the  expedition  reached  the  country  of 
the  Mandans,  where  they  went  into  winter  quarters.  These  Indians  had 
raised  considerable  corn,  some  of  which  they  presented  to  the  party.  During 
the  winter  they  obtained  a great  deal  of  information  in  regard  to  the  history, 
traditions,  and  manners  and  customs,  not  only  of  this  peculiar  and  remark- 
able nation,  but  of  other  tribes  Their  huts,  or  cabins,  were  all  completed 
by  the  20tli  of  the  month,  and  the  place  was  named  Fort  Mandan.  It  was 
on  the  north  side  of  the  Missouri,  in  a grove  of  cottonwood.  The  place,  as 
ascertained  by  observation,  was  in  latitude  47  deg.,  21  min.  and  47  sec.,  and 
the  computed  distance  from  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri  was  1600  miles. 


92 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


During  the  winter  they  were  visited  by  a great  many  Indians  of  the  Man- 
dan  and  other  tribes.  A few  French  and  traders  of  the  Northwest  Fur 
Company  also  visited  them. 

The  party  remained  at  Fort  Mandan  until  April  7,  1805,  when  they 
resumed  their  journey.  There  were  then  thirty-two  persons  in  the  expe- 
dition, some  of  the  party  having  returned  to  St.  Louis.  In  this  portion  of 
the  country  they  began  to  see  numbers  of  white  bear,  antelope,  and  other 
animals,  which  they  had  not  seen  lower  down  on  the  river.  On  the  12th 
they  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Little  Missouri,  near  which  they  found  large 
quantities  of  small  onions,  about  the  size  of  a bullet,  of  an  oval  form  and 
white.  The  next  day  they  passed  a small  stream  to  which  they  gave  the 
name  of  Onion  Creek,  from  the  great  abundance  of  that  vegetable  growing 
near  it.  Along  this  part  of  the  Missouri  were  large  numbers  of  bald  eagles, 
and  also  many  geese  and  brant.  Numerous  deserted  Indian  lodges  were 
noticed,  which  they  supposed  to  have  belonged  to  the  Assiniboins,  as  there 
were  the  remains  of  small  kegs.  That  tribe  was  the  only  one  in  this  region 
that  then  used  spirituous  liquors.  They  obtained  it  from  the  traders  of  the 
Hudson  Bay  Company,  bartering  their  furs  for  it.  Here  many  plants  and 
aromatic  herbs  are  mentioned,  and  some  resembling  in  taste  and  smell  sage, 
hyssop,  wormwood  and  juniper.  On  the  26th  they  camped  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Yellowstone,  where  game  of  various  kinds  was  very  abundant.  Frequent 
mention  is  made  of  the  burned  hills  along  that  part  of  the  Missouri  for  some 
distance  above  and  below  the  Yellowstone.  Among  the  animals  killed  by 
the  hunters  of  the  expedition  in  this  part  of  the  voyage  were  several 
brown  bears.  On  the  evening  of  the  14th  of  May  the  men  in  one  of  the 
canoes  discovered  a large  brown  bear  lying  in  the  open  grounds  about  three 
hundred  yards  from  the  river.  Six  of  them,  all  good  hunters,  went  to  attack 
him,  and,  concealing  themselves  by  a small  eminence,  four  of  them  fired  at 
a distance  of  about  forty  paces.  Each  of  them  lodged  a ball  in  the  bear’s 
body,  two  of  them  directly  through  the  lungs.  The  animal  sprang  up  and 
ran  open-mouthed  toward  them.  As  he  came  near,  the  two  hunters  who  had 
reserved  their  fire,  gave  him  two  more  wounds,  one  of  which,  breaking  his 
shoulder,  retarded  his  motion  for  a moment.  Before  they  could  reload  he 
was  so  near  upon  them  that  they  were  obliged  to  run  to  the  river,  the  bear 
almost  overtaking  them.  Two  of  the  men  sprang  into  the  canoe,  and  the 
others  concealed  themselves  in  some  willows  and  fired  as  fast  as  they  could 
reload,  striking  him  several  times.  The  shots  seemed  only  to  direct  him 
toward  the  hunters,  till  at  last  he  pursued  two  of  them  so  closely  that  they 
threw  aside  their  guns  and  pouches,  and  jumped  twenty  feet  down  a perpen- 
dicular bank  into  the  river.  The  bear  sprang  after  them,  and  was  within  a 
few  feet  of  the  hindmost  when  one  of  the  hunters  on  shore  shot  him  in  the 
head,  and  finally  killed  him.  They  dragged  the  bear  to  shore  and  found 
that  eight  balls  had  passed  through  his  body  in  different  directions. 

On  the  20th  of  May  the  party  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Muscleshell,  a 
river  of  considerable  size  from  the  south.  They  were  then  2270  miles  above 
the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  in  latitude  47  deg.,  24  min.  Mention  is  made 
of  what  the  French  traders  called  Cote  Noire,  or  Black  Hills.  On  the  26th 
of  May  they  had  the  first  view  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  “ the  object,”  as  the 
journalist  remarks,  “ of  all  our  hopes,  and  the  reward  of  all  our  ambition.” 
The  view  was  obtained  from  what  they  called  one  of  the  last  ridges  of  the 
Black  Mountains.  On  the  30th  they  had  reached  that  part  of  the  river 
which  passes  through  between  walls  of  rocks,  presenting  every  form  of 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY.  93 

sculptured  ruins,  and  having  the  appearance  of  being  the  productions  of  art. 
Of  these  objects  of  natural  scenery  they  give  a most  glowing  description. 

On  the  3d  of  June  the  expedition  reached  a junction  of  two  branches  of 
the  river,  when  they  were  at  a loss  to  determine  which  was  the  true  Mis- 
souri river.  Parties,  one  under  Captain  Lewis  and  the  other  under  Captain 
Clarke,  proceeded  to  explore  both  branches  by  land.  The  party  under  Cap- 
tain Lewis,  on  the  13th,  reached  the  Great  Falls  of  the  Missouri  on  the 
southern  branch,  which  determined  the  question.  One  of  the  men  was 
sent  to  inform  Captain  Clarke  of  the  discovery.  The  explorers  give  a vivid 
description  of  the  wonderful  and  beautiful  scenery  which  is  here  presented. 
In  the  vicinity  of  the  falls  they  saw  a herd  of  at  least  a thousand  buffalo, 
one  of  which  they  shot.  Here  Captain  Lewis  himself  had  an  encounter 
with  a large  brown  bear,  from  which  he  escaped  by  plunging  into  the  river. 
Mention  is  made  of  grasshoppers  at  the  mouth  of  Medicine  river,  about 
twelve  miles  above  the  Great  Falls,  in  such  multitudes  that  the  herbage  on 
the  plains  was  in  part  destroyed  by  them.  At  that  point  the  Missouri  is 
described  as  being  three  hundred  yards  wide,  and  Medicine  river  one  lmn- 
liundred  and  thirty-seven  yards  wide.  The  party  remained  here  until  the 
15th  of  July,  examining  the  surrounding  country,  constructing  canoes,  and 
making  general  preparations  for  continuing  the  journey.  On  that  day  they 
again  embarked  with  eight  heavily  loaded  canoes,  encountering  many  diffi- 
cult places  for  navigating,  owing  to  the  rapids.  Toward  the  latter  part  of 
July  they  reached  a point  where  the  Missouri  is  formed  of  three  branches, 
one  of  which  they  called  J efferson,  one  Madison,  and  one  Gallatin.  Here 
the  party  divide  and  explore  the  several  branches,  partly  for  the  purpose  of 
finding  the  Shoshones,  the  Indians  that  were  known  to  inhabit  that  region. 
On  the  11th  of  August  they  encountered  a single  Indian  on  horseback,  who 
proved  to  be  one  of  that  tribe  or  nation.  Captain  Lewis,  who  had  continued 
liis  course  up  the  Jefferson,  or  principal  branch  forming  the  sources  of  the 
Missouri,  reached  a point  where  it  had  so  diminished  in  width  that  one  of 
his  men  in  a fit  of  enthusiasm,  with  one  foot  on  each  side  of  the  rivulet, 
thanked  God  that  he  had  lived  to  bestride  the  Missouri.  A few  miles 
further  on  they  reached  the  point  where  issues  the  remotest  water  — the 
hitherto  hidden  sources  of  that  river,  which  had  never  before  been  seen  by 
civilized  man.  They  sat  down  by  the  brink  of  the  little  rivulet,  and 
quenched  their  thrist  at  the  chaste  and  icy  fountain,  which  sends  its  modest 
tribute  down  to  the  great  ocean  thousands  of  miles  away.  Crossing  over  the 
the  dividing  line  between  the  waters  of  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans,  at  a 
distance  of  three-quarters  of  a mile,  they  stopped  to  taste  for  the  first  time 
the  waters  of  the  Columbia,  here  a stream  of  clear,  cold  water  flowing  west- 
ward. On  the  same  day  Captain  Lewis  succeeded  in  gaining  a friendly  in- 
terview with  the  Shoshones.  Captain  Clarke,  with  a part  of  the  expedition, 
was  at  this  time  at  the  junction  of  the  three  branches  of  the  Missouri,  and 
Captain  Lewis  engaged  a number  of  the  Indians,  with  about  thirty  of  their 
horses,  to  transport  their  merchandise  and  outfit  to  the  Shoshone  camp. 

The  Shoshones  are  described  as  being  a small  tribe  of  the  nation  called 
the  Snake  Indians,  an  appellation  which  embraces  the  inhabitants  of  the 
southern  parts  of  the  Pocky  Mountains  and  of  the  plains  on  either  side. 
During  the  summer  the  Shoshones  resided  about  the  headwaters  of  the 
Columbia,  where  they  lived  chiefly  on  salmon.  In  their  journal  the  explorers 
give  a long  and  interesting  account  of  the  habits,  traditions,  and  manner  of 


94 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


life  of  this  people.  They  found  them  honest,  friendly,  and  ready  to  render 
them  all  assistance  in  their  power. 

After  purchasing  twenty-nine  horses  from  the  Shoshones,  the  party  on  the 
30th  of  August  resumed  their  journey  toward  the  Pacific.  On  the  4th  of 
September,  after  many  difficulties  in  finding  a practicable  route,  they  came 
to  a large  encampment  of  Indians  who  received  them  with  great  cordiality. 
The  pipe  of  peace  was  introduced  and  a council  held.  They  represented 
themselves  as  a band  of  a nation  called  Tushepaws,  a numerous  people  then 
residing  on  the  headwaters  of  the  Missouri  and  Columbia  rivers.  The  In- 
dians shared  their  berries  and  roots  with  the  strangers  and  received  some 
presents.  Several  horses  were  purchased  from  them.  On  the  6th  they 
reached  a stream  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of  Clarke  river,  Captain 
Clarke  being  the  first  white  man"  who  ever  visited  its  waters.  The  route 
was  a rugged  one,  and  in  many  places  almost  impracticable,  and  to  add  to 
the  difficulties  of  the  situation,  snow  had  been  falling,  so  that  on  the  16th  it 
was  six  or  eight  inches  deep.  The  difficulty  of  procuring  game  or  other 
subsistence  made  it  necessary  for  them  to  kill  several  of  their  horses  on  this 
part  of  their  journey,  for  food.  They  had  a little  of  what  was  called  portable 
soup  which  they  used  by  melting  some  snow.  This,  and  about  twenty 
pounds  of  bear’s  oil,  was  their  only  remaining  subsistence.  They  were  now 
in  a region  where  their  guns  were  of  little  service,  for  there  was  scarcely  a 
living  creature  to  be  seen  in  those  mountains.  Captain  Clarke  and  six 
hunters  searched  the  mountains  all  day  for  game  but  found  none,  and  at 
night  encamped  on  a small  stream  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of  Hungry 
Creek.  Their  only  refreshment  during  the  day  was  a little  of  the  portable 
soup.  On  the  26th,  Captain  Clarke  and  his  hunting  party  encountered  three 
Indian  boys,  and  sent  them  forward  to  the  village  with  some  presents.  An 
Indian  came  out  to  meet  them,  and  conducted  them  to  a large  tent  in  the 
village,  which  was  the  residence  of  the  great  chief.  After  some  introductory 
ceremonies  by  signs,  the  Indians  set  before  the  strangers  some  buffalo  meat, 
dried  salmon,  berries  and  several  kinds  of  roots.  This,  after  their  long 
abstinence,  was  a sumptuous  treat.  One  of  the  chiefs  conducted  them  to 
another  village,  two  miles  away,  where  they  were  received  with  great  kind- 
ness and  passed  the  night.  These  Indians  called  themselves  Chopunisli,  or 
Pierced-Hose  (He z Perces).  With  a few  articles  Captain  Clarke  chanced  to 
have  in  his  pockets  he  purchased  some  dried  salmon,  roots  and  berries  and 
sent  them  by  one  of  his  men  and  a hired  Indian  back  to  Captain  Lewis. 
The  main  body  with  Captain  Lewis  had  been  so  fortunate  as  to  kill  a few 
pheasants  and  a prairie  wolf.  As  soon  as  it  was  known  in  the  villages  that 
the  wonderful  strangers  had  arrived  the  people  crowded  in  to  see  them. 
Twisted  Hair,  the  chief,  drew  a chart  or  map  of  the  country  and  streams  on 
a white  elk-skin,  which  was  of  great  service  in  guiding  them  on  their  course. 
From  these  Indians  as  many  provisions  were  purchased  as  could  be  carried 
on  their  horses.  .After  proceeding  down  the  river  some  distance,  they 
determined  to  continue  their  journey  in  canoes,  which  they  set  about  con- 
structing. By  the  7th  of  October  the  canoes  were  launched  and  loaded. 
The  horses  were  branded  and  left  with  the  Indians  to  be  kept  until  their 
return.  Accompanied  by  some  of  the  Indians  down  Lewis  river,  the  ex- 
pedition finally  reached  the  Columbia  on  the  16th,  having  stopped  at  a 
number  of  villages  on  the  way.  The  Columbia  at  the  mouth  of  Lewis  river 
they  found  to  be  960  yards  wide,  and  Lewis  river  575  yards  wide.  Here 
they  found  themselves  among  a nation  who  called  themselves  Sokulks,  a 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


95 


people  of  a mild  and  peaceable  disposition.  Fish  was  their  principal  article 
of  food.  On  the  18th  they  resumed  their  journey  down  the  Columbia  in  the 
presence  of  many  of  the  Sokulks  who  came  to  witness  their  departure. 
They  passed  many  different  tribes  who  inhabited  the  borders  of  the  Colum- 
bia, "all  of  whom  they  visited  in  their  villages  and  encampments,  learning 
their  condition,  habits,  history  and  mode  of  living.  Wherever  they  halted 
large  numbers  of  Indians  gathered  to  see  them,  and  generally  manifested  the 
greatest  kindness  and  hospitality.  All  of  them  had  pierced  noses. 

On  the  22d  of  October  the  party  reached  the  Great  Falls  of  the  Colum- 
bia. Many  Indians  inhabited  this  portion  of  the  country,  and  some  of  them 
assisted  the  party  in  unloading  the  canoes,  transporting  the  goods  around 
the  falls,  and  in  bringing  down  the  canoes.  At  one  place  it  was  necessary  to 
haul  the  canoes  over  a point  of  land  to  avoid  a perpendicular  fall  of  seventy 
feet.  Some  distance  below  the  falls  they  came  to  a village  of  another  tribe, 
or  nation,  called  the  Echeloots.  Here  they  found  the  first  wooden  houses 
they  had  seen  after  leaving  the  settlements  near  the  Mississippi.  They  were 
made  of  logs  and  poles,  with  poles  for  rafters  and  covered  with  white  cedar, 
kept  on  by  strands  of  cedar  fibres.  The  inhabitants  received  the  strangers 
with  great  kindness,  invited  them  to  their  houses,  and  came  in  great  num- 
bers to  see  them.  They  were  surprised  to  find  that  these  Indians  spoke  a 
language  quite  different  from  that  of  the  tribes  above  the  Great  Falls. 
Some  of  their  customs,  however,  were  the  same.  Like  the  tribes  they  had 
recently  visited,  they  flattened  the  heads  of  their  children,  and  in  nearly  the 
same  manner.  Among  the  mountain  tribes,  however,  this  custom  was  con- 
fined to  the  females  almost  exclusively,  whereas  the  Echeloots  subjected 
both  sexes  to  the  operation.  On  the  18th  they  came  to  another  tribe  where 
they  saw  a British  musket  and  several  brass  tea-kettles  which  the  Indians  prized 
very  highly.  In  the  interview  with  the  chief  he  directed  his  wife  to  hand 
him  his  medicine-bag,  from  which  he  drew  out  fourteen  forefingers,  which 
he  said  had  belonged  to  the  same  number  of  his  enemies  whom  he  had 
killed  in  battle.  These  fingers  were  shown  with  great  exultation,  after  which 
they  were  carefully  replaced  among  the  other  valuable  contents  of  the 
medicine-bag.  This  was  the  first  instance  in  which  the  explorers  had 
observed  that  any  other  trophy  than  the  scalp  was  ever  carried  from  the 
field  in  Indian  warfare. 

On  the  2d  of  November  the  party  passed  the  rapids  which  form  the  last 
descent  of  the  Columbia,  and  tide-water  commences.  On  this  part  of  the 
Columbia  they  began  to  meet  with  tribes  who  had  some  knowledge  of  the 
whites,  and  from  articles  in  their  possession,  it  was  observed  that  they  had 
maintained  some  sort  of  trade  or  barter  with  the  whites.  The  Indians  here 
also  began  to  be  troublesome  and  were  disposed  to  pilfer  whenever  an  oppor- 
tunity offered,  showing  that  in  their  intercourse  with  the  whites  they  had  con- 
tracted some  vices  that  they  are  free  from  in  the  absence  of  such  intercourse. 

On  the  16th  of  November,  1805,  the  expedition  encamped  in  full  view  of 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  at  Haley’s  Bay,  as  laid  down  by  Vancouver.  Their  long, 
tedious  and  eventful  journey  to  the  Pacific  having  ended,  they  made  prepa- 
rations for  going  into  winter  quarters.  Some  distance  below  the  mouth  of 
the  Columbia,  three  miles  above  the  mouth  of  a little  river  that  empties  into 
the  bay,  in  a thick  grove  of  lofty  pines,  they  formed  their  winter  encamp- 
ment. Game  was  exceedingly  plenty,  and  during  the  winter  they  were  vis- 
ited by  a large  number  of  the  Indians  inhabiting  the  coast  region.  They 
called  the  place  Fort  Clatsop,  from  the  tribe  of  Indians  inhabiting  the  imme- 


96 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


diate  vicinity.  Here  they  remained  until  the  23d  of  March,  1806,  when 
they  commenced  their  return,  by  the  same  route. 

Before  leaving,  Captains  Lewis  and  Clarke  posted  up  in  the  fort  a note 
to  the  following  effect: 

“The  object  of  this  is,  that  through  the  medium  of  some  civilized  person, 
who  may  see  the  same,  it  may  he  made  known  to  the  world  that  the  party  con- 
sisting of  the  persons  whose  names  are  hereto  annexed,  and  who  were  sent 
out  by  the  government  of  the  United  States  to  explore  the  interior  ot  the 
continent  of  North  America,  did  cross  the  same  by  the  way  of  the  Missouri 
and  Columbia  rivers,  to  the  discharge  of  the  latter  into  the  Pacific  ocean, 
where  they  arrived  on  the  14th  day  of  November,  1805,  and  departed  the 
23d  day  of  March,  1806,  on  their  return  to  the  United  States,  by  the  same 
route  by  which  they  came  out.” 

It  is  somewhat  singular  that  this  note  a short  time  after  fell  into  the  hands 
of  a Captain  Hill,  while  on  the  coast  near  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  river. 
It  was  delivered  to  him  by  some  Indians,  and  taken  to  Canton,  China,  from 
whence  it  was  brought  to  the  United  States  in  January,  1807.  On  the  23d 
of  September,  1806,  the  party  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri,  and 
decended  the  Mississippi  to  St.  Louis,  arriving  at  12  o’clock.  Having  fired 
a salute,  they  went  on  shore,  where  they  “ received  a most  hearty  and  hos- 
pitable welcome  from  the  whole  village.” 

This  is  but  a very  partial  and  hasty  review  of  that  romantic  and  extraor- 
dinary expedition — the  first  exploration  by  authority  of  the  government  of 
the  United  States,  of  that  wonderful  region  which  of  late  years  has  attracted 
so  much  attention.  It  gave  to  the  world  the  first  authentic  account  of  the 
upper  Missouri  and  its  tributaries,  and  of  the  rivers  that  flow  from  the  west- 
ern slopes  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  seek  the  Pacific  Ocean  through  the 
great  Columbia.  It  imparted  to  civilized  man  some  definite  knowledge  of 
the  strange  tribes  whose  homes  were  on  the  borders  of  those  rivers;  of  their 
habits,  traditions  and  modes  of  life;  of  the  fauna  and  flora  of  a region  hith- 
erto unknown,  and  of  natural  scenery  not  surpassed  in  grandeur  and  sub- 
limity by  that  of  any  other  part  of  the. world.  Other  explorers  have  since 
revealed  a portion  of  the  hidden  treasures  of  that  part  of  oir.r  national  do- 
main, but  the  pioneer  expeditien  of  Lewis  and  Clarke,  so  successfully  accom- 
plished, will  always  possess  a peculiar  and  thrilling  interest. 

SKETCH  OF  CHICAGO. 

First  White  Visitors — The  Name — Jean  Baptiste — John  Kinzie — Ft.  Dearborn — Evacuation — 
The  Massacre — Heroic  Women — Capt.  Heald — Capt.  Wells — Scalping  the  Wounded — Ft. 
Dearborn  Re-built — Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal — Chicago  Laid  Out — Removal  of  In- 
dians— City  Organization — Pioneer  Religious  Societies — Public  Improvements — Location 
of  City — Growth — The  Great  Fire — Rise  of  the  New  Chicago. 

The  history  of  so  great  a city  as  Chicago,  like  that  of  London,  or  Paris, 
or  New  York,  by  reason  of  its  commercial,  financial  and  other  relations  to 
the  world  at  large,  is  a_  history  of  world-wide  interest.  Not  that  Chicago 
may  yet  be  compared  in  size,  population  or  wealth  with  the  great  cities 
named,  would  we  mention  it  in  connection  with  them,  and  yet,  considering 
its  age,  it  is  greater  than  either  of  them.  In  its  ratio  of  increase  in  popu- 
lation, commerce,  and  general  progress,  it  is  to-day  outstripping  them.  In 
what  civilized  part  of  the  globe  is  Chicago  not  heard  of,  read  of,  and  known? 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


97 


7 


PRESENT  SITE  OF  LAKE  STREET  BRIDGE. 


98 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


If,  so  many  centuries  after  the  founding  of  Rome,  mankind  still  feel  inter- 
ested in  the  mythical  story  of  Romulus  and  Remus,  may  not  the  present 
and  future  generations  read  with  equal  interest  the  more  authentic  story  of 
the  founding  of  a great  modern  city? 

The  Jesuit  missionary  and  explorer,  Marquette,  first  visited  the  place 
where  Chicago  is  located,  in  1678.  Again,  in  the  winter  of  1674-5,  he 
camped  near  the  site  of  the  present  city,  from  December  until  near  the  close 
of  March.  Upon  his  arrival,  in  December,  the  Chicago  river  was  frozen 
over,  and  the  ground  covered  with  snow.  The  name  is  of  Indian  origin,  and 
was  applied  to  the  river.  By  the  French  voyageurs  it  is  variously  spelled, 
the  majority  rendering  it  Chicagou.  The  place  is  mentioned  by  Berrot  in 
1770. 

In  1796,  Jean  Baptiste,  a trader  from  the  West  Indies,  found  his  way  to 
the  mouth  of  the  little  stream  known  as  Chicago  river,  and  engaged  in  trad- 
ing with  the  Indians.  Here  for  eight  years,  almost  alone,  he  maintained 
trade  and  intercourse  with  the  savages,  until,  in  1804,  Fort  Dearborn  was 
erected,  and  a trading  post  was  established  by  John  Kinzie,  who  became 
the  successor  of  Jean  Baptiste.  Fort  Dearborn,  as  first  constructed,  was  a 
very  rude  and  primitive  stockade,  which  cost  the  government  only  about 
fifty  dollars.  It  stood  on  the  south  bank  of  Chicago  river,  half  a mile  from 
the  lake.  The  few  soldiers  sent  to  erect  and  garrison  it  were  in  charge  of 
Major  Whistler.  For  a time,  being  unable  to  procure  grain  for  bread,  the 
soldiers  were  obliged  to  subsist  in  part  upon  acorns.  The  original  settler, 
Jean  Baptiste,  or  as  his  full  name  was  written,  Jean  Baptiste  Point  au  Sable, 
sold  his  cabin  to  Mr.  Kinzie,  and  the  latter  erected  on  the  site  the  building 
known  to  the  early  settlers  as  the  “Kinzie  House.”  This  became  a resort 
for  the  officers  and  others  connected  with  the  garrison.  In  1812  the  garrison 
had  a force  of  54  men,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Nathan  Ileald,  with 
Lieutenant  Lenai  L.  Helm  and  Ensign  Ronan.  Dr.  Voorhees  was  surgeon. 
The  only  white  residents,  except  the  officers  and  soldiers,  at  that  time,  were 
Mr.  Kinzie  and  his  family,  the  wives  of  Capt.  Ileald  and  Lieut.  Helm,  and 
a few  Canadians,  with  their  families.  Nearly  up  to  this  time  the  most 
friendly  relations  had  been  maintained  with  the  Indians — the  principal  tribes 
by  whom  they  were  surrounded  being  the  Pottawattamies  and  Winnebagoes. 
The  battle  of  Tippecanoe  had  been  fought  the  year  before,  and  the  influence 
of  Tecumseh  began  to  be  observable  in  the  conduct  of  the  Indians.  They 
were  also  aware  of  the  difficulties  between  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britian,  and  had  yielded  to  the  influences  brought  to  bear  by  the  latter.  In 
April  of  this  year,  suspicious  parties  of  Winnebagoes  began  to  hover  about 
the  fort,  remaining  in  the  vicinity  for  several  days.  The  inhabitants  became 
alarmed,  and  the  families  took  refuge  in  the  fort.  On  the  7th  of  August 
a Pottawattamie  chief  appeared  at  the  fort  with  an  order  or  dispatch  from 
Gen.  Hull,  at  Detroit,  directing  Capt.  Ileald  to  evacuate  Fort  Dearborn,  and 
distribute  all  the  government  property  to  the  neighboring  Indians.  The 
chief  who  brought  the  dispatch  advised  Capt.  Ileald  to  make  no  distribution 
- to  the  Indians.  He  told  him  it  would  be  better  to  leave  the  fort  and  stores 
as  they  were,  and  that  while  the  Indians  were  distributing  the  stores  among 
themselves,  the  whites  might  escape  to  Fort  Wayne.  On  the  12th  of  August 
Capt.  Ileald  held  a council  with  the  Indians,  but  the  other  officers  refused  to 
join  him.  They  feared  treachery  on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  and  indeed  had 
been  informed  that  their  intention  was  to  murder  the  white  people.  In  the 
council  Capt.  Ileald  had  taken  the  precaution  to  open  a port-hole  displaying 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


99 


a cannon  directed  upon  the  council,  and  probably  by  that  means  kept  the 
Indians  from  molesting  him  at  that  time.  Acting  under  the  advice  of  Mr. 
Kinzie,  he  withheld  the  ammunition  and  arms  from  the  Indians,  throwing 
them,  together  with  the  liquors,  into  the  Chicago  river.  On  that  day  Black 
Partridge,  a friendly  chief,  said  to  Capt.  Heald : “ Linden  birds  have  been 

singing  in  my  ears  to-day;  he  careful  on  the  march  you  are  going  to  take.” 
On  the  13th  the  Indians  discovered  the  powder  floating  on  the  surface  of  the 
water,  a discovery  which  had  the  effect  to  exasperate  them  the  more,  and 
they  began  to  indulge  in  threats.  Meantime  preparations  were  made  to 
leave  the  fort. 

Capt.  Wells,  an  uncle  of  Mrs.  Heald,  had  been  adopted  by  the  famous 
Miami  warrior,  Little  Turtle,  and  had  become  chief  of  a band  of  Miamis. 
On  the  14th  he  was  seen  approaching  with  a band  of  his  Miami  warriors, 
coming  to  assist  Capt.  Heald  in  defending  the  fort,  having  at  Fort  Wayne 
heard  of  the  danger  which  threatened  the  garrison  and  the  settlers.  But  all 
means  for  defending  the  fort  had  been  destroyed  the  night  before.  All, 
therefore,  took  up  their  line  of  march,  with  Capt,  Wells  and  his  Miamis  in 
the  lead,  followed  by  Capt.  Heald,  with  his  wife  riding  by  his  side.  Mr, 
Kinzie  had  always  been  on  the  most  friendly  terms  with  the  Indians,  and 
still  hoped  that  his  personal  efforts  might  influence  them  to  allow  the  whites  to 
leave  unmolested.  He  determined  to  accompany  the  expedition,  leaving 
his  family  in  a boat  in  the  care  of  a friendly  Indian.  In  case  any  misfor- 
tune should  happen  to  him,  his  family  was  to  be  sent  to  the  place  where 
Niles,  Michigan,  is  now  located,  where  he  had  another  trading  post.  Along 
the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  slowly  marched  the  little  band  of  whites,  with  a 
friendly  escort  of  Pottawattamies,  and  Capt.  Wells  and  his  Miamis,  the  lat- 
ter in  advance.  When  they  had  reached  what  were  known  as  the  “ Sand 
Hills,”  the  Miami  advance  guard  came  rushing  back,  Capt.  Wells  exclaim- 
ing, “They  are  about  to  attack;  form  instantly.”  At  that  moment  a shower 
of  bullets  came  whistling  over  the  sand  hills,  behind  which  the  Indians 
had  concealed  themselves  for  the  murderous  attack.  The  cowardly  Miamis 
were  panic-stricken,  and  took  to  flight,  leaving  their  heroic  leader  to  his  fate. 
He  was  at  the  side  of  his  niece,  Mrs.  Heald,  when  the  attack  was  made,  and, 
after  expressing  to  her  the  utter  hopelessness  of  their  situation,  dashed  into 
the  fight.  There  were  54  soldiers,  12  civilians  and  three  women,  all  poorly 
armed,  against  500  Indian  warriors.  The  little  band  had  no  alternative  but 
to  sell  their  lives  as  dearly  as  possible.  They  charged  upon  their  murder- 
ous assailants,  and  drove  them  from  their  position  back  to  the  prairie. 
There  the  conflict  continued  until  two-thirds  of  the  whites  were  killed  and 
wounded.  Mrs.  Heald,  Mrs  Helm  and  Mrs.  Holt,  all  took  part  in  the  combat. 
In  a wagon  were  twelve  children,  and  a painted  demon  tomahawked  them 
all,  seeing  which,  Capt.  Wells  exclaimed,  “If  butchering  women  and  chil- 
dren is  your  game,  I will  kill  too,”  and  then  spurred  his  horse  toward  the 
Indian  camp,  where  they  had  left  their  squaws  and  papooses.  H e was  pur- 
sued by  several  young  warriors,  who  sent  bullets  whistling  about  him,  killing 
his  horse  and  wounding  Capt  Wells.  They  attempted  to  take  him  a prisoner, 
but  he  resolved  not  to  be  taken  alive.  Calling  a young  chief  a squaw,  an 
epithet  which  excites  the  fiercest  resentment  in  an  Indian  warrior,  the  young 
cliief  instantly  tomahawked  him. 

The  three  women  fought  as  bravely  as  the  soldiers.  Mrs.  Heald  was  an 
expert  in  the  use  of  the  rifle,  but  received  several  severe  wounds.  During 
the  conflict  the  hand  of  a savage  was  raised  to  tomahawk  her,  when  she  ex- 


100 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


claimed  in  his  own  language,  “ Surely  you  will  not  kill  a squaw.”  Her 
words  had  the  effect  to  change  his  purpose,  and  her  life  was  spared.  Another 
warrior  attempted  to  tomahawk  Mrs.  Helm.  He  struck  her  a glancing 
blow  on  the  shoulder,  when  she  sized  him  and  attempted  to  wrest  from  him 
his  scalping  knife,  which  was  in  the  sheath  attached  to  his  belt.  At  that 
moment  the  friendly  Black  Partridge  dragged  her  from  her  antagonist,  and 
in  spite  of  her  struggles  carried  her  to  the  lake  and  plunged  her  in,  at  the 
same  time  holding  lier  so  she  would  not  drown.  By  this  means  he  saved 
her  life,  as  he  intended.  The  third  woman,  Mrs.  Hoit,  the  wife  of  Sergeant 
Holt,  was  a large  woman,  and  as  strong  and  brave  as  an  amazon.  She  rode 
a fine,  spirited  horse,  which  more  than  once  the  Indians  tried  to  take  from 
her.  Her  husband  had  been  disabled  in  the  fight,  and  with  his  sword,  which 
she  had  taken,  she  kept  the  savages  at  bay  for  some  time.  She  was  finally, 
however,  taken  prisoner,  and  remained  a long  time  a captive  among  the  In- 
dians, but  was  subsequently  ransomed. 

After  two-thirds  of  the  whites  had  been  slain  or  disabled,  twenty-eight 
men  succeeded  in  gaining  an  eminence  on  the  prairie,  and  the  Indians  de- 
sisted from  further  pursuit.  The  chiefs  held  a consultation,  and  gave  the 
sign  that  they  were  ready  to  parley.  Capt.  Heald  went  forward  and  met 
the  chief,  Blackbird,  on  the  prairie,  when  terms  of  surrender  were  agreed 
upon.  The  whites  were  to  deliver  up  their  arms  and  become  prisoners,  to 
be  exchanged  or  ransomed  in  the  future.  All  were  taken  to  the  Indian 
camp  near  the  abandoned  fort,  where  the  wounded  Mrs.  Helm  had  previ- 
ously been  taken  by  Black  Partridge.  By  the  terms  of  surrender  no  pro- 
vision had  been  made  as  to  the  disposition  of  the  wounded.  It  was  the 
understanding  of  the  Indians  that  the  British  general,  Proctor,  had  offered 
a bounty  for  American  scalps  delivered  at  Malden.  Here  there  was  another 
scene  of  horror.  Most  of  the  wounded  men  were  killed  and  scalped. 

Such  is  a hasty  glance  at  scenes  that  were  witnessed  on  this  then  wild 
shore  of  Lake  Michigan.  Such  were  the  experiences  and  the  struggles  of 
the  heroic  men  and  women  who  ventured  forth  into  the  wilderness  to  plant 
the  germs  of  civilization,  and  to  lay  the  foundations  of  future  cities  and 
States.  The  site  on  which  now  stands  a city  which  ranks  among  the  great- 
est on  the  continent,  is  consecrated  by  the  blood  shed  by  heroes  on  that 
bright  15th  day  of  August,  1812. 

Port  Dearborn  was  rebuilt  in  1816,  under  the  direction  of  Capt.  Bradley, 
and  was  occupied  until  1837,  when,  the  Indians  having  removed  from  the 
country,  it  was  abandoned. 

Congress,  on  the  2d  of  March,  1827,  granted  to  the  State  of  Illinois  every 
alternate  section  of  land  for  six  miles  on  either  side  of  the  line  of  the  then 
proposed  Illinois  and  Michigan  canal,  to  aid  in  its  construction,  from  Chi- 
cago to  the  head  of  navigation  of  the  Illinois  river.  The  State  accepted  the 
grant,  and  on  the  22d  of  January,  1829,  organized  a board  of  canal  commis- 
sioners, with  power  to  lay  out  towns  along  the  line.  Under  this  authority 
the  commissioners  employed  Mr.  James  Thompson  to  survey  the  town  of 
Chicago.  His  first  map  of  the  town  bears  date  August  4,  1830.  In  1831 
the  place  contained  about  a dozen  families,  not  including  the  officers  and  sol- 
diers in  Fort  Dearborn.  On  the  10th  of  August,  1833,  it  was  organized  by 
the  election  of  five  trustees — there  being  twenty-eight  voters.  On  the  26th 
of  September  of  the  same  year,  a treaty  was  signed  with  the  chiefs  of  the 
Pottawattamies,  seven  thousand  of  the  tribe  being  present,  and  on  the  1st 
of  October  they  were  removed  west  of  the  Mississippi.  The  first  charter  of 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


101 


the  city  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  Illinois,  and  approved  March  4th, 
1837.  "Under  this  charter  an  election  was  held  May  1st,  of  the  same  year. 
A census  was  taken  on  the  1st  of  July,  when  the  entire  population  was 
shown  to  be  4,170.  The  city  then  contained  four  warehouses,  three  hundred 
and  twenty-eight  dwellings,  twenty-nine  dry  goods  stores,  five  hardware 
stores,  three  drug  stores,  nineteen  provision  stores,  ten  taverns,  twenty-six 
groceries,  seventeen  lawyers’  offices,  and  five  churches.  It  then  embraced 
an  area  of  560  acres.  At  this  date  grain  and  flour  had  to  be  imported  from 
the  East  to  feed  the  people,  for  the  iron  arteries  of  trade  did  not  then  stretch 
out  over  the  prairies  of  Illinois,  Iowa,  and  other  States.  There  were  no  ex- 
portations of  produce  until  1839,  and  not  until  1842  did  the  exports  exceed 
the  imports.  Grain  was  sold  in  the  streets  by  the  wagon  load,  the  trade 
being  restricted  to  a few  neighboring  farmers  of  Illinois. 

Of  religious  organizations  the  Methodists  were  the  pioneers,  being  repre- 
sented in  1831, 1832  and  1833,  by  Rev.  Jesse  Walker.  Their  first  quarterly 
meeting  was  held  in  the  fall  of  1833,  and  in  the  spring  of  the  next  year  the 
first  regular  class  was  formed.  The  first  Presbyterian  church  was  organized 
June  26th,  1833,  the  first  pastor  being  Rev.  James  Porter.  It  consisted  at 
the  time  of  twenty-five  members  from  the  garrison  and  nine  from  the  citi- 
zens of  the  town.  The  first  Baptist  church  was  organized  October  19th, 
1833  ; and  the  first  Episcopal  church,  St.  Janies,  in  1834.  The  first  Cath- 
olic church  was  built  by  Rev.  Schofler,  in  1833-4. 

The  first  great  public  improvement  projected  was  the  Illinois  and  Mich- 
igan canal,  one  hundred  miles  in  length,  and  connecting  Chicago  with  La 
Salle,  at  the  head  of  navigation  on  the  Illinois  river.  It  was  completed  in 
the  spring  of  1848. 

To  the  eye  of  an  observer,  Chicago  seems  to  be  situated  upon  a level  plain, 
but  in  reality  the  height  of  the  natural  surface  above  the  lake  varies  from 
three  to  twenty-four  feet,  and  the  grade  of  the  principal  streets  has  been 
raised  from  two  to  eight  feet  above  the  original  surface.  A complete  sys- 
tem of  sewerage  has  been  established.  The  surrounding  prairie  for  many 
miles  is  apparently  without  much  variation  of  surface.  Though  it  cannot 
be  observed  by  the  eye,  yet  the  city  really  stands  on  the  dividing  ridge  be- 
tween the  two  great  rivers  that  drain  half  the  continent,  and  is  about  six 
hundred  feet  above  the  ocean.  Chicago  river,  before  being  widened,  deep- 
ened, and  improved,  was  a very  small  stream.  It  has  but  very  little  per- 
ceptible current,  and  for  several  miles  is  very  nearly  on  a level  with  the 
lake.  It  is  formed  by  two  branches,  one  from  the  north  and  the  other  from 
south,  which  unite  about  a mile  from  the  lake.  From  this  junction  the 
stream  flows  due  east  to  the  lake.  These  streams  divide  the  city  into  three 
parts,  familiarly  known  as  North  Side,  South  Side,  and  West  Side.  Bridges 
constructed  upon  turn-tables,  or  pivots,  are  thrown  across  the  streams  at 
many  places.  By  swinging  the  bridges  round,  vessels  are  allowed  to  be 
towed  up  and  down  the  river  by  steam  tugs,  so  that  there  is  very  little  diffi- 
culty in  the  way  of  passing  from  one  division  of  the  city  to  another.  The 
stream  has  been  made  navigable  for  several  miles  for  sail  vessels  and  pro- 
pellers, and  immense  warehouses  and  elevators  have  been  constructed  along 
its  banks,  where  vessels  are  loaded  and  unloaded  with  great  rapidity. 

We  have  seen  that  when  the  first  census  was  taken  in  1837,  the  city  had 
a population  of  4,170.  By  1840  it  had  increased  to  only  4,470  ; in  1845  it 
was  12,088  ; in  1850  it  was  28,269  ; in  1855  it  was  83,509.  The  census  of 
1870  showed  a population  298,977. 


102 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


One  of  the  gigantic  public  improvements  of  Chicago  is  that  for  supplying 
the  city  with  water.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  water  in  the  lake,  near  the 
shore,  was  polluted  by  filth  from  the  river,  in  1865  a tunnel  was  cut  under 
the  lake,  extending  a distance  of  two  miles  from  the  shore.  This  tunnel  is 
thirty-five  feet  below  the  bed  of  the  lake.  This  work  is  regarded  as  an  ex- 
ample of  great  engineering  skill,  and  has  proved  to  be  successful.  The  con- 
tract price  for  this  work  was  $315,139.  Another  great  work  is  the  tunnel 
under  the  Chicago  river  at  Washington  street,  cut  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
pensing with  the  bridge  over  the  river,  and  to  obviate  the  necessity  of  the 
public  waiting  for  vessels  to  pass.  The  contract  price  for  this  great  work 
was  $200,000. 

There  are  other  great  public  improvements  of  the  city,  which  with  her  rail- 
roads leading  out  in  all  directions,  her  immense  lake  shipping  trade,  and  her 
population  of  nearly  half  a million  people,  show  the  greatness  that  Chicago 
has  attained,  all  within  so  short  a time.  As  she  has  been  great  in  her  prosper- 
ity, so  also  has  she  been  great  in  her  calamities.  On  the  8th  and  9th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1871,  this  city  was  the  scene  of  one  of  the  greatest  conflagrations 
known  in  the  annais  of  the  world — greater  than  that  of  London  in  1666, 
when  thirteen  thousand  buildings  wrere  burned.  In  Chicago  twenty  thou- 
sand buildings  were  swept  away  by  the  devouring  element,  with  miles  of 
magnificent  business  blocks,  palatial  residences,  and  costly  ornamentations 
— all  covering  an  area  of  over  five  thousand  acres!  In  all  that  part  of  the 
city  between  Harrison  street  and  the  Chicago  river,  and  on  the  North  Side 
for  nearly  four  miles  to  Lincoln  Park,  there  was  nothing  to  be  seen  but  the 
ruins  of  a city  that  had  suddenly  gone  down  at  the  merciless  bidding  of  the 
fire-fiend.  It  was  a scene  of  desolation  and  ruin,  and  its  announcement  at 
the  time  thrilled  a sympathetic  chord  which  vibrated  throughout  the  whole 
civilized  world.  Like  the  fabled  Phoenix,  Chicago  rose  again  from  her  own 
ashes,  but  grander  and  more  magnificent  than  she  was  before.  Chicago  is 
now,  and  has  for  some  years  been,  the  greatest  pork  packing  and  grain  shipping 
market  of  the  world.  Her  commerce  is  of  immense  proportions  and  reaches 
to  all  lands  where  American  trade  is  known.  She  is  the  commercial  metrop- 
olis of  the  great  Northwest,  and  the  States  of  Illinois,  Iowa,  Nebraska,  Wis- 
consin and  Minnesota,  pour  their  tributes  of  wealth  over  thousands  of  miles 
of  railroads  into  her  lap. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY 


103 


OLD  FORT  DEARBORN, 1830. 


History  of  Iowa. 


DESCRIPTIVE  AND  GEOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH. 

Extent — Surface — Rivers — Lakes — Spirit  Lake — Lake  Okoboji — Clear  Lake — Timber— Cli- 
mate— Prairies — Soils . 

Extent. — Iowa  is  about  three  hundred  miles  in  length,  east  and  west,  and 
a little  over  two  hundred  miles  in  breadth,  north  and  south ; having  nearly 
the  figure  of  a rectangular  parallelogram.  Its  Northern  boundary  is  the  par- 
allel of  43  degrees  30  minutes,  separating  it  from  the  State  of  Minnesota. 
Its  southern  limit  is  nearly  on  the  line  of  40  degrees  31  minutes  from  the 
point  where  this  parallel  crosses  the  Des  Moines  river,  westward.  From 
this  point  to  the  southeast  corner  of  the  State,  a distance  of  about  thirty 
miles,  the  Des  Moines  river  forms  the  boundary  line  between  Iowa  and  Mis- 
souri. The  two  great  rivers  of  the  North  American  Continent  form  the 
east  and  west  boundaries,  except  that  portion  of  the  western  boundary  ad- 
joining the  Territory  of  Dakota.  The  Big  Sioux  river  from  its  mouth,  two 
miles  above  Sioux  City,  forms  the  western  boundary  up  to  the  point  where 
it  intersects  the  parallel  of  43  degrees  30  minutes.  These  limits  embrace  an 
area  of  55,045  square  miles;  or,  35,228,800  acres.  When  it  is  understood 
that  all  this  vast  extent  of  surface,  except  that  which  is  occupied  by  the  riv- 
ers, and  the  lakes  and  peat  beds  of  the  northern  counties,  is  susceptible  of  the 
highest  cultivation,  some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  immense  agricultural  re- 
sources of  the  State.  Iowa  is  nearly  as  large  as  England,  and  twice  as  large 
as  Scotland ; but  when  we  consider  the  relative  area  of  surface  which  may 
be  made  to  yield  to  the  wants  of  man,  those  countries  of  the  Old  World  will 
bear  no  comparison  with  Iowa. 

Surface. — The  surface  of  the  State  is  remarkably  uniform,  rising  to  nearly 
the  same  general  altitude.  There  are  no  mountains,  and  yet  but  little  of 
the  surface  is  level  or  flat.  The  whole  State  presents  a succession  of  gentle 
elevations  and  depressions,  with  some  bold  and  picturesque  bluffs  along  the 
principal  streams.  The  western  portion  of  the  State  is  generally  more  eleva- 
ted than  the  eastern,  the  northwestern  part  being  the  highest.  Nature 
could  not  have  provided  a more  perfect  system  of  drainage,  and  at  the  same 
time  leave  the  country  so  completely  adapted  to  all'  the  purposes  of  agricul- 
ture. Looking  at  the  map  of  Iowa,  we  see  two  systems  of  streams  or  rivers 
running  nearly  at  right  angles  with  each  other.  The  streams  which  dis- 
charge their  waters  into  the  Mississippi  flow  from  the  northwest  to  the 
southeast,  while  those  of  the  other  system  flow  towards  the  southwest,  and 
empty  into  the  Missouri.  The  former  drain  about  three-fourths  of  the  State, 
and  the  latter  the  remaining  one-fourth.  The  water-shed  dividing  the  two 


106 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


systems  of  streams,  represents  the  highest  portions  of  the  State,  and  grad- 
ually descends  as  you  follow  its  course  from  northwest  to  southeast.  Low- 
water  mark  in  the  Missouri  river  at  Council  Bluffs  is  about  425  feet  above 
low- water  mark  in  the  Mississippi  at  Davenport.  At  the  crossing  of  the 
summit,  or  water-shed,  245  miles  west  of  Davenport,  the  elevation  is  about 
960  feet  above  the  Mississippi.  The  Des  Moines  river,  at  the  city  of  Des 
Moines,  has  an  elevation  of  227  feet  above  the  Mississippi  at  Davenport,  and 
is  198  feet  lower  than  the  Missouri  at  Council  Bluffs.  The  elevation  of  the 
eastern  border  of  the  State  at  McGregor  is  about  624  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea,  while  the  highest  elevation  in  the  northwest  portion  of  the  State  is 
1,400  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  In  addition  to  the  grand  water-shed 
mentioned  above,  as  dividing  the  waters  of  the  Mississippi  and  Missouri, 
there  are  between  the  principal  streams,  elevations  commonly  called  u di- 
vides,” which  are  drained  by  numerous  streams  of  a smaller  size  tributary  to 
the  rivers.  The  valleys  along  the  streams  have  a deep,  rich  soil,  but  are 
scarcely  more  fertile  than  many  portions  of  those  undulating  prairie  “ di- 
vides.” 

Rivers. — As  stated  above,  the  rivers  of  Iowa  are  divided  into  two  systems, 
or  classes — those  flowing  into  the  Mississippi,  and  those  flowing  into  the 
Missouri.  The  Mississippi  river,  the  largest  on  the  continent,  and  one  of  the 
largest  in  the  world,  washes  the  entire  eastern  border  of  the  State,  and  is  most 
of  the  year  navigable  for  a large  class  of  steamers.  The  only  serious  ob- 
struction to  steamers  of  the  largest  size,  are  what  are  known  as  the  Lower 
Bapids,  just  above  the  mouth  of  the  Des  Moines.  The  government  of  the 
United  States  has  constructed  a canal,  or  channel,  around  these  rapids  on 
the  Iowa  side  of  the  river,  a work  which  will  prove  of  immense  advantage 
to  the  commerce  of  Iowa  for  all  time  to  come.  The  principal  rivers  which 
flow  through  the  interior  of  the  State,  east  of  the  water-shed,  are  the  Des 
Moines,  Skunk,  Iowa,  Wapsipinicon,  Maquoketa,  Turkey,  and  Upper  Iowa. 
One  of  the  largest  rivers  in  the  State  is  Bed  Cedar,  which  rises  in  Minne- 
sota, and  flowing  in  a southeasterly  direction,  joins  its  waters  with  Iowa 
river  in  Louisa  county,  only  about  thirty  miles  from  its  mouth,  that  portion 
below  the  junction  retaining  the  name  of  Iowa  river,  although  above  the 
junction  it  is  really  the  smaller  stream. 

The  Des  Moines  is  the  largest  interior  river  of  the  State,  and  rises  in  a 
group  or  chain  of  lakes  in  Minnesota,  not  far  from  the  Iowa  border.  It 
really  has  its  source  in  two  principal  branches,  called  East  and  West  Des 
Moines,  which,  after  flowing  about  seventy  miles  through  the  northern  por- 
tion of  the  State,  converge  to  their  junction  in  the  southern  part  of  Hum- 
boldt county.  The  Des  Moines  receives  a number  of  large  tributaries, 
among  which  are  Baccoon  and  Three  Bivers  (North,  South  and  Middle)  on 
the  west,  and  Boone  river  on  the  east.  Baccoon  (or  ’Coon)  rises  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Storm  Lake  in  Buena  Yista  county,  and  after  receiving  several 
tributaries,  discharges  its  waters  into  the  Des  Moines  river,  within  the  lim- 
its of  the  city  of  Des  Moines.  This  stream  affords  many  excellent  mill 
privileges,  some  of  which  have  been  improved.  The  Des  Moines  flows  from 
northwest  to  southeast,  not  less  than  three  hundred  miles  through  Iowa,  and 
drains  over  ten  thousand  square  miles  of  territory.  At  an  early  day,  steam- 
boats, at  certain  seasons  of  the  year,  navigated  this  river  as  far  up  as  the 
“ Baccoon  Forks,”  and  a large  grant  of  land  was  made  by  Congress  to  the 
State  for  the  purpose  of  improving  its  navigation.  The  land  was  subse- 
quently diverted  to  the  construction  of  the  Des  Moines  Yalley  Bailroad. 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


107 


Before  this  diversion  several  dams  were  erected  on  the  lower  portion  of  the 
river,  which  afford  a vast  amount  of  hydraulic  power  to  that  portion  of  the 
State. 

The  next  river  above  the  Des  Moines  is  Skunk,  which  has  its  source  in 
Hamilton  county,  north  of  the  center  of  the  State.  It  traverses  a southeast 
course,  having  two  principal  branches — their  aggregate  length  being  about 
four  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  They  drain  about  eight  thousand  square  miles 
of  territory,  and  afford  many  excellent  mill  sites. 

The  next  is  Iowa  river,  which  rises  in  several  branches  among  the  lakes 
in  Hancock  and  Winnebago  counties,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State.  Its 

treat  eastern  branch  is  Bed  Cedar,  having  its  source  among  the  lakes  in 
linnesota.  The  two  streams,  as  before  stated,  unite  and  flow  into  the  Mis- 
sissippi in  Louisa  county.  In  size,  Bed  Cedar  is  the  second  interior  river 
of  the  State,  and  both  are  valuable  as  affording  immense  water  power.  Shell 
Bock  river  is  a tributary  of  Bed  Cedar,  and  is  important  to  Northern  Iowa, 
on  account  of  its  fine  water  power.  The  aggregate  length  of  Iowa  and  Bed 
Cedar  rivers  is  about  five  hundred  miles,  and  they  drain  about  twelve  thou- 
sand square  miles  of  territory. 

The  Wapsipinicon  river  rises  in  Minnesota,  and  flows  in  a southeasterly 
direction  over  two  hundred  miles  through  Iowa,  draining,  with  its  branches, 
a belt  of  territory  only  about  twelve  miles  wide.  This  stream  is  usually 
called  “ Wapsie  ” by  the  settlers,  and  is  valuable  as  furnishing  good  water 
power  for  machinery. 

Maquoketa  river,  the  next  considerable  tributary  of  the  Mississippi,  is 
about  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  long,  and  drains  about  three  thousand 
square  miles  of  territory. 

Turkey  river  is  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  miles  long,  and  drains  some 
two  thousand  square  miles.  It  rises  in  Howard  county,  runs  southeast,  and 
empties  into  the  Mississippi  near  the  south  line  of  Clayton  county. 

Upper  Iowa  river  also  rises  in  Howard  county,  flows  nearly  east,  and 
empties  into  the  Mississippi  near  the  northeast  corner  of  the  State,  passing 
through  a narrow,  but  picturesque  and  beautiful  valley.  This  portion  of 
the  State  is  somewhat  broken,  and  the  streams  have  cut  their  channels  deeply 
into  the  rocks,  so  that  in  many  places  they  are  bordered  by  bluffs  from  three 
to  four  hundred  feet  high.  They  flow  rapidly,  and  furnish  ample  water 
power  for  machinery  at  numerous  points. 

Having  mentioned  the  rivers  which  drain  the  eastern  three-fourths  of  the 
State,  we  will  now  cross  the  great  “water-shed”  to  the  Missouri  and  its 
tributaries. 

The  Missouri  river,  forming  a little  over  two-thirds  of  the  length  of  the 
western  boundary  line,  is  navigable  for  large  sized  steamboats  for  a distance 
of  nineteen  hundred  and  fifty  miles  above  the  point  (Sioux  City)  where  it 
first  touches  our  western  border.  It  is,  therefore,  a highway  of  no  little  im- 
portance to  the  commerce  of  Western  Iowa.  During  the  season  of  naviga- 
tion some  years,  over  fifty  steamers  ascend  the  river  above  Sioux  City,  most 
of  which  are  laden  with  stores  for  the  mining  region  above  Fort  Benton. 
We  will  now  refer  to  the  larger  tributaries  of  the  Missouri,  which  drain  the 
western  portion  of  Iowa. 

The  Big  Sioux  river  forms  about  seventy  miles  of  the  western  boundary 
of  the  State,  its  general  course  being  nearly  from  north  to  south.  It  has 
several  small  tributaries  draining  the  counties  of  Plymouth,  Sioux,  Lyon, 
Osceola,  and  O’Brien,  in  northwestern  Iowa.  One  of  the  most  important 


108 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


of  these  is  Hock  river,  a beautiful  little  stream  running  through  the  coun- 
ties of  Lyon  and  Sioux.  It  is  supported  by  springs,  and  affords  a volume 
of  water  sufficient  for  propelling  machinery.  Big  Sioux  river  was  once  re- 
garded as  a navigable  stream,  and  steamboats  of  a small  size  have  on  sev- 
eral occasions  ascended  it  for  some  distance.  It  is  not,  however,  now  con- 
sidered a safe  stream  for  navigation.  It  empties  into  the  Missouri  about 
two  miles  above  Sioux  City,  and  some  four  miles  below  the  northwest  cor- 
ner of  Woodbury  county.  It  drains  about  one  thousand  square  miles  of 
Iowa  territory. 

Just  below  Sioux  City,  Floyd  river  empties  into  the  Missouri.  It  is  a 
small  stream,  but  flows  through  a rich  and  beautiful  valley.  Its  length  is 
about  one  hundred  miles,  and  it  drains  some  fifteen  hundred  square  miles  of 
territory.  Two  or  three  mills  have  been  erected  on  this  stream,  and  there 
are  other  mill  sites  which  will  doubtless  be  improved  in  due  time. 

Little  Sioux  river  is  one  of  the  most  important  streams  of  northwestern 
Iowa.  It  rises  in  the  vicinity  of  Spirit  and  Okoboji  lakes,  near  the  Minne- 
sota line,  and  meanders  through  various  counties  a distance  of  nearly  three 
hundred  miles  to  its  confluence  with  the  Missouri  near  the  northwest  corner 
of  Harrison  county.  With  its  tributaries  it  drains  not  less  than  five  thou- 
sand square  miles.  Several  small  mills  have  been  erected  on  this  stream, 
and  others  doubtless  will  be  when  needed. 

Boyer  river  is  the  next  stream  of  considerable  size  below  the  Little  Sioux. 
It  rises  in  Sac  county  and  flows  southwest  to  the  Missouri  in  Pottawattamie 
county.  Its  entire  length  is  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and  drains 
not  less  than  two  thousand  square  miles  of  territory.  It  is  a small  stream, 
meandering  through  a rich  and  lovely  valley.  The  Chicago  and  Northwest- 
ern Bailroad  passes  down  this  valley  some  sixty  miles. 

Going  down  the  Missouri,  and  passing  several  small  streams,  which  have 
not  been  dignified  with  the  name  of  rivers,  we  come  to  the  Nishnabotna, 
which  empties  into  the  Missouri  some  twenty  miles  below  the  southwest 
corner  of  the  State.  It  has  three  principal  branches,  with  an  aggregate 
length  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  These  streams  drain  about  five 
thousand  square  miles  of  southwestern  Iowa.  They  flow  through  valleys  of 
unsurpassed  beauty  and  fertility,  and  furnish  good  water  power  at  various 
points,  though  in  this  respect  they  are  not  equal  to  the  streams  in  the  north- 
eastern portion  of  the  State. 

The  southern  portion  of  the  State  is  drained  by  several  streams  that  flow 
into  the  Missouri  river,  in  the  State  of  Missouri.  The  most  important  of 
these  are  Chariton,  Grand,  Platte,  One  Hundred  and  Two,  and  the  three 
Nodaways — East,  West  and  Middle.  All  of  these  afford  water  power  for 
machinery,  and  present  splendid  valleys  of  rich  farming  lands. 

We  have  above  only  mentioned  the  streams  that  have  been  designated  as 
rivers,  but  there  are  many  other  streams  of  great  importance  and  value  to 
different  portions  of  the  State,  draining  the  country,  furnishing  mill-sites, 
and  adding  to  the  variety  and  beauty  of  the  scenery.  So  admirable  is  the 
natural  drainage  of  almost  the  entire  State,  that  the  farmer  who  has  not  a 
stream  of  living  water  on  his  premises  is  an  exception  to  the  general  rule. 

LAKES  OF  NORTHERN  IOWA. 

In  some  of  the  northern  counties  of  Iowa  there  are  many  small,  but  beau- 
tiful lakes,  some  of  which  we  shall  notice.  They  are  a part  of  the  system  of 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


109 


lakes  extending  far  northward  into  Minnesota,  and  some  of  them  present 
many  interesting  features  which  the  limits  of  this  work  will  not  permit  us 
to  give  in  detail.  The  following  are  among  the  most  noted  of  the  lakes  of 
northern  Iowa : Clear  Lake,  in  Cerro  Gordo  county ; Rice  Lake,  Silver  Lake 
and  Bright’s  Lake,  in  Worth  county;  Crystal  Lake,  Eagle  Lake,  Lake  Ed- 
ward and  Twin  Lakes,  in  Hancock  county;  Owl  Lake,  in  Humboldt  county; 
Lake  Gertrude,  Elm  Lake  and  Wall  Lake,  in  Wright  county;  Lake  Caro,  in 
Hamilton  county;  Twin  Lakes,  in  Calhoun  county;  Wall  Lake,  in  Sac 
county;  Swan  Lake,  in  Emmet  county;  Storm  Lake,  in  Buena  Yista  county; 
and  Okoboji  and  Spirit  Lakes,  in  Dickinson  county.  Nearly  all  of  these 
are  deep  and  clear,  abounding  in  many  excellent  varieties  of  fish,  which  are 
caught  abundantly  by  the  settlers  at  all  proper  seasons  of  the  year.  The 
name  4 Wall  Lake,’  applied  to  several  of  these  bodies  of  water,  is  derived  from 
the  fact  that  a line  or  ridge  of  boulders,  extends  around  them,  giving  them 
somewhat  the  appearance  of  having  been  walled.  Most  of  them  exhibit  the 
same  appearance  in  this  respect  to  a greater  or  less  extent.  Lake  Okoboji, 
Spirit  Lake,  Storm  Lake  and  Clear  Lake  are  the  largest  of  the  Northern 
Iowa  lakes.  All  of  them,  except  Storm  Lake,  have  fine  bodies  of  timber  on 
their  borders.  Lake  Okoboji  is  about  fifteen  miles  long,  and  from  a quarter 
of  a mile  to  two  miles  wide.  Spirit  Lake,  just  north  of  it,  embraces  about 
ten  square  miles,  the  northern  border  extending  to  the  Minnesota  line.  Storm 
Lake  is  in  size  about  three  miles  east  and  west  by  two  north  and  south. 
Clear  Lake  is  about  seven  miles  long  by  two  miles  wide.  The  dry  rolling 
land  usually  extends  up  to  the  borders  of  the  lakes,  making  them  delightful 
resorts  for  excursion  or  fishing  parties,  and  they  are  now  attracting  attention 
as  places  of  resort,  on  account  of  the  beauty  of  their  natural  scenery,  as  well 
as  the  inducements  which  they  afford  to  hunting  and  fishing  parties. 

As  descriptive  of  some  of  the  lakes  of  Northern  Iowa,  the  author  would 
here  introduce  some  former  correspondence  of  his  own  on  the  occasion  of  a 
visit  to  Spirit  and  Okoboji  Lakes*  in  Dickinson  county.  At  that  time  he 
’wrote  in  regard  to  Spirit  Lake: 

With  a party  of  delighted  friends — seven  of  us  in  all — we  made  the  cir- 
cle of  Spirit  Lake,  or  Minne-Waukon  as  the  Indians  called  it.  Starting 
from  the  village  of  Spirit  Lake  early  in  the  morning,  we  crossed  the  upper 
portion  of  East  Okoboji  on  a substantial  wooden  bridge  about  three  hundred 
feet  in  length,  a half  mile  east  of  the  village.  Going  around  a farm  or  two, 
we  proceeded  up  along  the  east  shore  of  Spirit  Lake  to  what  is  known  as 
“ Stony  Point.”  Here  a point  of  land  has  been  gradually  forming,  for,  we 
do  not  know  how  many  years,  or  even  centuries,  but  large  trees  have  grown 
from  the  rocks,  gravel  and  sand  thrown  together  by  various  forces  far  back 
in  the  past.  From  the  inner  edge  of  the  growth  of  timber,  a ridge  of  rocks 
extends  some  forty  rods  into  the  lake,  gradually  lessening  until,  at  the  fur- 
ther extremity,  it  only  affords  a dry  foot-way  by  stepping  from  rock  to  rock. 
This  point  is  said  to  be  constantly  extending  and  it  is  not  improbable  that 
in  time,  two  lakes  may  be  formed  instead  ot  one.  “ Stony  Point”  is  almost 
wholly  composed  of  boulders  of  various  sizes  and  shapes,  brought  together 
by  the  action  of  water,  on  either  side.  It  is  the  resort  of  innumerable  birds  and 
water  fowl  of  various  kinds,  including  pelicans,  black  loons  and  gulls.  When 
we  approached  they  were  holding  high  carni  val  over  the  remains  of  such  un- 
fortunate fish  as  happened  to  be  thrown  upon  the  rocks  by  the  dashing  of  the 
waves.  Our  presence,  however,  soon  cleared  the  coast  of  its  promiscuous 


110 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


gathering  of  feathered  tenants,  hut  after  we  left,  they  doubtless  returned  to 
their  revelry. 

We  continued  our  journey  up  the  lake  a mile  further  to  the  “ inlet.”  Here 
a small  stream  makes  its  way  in  from  the  east,  and,  having  high  steep  banks, 
all  we  had  to  do  was  to  go  round  its  mouth  through  the  lake,  the  water  being 
very  clear,  with  a line  gravel  bottom,  and  sufficiently  shallow  for  good  ford- 
ing. Just  above  this,  a sand-beach  extends  for  some  distance,  portions  of 
which  are  covered  with  clumps  of  willows  and  other  small  trees.  Ho  heavy 
groves  of  timber  border  on  the  east  side  of  the  lake,  but  scattered  trees  and 
small  groves  extend  all  the  way  along.  The  adjoining  prairie  land  is  gener- 
ally dry,  rolling  and  well  adapted  to  farming  purposes.  Several  farms  are  in 
cultivation  along  the  banks  of  this  part  of  the  lake. 

Hearly  east  of  the  north  end  of  the  lake,  we  crossed  the  Iowa  and  Minne- 
sota line.  Our  road  led  us  about  a mile  further  north,  where  it  diverged 
westerly  to  the  south  bank  of  a pleasant  little  sheet  of  water,  known  as  Loon 
Lake.  This  has  an  outlet  connecting  it  with  other  small  lakes,  which  lie 
near  the  head  of  Spirit  Lake,  and  which  were  doubtless  once  a part  of  the 
same.  In  a pretty  little  grove  on  the  shore  of  Loon  Lake,  in  the  sovereign 
State  of  Minnesota,  we  paused  for  our  nooning. 

From  Loon  Lake  the  road  turns  southward,  passing  several  miles  through 
groves  of  timber  that  border  the  west  shore  of  Spirit  Lake.  A number  of 
clear  and  cpiiet  little  lakes  are  nestled  romantically  in  the  groves  west  of 
Spirit  Lake  with  only  sufficient  room  in  many  places  for  a roadway  between 
them  and  the  latter.  Of  these  charming  little  lakes,  the  three  principal  ones 
are  Lake  Augusta,  Plum  Lake,  and  Pound  Lake.  In  the  formation  of  the 
last  named,  nature  has  indulged  in  one  of  her  most  singular  and  interesting 
freaks.  It  is  something  over  a quarter  of  a mile  in  diameter,  and  so  nearly 
round  that  the  eye  can  detect  no  irregularity.  The  bank,  all  around,  rises 
to  the  uniform  height  of  about  thirty  feet,  sloping  at  an  angle  of  forty-five 
degrees,  and  giving  the  lake  the  appearance  of  a huge  basin.  A dense  forest 
approaches  on  all  sides,  with  large  trees  bending  over  the  water,  which  is  so 
deep  down  in  its  reservoir  that  the  wind  rarely  ruffles  its  surface.  There  is 
no  visible  inlet  or  outlet,  but  the  water  is  always  deep  and  clear.  It  is 
indeed  worth  a day’s  journey  to  see  this  charming  little  gem  of  a lake, 
reposing  so  quietly  in  the  midst  of  its  wild  surroundings  of  lofty  trees, 
tangled  vines  and  wild  flowers. 

Plum  Lake  is  so  called  from  the  fact  that  there  are  many  groves  of  wild 
plums  around  it.  It  lies  between  Lake  Augusta  and  Pound  Lake.  Hear 
the  north  end  of  Plum  Lake  is  a commanding  elevation  called  “ Grandview 
Mound.”  From  the  summit  of  this  mound  there  is  a fine  view  of  Spirit 
Lake,  and  a portion  of  the  surrounding  country.  There  is  every  appearance 
that  these  little  lakes  were  once  a portion  of  the  greater  one  that  lies  east  of 
them,  and  they  are  now  separated  from  it  by  a strip  of  land  only  wide  enough 
in  many  places  for  a good  wagon  road,  but  it  is  gradually  increasing  in  width 
from  year  to  year.  It  is  covered  with  a growth  of  cottonwood,  soft  maple, 
elm,  "wild  plum,  and  other  trees,  with  a dense  profusion  of  wild  grape  vines 
clinging  among  the  branches.  The  beach  along  the  edge  of  Spirit  Lake 
here  is  composed  of  gravel,  sand  and  shells,  with  a ridge  of  boulders,  rising 
and  extending  up  to  the  timber,  through  which  the  road  passes. 

Pound  Lake,  above  mentioned,  is  situated  in  what  is  known  as  “ Marble 
Grove,”  one  of  the  finest  bodies  of  timber  to  be  found  about  the  lakes,  and  is 
so  named  from  its  early  occupant,  who  was  killed  by  the  Indians.  It  was  in 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


Ill 


this  grove,  after  the  massacre,  that  the  Indians  peeled  the  hark  from  a tree, 
and  with  a dark  paint,  made  a picture-record  of  what  they  had  done.  The 
killed  were  represented  by  rude  drawings  of  persons  in  a prostrate  position, 
corresponding  with  the  number  of  victims.  Pictures  of  cabins,  with  smoke 
issuing  from  their  roofs,  represented  the  number  of  houses  burned.  In  the 
murder  of  Marble  and  his  child,  and  the  capture  of  Mrs.  Marble,  the  Indians 
completed  the  annihilation  of  the  settlement  at  the  lakes,  and  thus  left  a 
record  of  their  fiendish  work.  “ Marble  Grove  ” at  that  time  was  doubtless 
a scene  of  savage  rejoicing  over  the  perpetration  of  deeds  which  cast  a gloom 
over  all  Northwestern  Iowa,  and  which  the  lapse  of  years  only  could  remove. 
• From  the  south  end  of  “ Marble  Grove  ” to  the  village  of  Spirit  Lake,  the 
road  passes  over  undulating  prairies  for  some  three  or  four  miles,  with 
several  new  farms  now  being  improved  on  either  side.  The  principal  groves 
of  timber  about  this  lake  are  at  the  west  side  and  the  north  end,  while  a 
narrow  belt  extends  around  the  other  portions.  The  water  is  deep,  and  the 
wind  often  dashes  the  waves  against  the  banks  with  great  violence.  At 
other  times  the  surface  is  smooth  and  placid. 

There  is  a legend  which  we  give  briefly,  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  may 
be  curious  to  know  the  origin  of  the  name  of  Spirit  Lake.  Many  moons 
before  the  white  man  took  up  his  abode  or  built  his  cabin  on  the  shores  of 
the  lake,  a band  of  Dakota  warriors  brought  a pale-faced  maiden  here,  a 
captive. taken  in  one  of  their  expeditions  against  the  whites  who  had  ven- 
tured near  their  hunting  grounds.  Among  the  warriors  was  a tail  young 
brave,  fairer  than  the  rest,  who  had  been  stolen  from  the  whites  in  infancy 
by  the  wife  of  Um-pa-slio-ta,  the  chief.  The  peale-faced  brave  never  knew 
his  parentage  or  origin,  but  the  chief’s  wife  called  him  Star  of  Day,  and  he 
knew  not  but  that  she  was  his  own  mother.  All  the  tribe  expected  that  he 
would  sometime  become  their  chief,  as  no  warrior  had  proved  so  brave  and 
daring  as  he.  Star  of  Day,  only,  had  performed  deeds  which  entitled  him 
to  succeed  to  the  honors  of  the  aged  Um-pa-sho-ta.  But  all  the  distinctions 
or  titles  that  his  nation  might  bestow,  possessed  no  attraction  for  him  while 
he  beheld  the  grief  of  the  beautiful  pale-faced  captive.  He  therefore  deter- 
mined to  rescue  her,  and  also  made  up  his  mind  to  flee  with  her  from  the 
tribe  and  make  her  his  wife.  The  maiden  had  recognized  in  the  blue  eyes 
and  fair  face  of  her  lover,  something  which  told  her  that  he,  like  herself, 
was  a captive.  One  night,  while  all  the  warriors  were  asleep  in  their  lodges, 
Star  of  Day  and  the  maiden  slumbered  not.  He  silently  unbound  the 
thongs  which  fastened  her  to  the  lodge  frame.  Only  a few  paces  through 
the  thick  forest  brought  them  to  the  lake  shore,  where,  under  the  willows, 
his  light  canoe  was  in  readiness.  Soon  the  lovers  were  midway  across  the 
lake,  but  the  Great  Spirit  who  ruled  in  the  wind  and  the  water,  as  well  as  in  the 
forest,  willed  that  their  home  should  be  together  beneath  the  waters  where 
no  Dakota  should  henceforth  ever  disturb  them.  And  so  a breath  of  the 
Great  Spirit  in  the  wind  dashed  a wave  over  the  little  canoe,  and  it  went 
down  with  the  lovers.  Since  that  time  no  Indian’s  canoe  has  ever  dared  to 
venture  upon  the  lake.  Only  the  white  man’s  canoe  is  always  safe,  for  the 
spirits  of  Star  of  Day  and  the  maiden  still  abide  under  the  water,  in  a 
beautiful  cave  of  shells,  guarding^  only  the  white  man’s  canoe  from  danger, 
•as  spirits  ever  know  their  own.  From  that  time  the  Dakotas  called  the  lake 
Minne-Wauhon,  or  Spirit- Water. 

Okoboji. — Okoboji  is  the  most  beautiful  of  all  the  lakes  of  Northwestern 
Iowa.  Walter  Scott  could  not  invest  the  historic  lakes  of  Scotia  with  more 


112 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


of  the  wild  beauty  of  scenery  suggestive  of  poetry  and  romance,  than  we  here 
find  around  this  loveliest  of  Iowa  lakes. 

Okoboji  lies  immediately  south  of  Spirit  Lake,  and  is  of  very  irregular 
shape.  Its  whole  length  is  at  least  fourteen  miles,  but  it  is  nearly  separated 
into  two  parts.  The  two  parts  are  called,  respectively,  East  and  West  Okoboji. 
A wooden  bridge  has  been  erected  across  the  straits,  on  the  road  from  the 
village  of  Spirit  Lake  to  that  of  Okoboji,  the  water  hern  being  ordinarily  not 
over  a couple  of  hundred  feet  wide  and  about  fifteen  feet  deep.  West  Okoboji 
is  much  the  larger  body  of  water,  stretching  west  and  northwest  of  the  straits 
some  eight  miles,  and  varying  in  width  from  one  to  two  miles.  As  you  pass 
around  this  lake,  the  scene  constantly  changes,  and  from  many  different 
points  the  observer  obtains  new  views,  many  of  which  might  furnish  inspira- 
tion to  the  pencil  of  the  artist.  The  water  has  a deep  sky-blue  appearance, 
and  the  surface  is  either  placid  or  boisterous,  as  the  weather  may  happen  to 
be.  The  dry  land  slopes  down  to  the  margin  on  all  sides. 

Huge  boulders  are  piled  up  around  the  shores  several  feet  above  the 
water,  forming  a complete  protection  against  the  action  of  the  waves. 
These  rocks  embrace  the  different  kinds  of  granite  which  are  found  scat- 
tered over  the  prairies,  with  also  a large  proportion  of  limestone,  from  which 
good  quick-lime  is  manufactured.  This  rock  protection  seems  to  be  charac- 
teristic of  all  that  portion  of  the  lake-shore  most  subject  to  the  violent  beat- 
ing of  the  waves.  But  there  are  several  fine  gravel  beaches,  and  onn  on  the 
north  side  is  especially  resorted  to  as  being  the  most  extensive  and  beautiful. 
Here  are  immense  wind-rows  of  pebbles,  rounded  and  polished  by  the  vari- 
ous processes  that  nature  employs,  and  in  such  variety  that  a single  handful 
taken  up  at  random  would  constitute  a miniature  cabinet  for  the  geologist. 
Agates,  cornelians,  and  other  specimens  of  exquisite  tint  and  beauty,  are 
found  in  great  profusion,  being  constantly  washed  up  by  the  water.  The 
east  end  of  West  Okoboji,  at  the  straits,  is  some  five  miles  south  of  Spirit 
Lake,  but  the  extreme  west  portion  extends  up  to  a point  west  of  Spirit 
Lake.  East  Okoboji  is  not  so  wide  or  deep  as  the  other  part,  but  is  nearly 
as  long.  It  extends  up  to  within  a quarter  of  a mile,  or  less,  of  Spirit  Lake, 
and  is  now  connected  with  it  by  a mill-race,  being  some  four  or  five  feet 
lower  than  that  lake.  At  a narrow  place  near  the  upper  end  of  this  lake,  a 
bridge  some  three  hundred  feet  long  has  been  erected  on  the  road  leading  to 
Estherville.  The  Okoboji  outlet  heads  at  the  south  end  of  East  Okpboji, 
and  in  its  passage  flows  through  three  lakes  called  Upper,  Middle  and  Lower 
Gar  Lakes.  These  little  lakes  are  so  named  because  large  quantities  of  the 
peculiar  long-billed  fish  designated  by  that  name,  are  found  therein.  This 
outlet  has  a rapid  fall  all  the  way  to  its  junction  with  the  Little  Sioux  river, 
some  five  miles  below,  and  is  about  being  turned  to  good  account  by  the 
erection  of  machinery  on  it.  This  outlet  is  also  the  greatest  of  the  fishing 
resorts  about  the  lakes 

The  groves  around  Lake  Okoboji  embrace  over  one  thousand  acres  of  good 
timber.  The  larger  groves  are  found  on  the  south  side,  where  the  principal 
settlement  was  at  the  time  of  the  Indian  massacre.  There  are  two  or  three 
fine  bodies  of  timber  on  the  north  side  of  West  Okoboji,  and  a narrow  fringe 
of  timber  borders  nearly  all  the  lake  shore  between  the  larger  groves.  On 
the  north  side  of  West  Okoboji,  near  the  west  end,  is  a splendid  grove  of 
hard  maple,  of  large  size,  while  none  of  this  kind  of  timber  is  found  else- 
where about  the  lake.  On  the  same  side  in  another  grove,  we  observed 
many  red  cedars  of  large  growth.  We  noticed  one  nearly  three  feet  in 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


113 


diameter,  and  a fine  crop  of  young  cedars,  from  three  to  ten  inches  high, 
have  taken  root  along  the  shore.  Burr  oak  seems  to  predominate  among 
the  various  kinds  of  timber,  and  the  groves  on  the  south  side  are  mainly 
composed  of  this  kind,  with  considerable  ash,  elm  and  walnut.  In  many 
places  the  ground  is  covered  witli  a dense  growth  of  wild  gooseberry  and 
wild  currant  bushes,  all  now  giving  promise  of  a fine  yield  of  fruit.  Many 
plum  groves  are  scattered  about  the  lake,  and  grapes  also  grow  in  profusion. 
We  noticed,  however,  that  the  wild  crab-apple,  so  plentiful  in  other  parts  of 
the  State,  was  wanting. 

The  land  rises  from  the  lake  nearly  all  the  way  round,  with  a gradually 
sloping  bank,  to  the  height  of  some  thirty  feet,  and  then  stretches  away  in 
undulating  prairie  or  woodland,  as  the  case  may  be.  In  some  places,  the 
unbroken  prairie  extends  to  the  beach  without  a tree  or  shrub.  A splendid 
bodjr  of  prairie,  embracing  several  thousand  acres,  lies  in  the  peninsula 
formed  by  Lake  Okoboji  with  its  outlet  and  the  Little  Sioux  river.  Between 
Okoboji  and  Spirit  Lakes,  there  is  also  a good  body  of  prairie  with  some 
well  improved  farms.  A lake  of  considerable  size,  called  Center  Lake,  with 
a fine  body  of  timber  surrounding  it,  lies  between  Okoboji  and  Spirit  Lakes. 

In  point  of  health,  as  well  as  in  the  beauty  of  its  natural  scenery,  this 
locality  far  surpasses  many  others  that  have  become  fashionable  and  famous 
resorts.  A month  or  two  in  the  summer  season  might  be  spent  here  with 
constant  change,  and  a pleasing  variety  of  attractions.  The  invalid  or 
pleasure  seeker  might  divide  the  time  between  hunting,  fishing,  driving, 
bathing,  rowing,  sailing,  rambling,  and  in  various  other  ways  adapted  to  his 
taste  or  fancy.  ILe  could  pay  homage  to  Nature  in  her  playful  or  her 
milder  moods;  for  sometimes  she  causes  these  little  lakes  to  play  the  role  of 
miniature  seas  by  the  wild  dashing  of  their  surges  against  their  rocky  shores, 
and  then  again  causes  them  to  become  as  calm  and  placid  as  slumbering 
infancy. 

Clear  LaJce. — Clear  Lake,  in  Cerro  Gordo  county,  is  among  the  better 
known  lakes  of  the  State,  on  account  of  its  easy  accessibility  by  rail,  as  well 
as  its  many  and  varied  attractions.  It  is  a beautiful  little  sheet  of  water, 
and  as  a pleasure  resort  has  for  several  years  been  constantly  growing  in 
favor.  This,  and  Storm  Lake,  in  Buena  Yista  county,  as  well  as  some 
others,  are  deserving  of  special  description,  but  what  is  already  given  will 
afford  some  idea  of  the  lakes  of  Northern  Iowa. 

Timber . — One  of  the  peculiar  features  of  the  topography  of  the  north- 
west, is  the  predominance  oi  prairies,  a name  of  French  origin,  which  sig- 
nifies grass-land.  It  has  been  estimated  that  about  nine- tenths  of  the  sur- 
face of  Iowa  is  prairie.  The  timber  is  generally  found  in  heavy  bodies  skirt- 
ing the  streams,  but  there  are  also  many  isolated  groves  standing,  like  islands 
in  the  sea,  far  out  on  the  prairies.  The  eastern  half  of  the  State  contains  a 
larger,  proportion  of  timber  than  the  western.  The  following  are  the  leading 
varieties  of  timber:  White,  black  and  burr  oak,  black  walnut,  butternut, 
hickory,  hard  and  soft  maple,  cherry,  red  and  white  elin,  ash,  linn,  hackberry, 
birch,  honey  locust,  cottonwood  and  quaking  asp.  A few  sycamore  trees  are 
found  in  certain  localities  along  the  streams.  Groves  of  red  cedar  also  pre- 
vail, especially  along  Iowa  and  Cedar  rivers,  and  a few  isolated  pine  trees  are 
scattered  along  the  bluff’s  of  some  of  the  streams  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
State. 

Nearly  all  kinds  of  timber  common  to  Iowa  have  been  found  to  grow  rap- 

8 


114 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


idly  when  transplanted  upon  the  prairies,  or  when  propagated  from  the  plant- 
ing of  seeds.  Only  a few  years  and  a little  expense  are  required  for  the 
settler  to  raise  a grove  sufficient  to  afford  him  a supply  of  fuel.  The  kinds 
most  easily  propagated,  and  of  rapid  growth,  are  cottonwood,  maple  and  wal- 
nut. All  our  prairie  soils  are  adapted  to  their  growth. 

Prof.  C.  E.  Bessey,  of  the  State  Agricultural  College,  who  supervised  the 
collection  of  the  different  woods  of  Iowa  for  exhibition  at  the  Centennial 
Exposition,  in  18T6,  has  given  a most  complete  list  of  the  native  woody 
plants  of  the  State.  Below  we  present  his  list.  When  not  otherwise  stated, 
they  are  trees.  The  average  diameters  are  given  in  inches,  and  when  the 
species  is  a rare  one,  its  locality  is  given : 


Papaw — shrub;  2 to  3 inches. 

Moonseed— climbing-  shrub ; 3 4 inch. 
Basswood,  Lynn  or  Linden — 20  inches. 
Prickly  Ash — shrub;  2 inches. 

Smooth  Sumach — shrub;  2 inches. 

Poison  Ivy — climbing  shrub;  1 inch. 
Fragrant  Sumach — shrub;  2 inches. 

Frost  Grape — vine;  2 inches. 

River  Bank  Grape — vine;  2 inches. 
Buckthorn — shrub;  river  bluffs;  2 to  3 inches. 
New  Jersey  Tea — low  shrub;  34  inch. 

Red  Root — low  shrub;  34  inch. 

Bitter-sweet — climbing  shrub;  1 inch. 

W ahoo — shrub ; 2 inches . 

Bladder  Nut — shrub;  2 inches. 

Buckeye — 20  to  30  inches. 

Sugar  Maple — 20  to  24  inches. 

Black  Maple — 12  to  18  inches.  _ 

Silver  or  Soft  Maple — 20  to  30  inches. 

Box  Elder — 3 to  12  inches. 

False  Indigo — shrub;  34  inch. 

Lead  Plant— low  shrub;  34  inch. 

Red  Bud— 6 to  8 inches. 

Kentucky  Coffee  Tree — 3 to  12  inches. 

Honey  Locust — 12  to  20  inches. 

Wild  Plum — shrub  or  tree;  2 to  5 inches. 
Wild  Red  Cherry — shrub  or  tree;  2 to  6 
inches. 

Choke  Cherry — shrub;  2 to  3 inches. 

Wild  Black  Cherry — 12  to  18  inches. 

Wine  Bark — shrub;  34  inch. 

Meadow  Sweet — shrub;  34  inch. 

Wild  Red  Raspberry — shrub;  34  inch. 

Wild  Black  Raspberry — shrub^  34  inch. 
Wild  Blackberry — shrub;  34  inch.  _ 

Dwarf  Wild  Rose — low  shrub;  34  inch. 
Early  Wild  Rose — low  shrub;  34  inch. 

Black  Thorn — 3 to  5 inches. 

White  Thorn — 3 to  5 inches.  _ 

Downy-leaved  Thom — 2 to  3 inches. 

Wild  Crab  Apple — 3 to  5 inches. 

Service  Berry  or  June  Berry — 3 to  5 inches. 
Small  June  Berry — shrub;  2 to  3 inches. 
Prickly  Wild  Gooseberry — shrub;  34  inch. 
Smooth  Wild  Gooseberry — shrub;  34  inch. 
Wild  Black  Currant — shrub;  34  inch. 

Witch  Hazel — shrub;  1 to  2 inches;  said  to 
grow  in  N.  E.  Iowa. 

Kinnikinnik — shrub;  2 inches. 

Rough-leaved  Dogwood — shrub;  1 to  3 
inches. 

Panicled  Cornel — shrub;  2 inches. 


Alternate-leaved  Cornel — shrub;  2 inches. 

Wolf  berry — low  shrub;  34  inch. 

Coral  Berry — low  shrub;  inch. 

Small  Wild  Honeysuckle — climbing  shrub;  34 
inch. 

Blackberried  Elder — shrub;  1 to  2 inches. 

Red-bemed  Elder — shrub;  1 to  2 inches. 
This  one  I have  not  seen,  but  feel  quite 
sure  that  it  is  in  the  State. 

Sheep  Berry — shrub;  2 inches. 

Downy  Arrow- wood — shrub  2 inches. 

High  Cranberry  Bush — shrub;  1 inch. 

Button  Bush — shrub;  1 inch. 

Black  Huckleberry — low  shrub;  34  inch;  near 
Davenport,  according  to  Dr.  Parry. 

White  Ash — 12  to  18  inches. 

Green  Ash — 8 to  12  inches.  There  is  some 
doubt  as  to  the  identity  of  this  species. 

Black  Ash — 12  to  16  inches. 

Sassafras — 3 to  18  inches.  Said  to  grow  in 
the  extreme  southeastern  part  of'  the 
State. 

Spice  Bush — shrub;  1 inch.  Said  to  grow  in 
Northeastern  Iowa. 

Leatherwood  or  Moosewood — shrub;  1 to  2 
inches.  In  Northeastern  Iowa. 

Buffalo  Berry — shrub;  1 to  2 inches.  Possi- 
bly this  may  be  found  on  our  western 
borders,  as  it  occurs  in  Nebraska. 

Red  Elm — 12  to  14  inches. 

White  Elm — 18  to  30  inches. 

Corky  Elm — 10  to  15  inches.  I have  seen  no 
specimens  which  could  certainly  be  re- 
ferred to  this  species,  and  yet  I think 
there  is  little  doubt  of  its  being  a native 
of  this  State. 

Hackberry — 10  to  16  inches. 

Red  Mulberry — 6 to  10  inches. 

Sycamore,  or  Buttonwood — 10  to  30  inches. 

Black  Walnut — 24  to  48  inches. 

Butternut — 12  to  20  inches. 

Shell-bark  Hickory — 12  to  24  inches. 

Pecan  Nut— 12  to  20  inches. 

Large  Hickory  Nut— 18  to  24  inches. 

Pig  Nut  Hickory — 12  to  20  inches. 

These  three  last  species  I have  not  seen 
in  the  State,  but  from  their  known  dis- 
tribution, I have  no  doubt  that  they  are 
to  be  found  in  the  southern  portions  of 
the  State. 

Butternut  Hickory — 12  to  18  inches. 

White  Oak — 20  to  30  inches. 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


115 


Burr  Oak — 24  to  36  inches. 

Chestnut  Oak — 5 to  10  inches. 

Laurel  Oak— 5 to  10  inches. 

Scarlet  Oak— 12  to  16  inches. 

Red  Oak— 15  to  20  inches. 

Hazel  Nut — shrub;  1 inch. 

Iron  Wood — 4 to  7 inches. 

Blue  Beech— 3 to  4 inches. 

White  Birch — 3 to  6 inches.  Said  to  grow  in 
Northeastern  Iowa. 

Speckled  Alder — shrub  or  small  tree;  2 to  3 
inches.  Northeastern  Iowa. 

Prairie  Willows — low  shrub;  % inch. 
Glaucous  Willow — small  tree;  2 to  3 inches. 


Petioled  Willow — shrub;  2 inches. 
Heart-leaved  Willow — small  tree;  3 to  4 in- 
ches. 

Black  Willow — 3 to  12  inches. 

Almond  Willow — 3 to  8 inches. 

Long-leaved  Willow — shrub;  2 to  3 inches. 
Aspen — 6 to  12  inches. 

Cottonwood — 24  to  36  inches. 

White  Pine — a few  small  trees  grow  in  North- 
eastern Iowa. 

Red  Cedar — 6 to  8 inches. 

Ground  Hemlock — trailing  shrub;  1 inch. 
Green  Briar — climbing  shrub;  3*2  inch. 


Total  number  of  species,  104;  of  these,  fifty-one  species  are  trees,  while 
the  remaining  ones  are  shrubs.  The  wood  of  all  the  former  is  used  for 
economic  purposes,  while  some  of  the  latter  furnish  more  or  less  valuable 
fuel. 

Climate. — Prof.  Parvin,  who  has  devoted  great  attention  to  the  climatol- 
ogy of  Iowa,  in  a series  of  observations  made  by  him  at  Muscatine,  from  1839 
to  1859,  inclusive,  and  at  Iowa  City,  from  1860  to  1870,  inclusive,  deduces 
the  following  general  results  : That  the  months  of  ^November  and  March 
are  essentially  winter  months,  their  average  temperatures  rising  but  a few 
degrees  above  the  freezing  point.  Much  of  the  former  month  is  indeed  mild 
and  pleasant,  but  in  it  usually  comes  the  first  cold  spell,  followed  generally 
by  mild  weather,  while  in  M arch  the  farmer  is  often  enabled  to  commence 
his  spring  plowing.  September  has  usually  a summer  temperature,  and 
proves  a ripening  season  for  the  fall  crops,  upon  which  the  farmer  may  rely 
with  safety  if  the  spring  has  been  at  all  backward.  May  has  much  more 
the  character  of  a spring  month  than  that  of  summer,  and  “ May  day”  is 
not  often  greeted  with  a profusion  of  flowers.  The  average  temperature  of 
May  during  thirty- two  years  was  59.06  degrees,  while  that  of  September 
was  63.37  degrees.  Prof.  Parvin  states  that  during  thirty-five  years  the 
mercury  rose  to  100  degrees  only  once  wi thirl  the  region  of  his  observations 
in  Iowa,  and  that  was  during  the  summer  of  1870.  It  seldom  rises  above 
ninety-five  degrees,  or  falls  lower  than  fifteen  degrees  below  zero.  The 
highest  temperature,  with  very  few  exceptions,  occurs  in  the  month  of  Au- 
gust, while  July  is  the  hottest  month  as  indicated  by  the  mean  temperature 
of  the  summer  months.  J anuary  is  the  coldest  month,  and  in  this,  only 
once  in  thirty-two  years  did  the  mercury  fall  to  thirty  degrees  below  zero. 
The  prevailing  winds  are  those  of  a westerly  direction,  not  for  the  year  alone, 
but  for  the  several  months  of  the  year,  except  June,  July,  August  and  Sep- 
tember. August  is  the  month  in  which  the  greatest  amount  of  rain  falls, 
and  in  January  the  least.  The  greatest  fall  of  rain  in  any  one  year,  was  in 
1851 — 74.49  inches,  and  the  least  in  1854 — 23.35  inches.  The  greatest  fall 
of  snow  for  any  one  year,  was  in  1868 — 61.97  inches.  The  least  was  in 
1850 — 7.90  inches.  -The  earliest  fall  of  snow  during  twenty-two  years,  from 
1848  to  1869,  inclusive,  was  October  17th,  1859,  and  the  latest,  April  29th, 
1851.  The  greatest  fall  was  December  21st,  1848 — 20.50  inches.  During 
that  time  no  snow  fell  during  the  months  of  May,  June,  July,  August  and 
September,  but  rain  usually  occurs  in  each  of  the  winter  months. 

The  clear  days  during  the  time  embraced  in  Prof.  Parvin’s  observations, 
were  thirty-two  per  cent;  the  cloudy  twenty-two  per  cent,  and  the  variable 
forty-six  per  cent. 


116 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


The  year  1863  was  very  cold,  not  only  in  Iowa,  but  throughout  the  coun- 
try, and  there  was  frost  in  every  month  of  the  year,  but  it  only  once  or  twice 
during  thirty  years  seriously  injured  the  corn  crop.  When  the  spring  is 
late  the  fall  is  generally  lengthened,  so  that  the  crop  has  time  to  mature. 
The  mean  time  for  late  spring  frosts  is  May  4th;  that  of  early  fall  frost  is 
September  24th.  The  latest  frost  in  the  spring  during  thirty-one  years,  from 
1839  to  1869,  inclusive,  was  May  26th,  1847 ; and  the  earliest,  August  29tli, 
1863. 

Prairies. — The  character  of  surface  understood  by  the  term  'prairie , is  not 
a feature  peculiar  to  Iowa,  but  is  a characteristic  of  the  greater  portion  of 
the  Northwest.  Dr.  C.  A.  White,  late  State  Geologist  of  Iowa,  in  his  re- 
port says : 

“ By  the  word  prairie  we  mean  any  considerable  surface  that  is  free  from 
forest  trees  and  shrubbery,  and  which  is  covered  more  or  less  thickly  with 
grass  and  annual  plants.  This  is  also  the  popular  understanding  of  the 
term.  It  is  estimated  that  about  seven-eighths  of  the  surface  of  Iowa  is 
prairie,  or  was  so  when  the  State  was  first  settled.  They  are  not  confined  to 
the  level  surface,  but  are  sometimes  even  quite  hilly  and  broken;  and  it  has 
just  been  shown  that  they  are  not  confined  to  any  particular  variety  of  soil, 
for  they  prevail  equally  upon  Alluvial,  Drift,  and  Lacustral  soils.  Indeed, 
we  sometimes  find  a single  prairie  whose  surface  includes  all  these  varieties, 
portions  of  which  may  be  respectively  sandy,  gravelly,  clayey  or  loamy. 
Neither  are  they  confined  to  the  region  of,  nor  does  their  character  seem  at 
all  dependent  upon,  the  formations  which  underlie  them,  for  within  the  State 
of  Iowa  they  rest  upon  all  formations,  from  those  of  Azoic  to  those  of  Cre- 
taceous age  inclusive,  which  embraces  almost  all  kinds  of  rocks,  such  as 
quartzites,  friable  sandstone,  magnesian  limestone,  common  limestone,  im- 
pure chalk,  clay,  clayey  and  sandy  shales,  etc.  Southwestern  Minnesota  is 
almost  one  continuous  prairie  upon  the  drift  which  rests  directly  upon,  not 
only  the  hard  Sioux  quartzite,  but  also  directly  upon  the  granite. 

“ Thus,  whatever  the  origin  of  the  prairies  might  have  been,  we  have  the 
positive  assurance  that  their  present  existence  in  Iowa  and  immediate  vicin- 
ity is  not  due  to  the  influence  of  climate,  the  character  or  composition  of 
the  soil,  nor  to  the  character  of  any  of  the  underlying  formations.  It  now 
remains  to  say  without  the  least  hesitation,  that  the  real  cause  of  the  pres- 
ent existence  of  prairies  in  Iowa , is  the  prevalence  of  the  annual  fires. 
If  these  had  been  prevented  fifty  years  ago  Iowa  would  now  be  a timbered 
instead  of  a prairie  State. 

“ Then  arises  questions  like  the  following,  not  easily  answered,  and  for 
which  no  answers  are  at  present  proposed : 

“When  was  fire  first  introduced  upon  the  prairies,  and  how?  Could  any 
but  human  agency  have  introduced  annual  fires  upon  them  ? If  they  could 
have  been  introduced  only  by  the  agency  of  man  why  did  the  forests  not 
occupy  the  prairies  before  man  came  to  introduce  his  fires,  since  we  see 
their  great  tendency  to  encroach  upon  the  prairies  as  soon  as  the  fires  are 
made  to  cease  ? The  prairies,  doubtless,  existed  as  such  almost  immediately 
after  the  close  of  the  Glacial  epoch.  Did  man  then  exist  and  possess  the 
use  of  fire  that  he  might  have  annually  burnt  the  prairies  of  so  large  a part 
of  the  continent,  and  thus  have  constantly  prevented  the  encroachments  of 
the  forests  ? It  may  be  that  these  questions  will  never  be  satisfactorily  an- 
swered; but  nothing  is  more  evident  than  that  the  forests  would  soon  occupy 
a very  large  proportion  of  the  prairie  region  of  North  America  if  the  prai- 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


117 


rie  fires  were  made  to  cease,  and  no  artificial  efforts  were  made  to  prevent 
their  growth  and  encroachment.” 

iSous. — Dr.  White  has  separated  the  soils  of  Iowa  into  three  general  di- 
visions, viz  : the  Drift,  Bluff,  and  Alluvial.  The  drift  soil  occupies  the 
greater  portion  of  the  State,  the  bluff  next,  and  the  alluvial  the  least.  The 
drift  is  derived  primarily  from  the  disintegration  of  rocks,  to  a considerable 
extent  perhaps  from  those  of  Minnesota,  which  were  subject  to  violent  gla- 
cial action  during  the  glacial  epoch.  This  soil  is  excellent,  and  is  generally 
free  from  coarse  drift  materials,  especially  near  the  surface. 

The  bluff  soil  occupies  an  area  estimated  at  about  five  thousand  square 
miles,  in  the  western  part  of  the  State.  It  has  many  peculiar  and  marked 
characteristics,  and  is  believed  to  be  lacustral  in  its  origin.  In  some  places 
the  deposit  is  as  great  as  two  hundred  feet  in  thickness,  all  portions  of  it 
being  equal  in  fertility.  If  this  soil  be  taken  from  its  lowest  depth,  say  two 
hundred  feet  below  the  surface,  vegetation  germinates  and  thrives  as  readily 
in  it  as  in  the  surface  deposit.  It  is  of  a slightly  yellowish  ash  color,  ex- 
cept when  mixed  with  decaying  vegetation.  It  is  composed  mainly  of  si- 
lica, but  the  silicious  matter  is  so  finely  pulverized  that  the  naked  eye  is  un- 
able to  perceive  anything  like  sand  in  its  composition.  The  bluffs  along  the 
Missouri  river,  in  the  western  part  of  the  State,  are  composed  of  this  ma- 
terial. 

The  alluvial  soils  are  the  “ bottom  ” lands  along  the  rivers  and  smaller 
streams.  They  are  the  washings  of  other  soils  mixed  with  decayed  vege- 
table matter.  They  vary  somewhat  in  character  and  fertility,  but  the  best 
of  them  are  regarded  as  the  most  fertile  soils  in  the  State. 

As  to  the  localities  occupied  by  each  of  these  different  soils,  it  may  be 
stated  that  the  drift  forms  the  soil  of  all  the  higher  plains  and  woodlands 
of  the  State,  except  a belt  along  the  western  border,  which  is  occupied  by 
the  bluff  soil,  or  bluff  deposit,  as  it  is  generally  called.  The  alluvial  occu- 
pies the  low  lands,  both  prairie  and  timber,  along  the  streams.  It  may  be 
remarked  that  the  alluvial  soil  composing  the  broad  belt  of  “ bottom  ” along 
the  Missouri,  partakes  largely  of  the  bluff  soil,  owing  to  continued  wash- 
ings from  the  high  lands  or  bluffs  adjacent. 

GEOLOGY  OF  IOWA. 

Classification  of  Rocks — Azoic  System — Huronian  Group — Lower  Silurian  System — Primordial 
Group — Trenton  Group— Cincinnati  Group— Upper  Silurian  System — Niagara  Group — 
Devonian  System — Hamilton  Group — Carboniferous  System — Sub- Carboniferous  Group — 
Kindcrhook  Beds — Burlington  Limestone — Keokuk  Limestone — St.  Louis  Limestone — 
Coal-Measure  Group — Cretaceous  System — Nishnabotany  Sandstone — Woodbury  Sand- 
stones and  Shales — Inoceramus  Beds. 

In  January,  1855,  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  to  provide  for  a 
geological  survey  of  the  State.  Under  authority  given  by  this  act,  Prof. 
James  Hall,  of  JSTew  York,  was  appointed  State  Geologist,  and  Prof.  J.  D. 
Whitney,  of  Massachusetts,  State  Chemist.  During  the  years  1855,  1856, 
and  1857,  the  work  progressed,  but  was  confined  chiefly  to  the  eastern  coun- 
ties. A large  volume  was  published  in  two  parts,  giving  in  detail  the  results 
of  the  survey  up  to  the  close  of  the  season  of  1857,  when  the  work  was  dis- 
continued. In  1866  it  was  resumed  under  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly 
passed  in  March  of  that  year,  and  Dr.  Charles  A.  White,  of  Iowa  City,  was 
appointed  State  Geologist.  He  continued  the  work,  and  in  December,  1869, 


118 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


submitted  a report  to  the  Governor  in  two  large  volumes.  From  these 
reports  we  derive  a pretty  thorough  knowledge  of  the  geological  character- 
istics in  all  portions  of  the  State. 

In  the  classification  of  Iowa  rocks,  State  Geologist  White  adopted  the 
following  definitions: 

The  term  “ formation  ” is  restricted  to  such  assemblages  of  strata  as  have 
been  formed  within  a geological  epoch;  the  term  “group,”  to  such  natural 
groups  of  formation  as  were  not  formed  within  a geological  period;  and  the 
term  “ system,”  to  such  series  of  groups  as  were  each  formed  within  a geolog- 
ical age. 

The  terms  used  in  this  arrangement  may  be  referred  to  two  categories  — 
one  applicable  to  geological  objects , and  the  other  to  geological  time.  Thus: 
Formations  constitute  Groups;  groups  constitute  Systems;  Epochs  consti- 
tute Periods;  periods  constitue  Ages. 

In  accordance  with  this  arrangement  the  classification  of  Iowa  rocks  may 
be  seen  at  a glance  in  the  following  table  constructed  by  Dr.  White: 


SYSTEMS. 

GROUPS. 

FORMATIONS. 

THICKNESS. 

AGES. 

PERIODS. 

EPOCHS. 

IN  FEET. 

Cretaceous 


Carboniferous 


Devonian 

Upper  Silurian. 


Lower  Silurian 
Azoic 


Post  Tertiary 

Lower  Cretaceous 

Coal  Measures  . . 


Subcarboniferous 

Hamilton 

Niagara 

'Cincinnati 

Trenton j 


Primordial 
Huronian  — 


Drift 

Inoceramus  bed 

Woodbury  Sandstone  and  Shales 

Nishnabotany  Sandstone 

Upper  Coal  Measures 

Middle  Coal  Measures 

Lower  Coal  Measures 

St.  Louis  Limestone 

Keokuk  Limestone 

Burlington  Limestone 

Kinderhook  beds 

Hamilton  Limestone  and  Shales  . 

Niagara  Limestone 

Maquoketa  Shales 

Galena  Limestone 

Trenton  Limestone 

St.  Peter’s  Sandstone 

Lower  Magnesian  Limestone 

Potsdam  Sandstone 

Sioux  Quartzite 


10  to  200 

50 
180 
100 
200 
200 
200 
75 
90 
196 
175 
200 
350 
80 
250 
200 
80 
250 
300 
50 


AZOIC  SYSTEM. 

Huronian  Group.  — The  Sioux  Quartzite  Formation  in  this  Group  is 
found  exposed  in  natural  ledges  only  on  a few  acres  in  the  northwest  corner 
of  the  State.  The  exposures  in  Iowa  are  principally  upon  the  banks  of  the 
Big  Sioux  river,  for  which  reason  the  specific  name  of  Sioux  Quartzite  is 
given  to  it.  It  is  an  intensely  hard  rock,  breaking  with  a splintery  fracture, 
and  a color  varying  in  different  localities  from  a bright  to  a deep  red. 
Although  it  is  so  compact  and  hard  the  grains  of  sand  of  which  it  was 
originally  composed  are  yet  distinctly  to  be  seen,  and  even  the  ripple  marks 
upon  its  bedding  surfaces  are  sometimes  found  as  distinct  as  they  were  when 
the  rock  was  a mass  of  incoherent  sand  in  the  shallow  waters  in  which  it  was 
accumulated.  The  lines  of  stratification  are  also  quite  distinct,  but  they  are 
not  usually  sufficiently  definite  to  cause  the  mass  to  divide  into  numerous 
layers.  It  has,  however,  a great  tendency  to  break  up  by  vertical  cracks 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


119 


and  fissures  into  small  angular  blocks.  The  process  of  metamorphism  has 
been  so  complete  throughout  the  whole  formation  that  the  rock  is  almost 
everywhere  of  uniform  texture,  and  its  color  also  being  so  nearly  uniform 
there  is  no  difficulty  in  identifying  it  wherever  it  may  be  seen. 

In  a few  rare  cases  this  rock  may  be  quarried  readily,  as  the  layers  are 
easily  separated,  but  usually  it  is  so  compact  throughout  that  it  is  quarried 
with  the  greatest  difficulty  into  any  forms  except  those  into  which  it  naturally 
cracks.  It  has  a great  tendency,  however,  upon  its  natural  exposures,  to 
break  up  by  vertical  fissures  and  cracks  into  angular  blocks  of  convenient  size 
for  handling.  Except  this  tendency  to  crack  into  angular  pieces,  the  rock 
is  absolutely  indestructible.  No  traces  of  fossil  remains  of  any  kind  have 
been  found  in  it.  As  shown  by  the  table  its  exposure  in  Iowa  is  fifty  feet  in 
thickness. 

LOWER  SILURIAN  SYSTEM. 

Primordial  Group. — The  Potsdam  Sandstone  Formation  of  this  Group 
has  a geographical  range  extending  throughout  the  northern  portion  of  the 
United  States  and  Canada,  and  in  Iowa  reaches  a known  thickness  of  about 
300  feet,  as  shown  in  the  table.  It  forms,  however,  rather  an  inconspicuous 
feature  in  the  geology  of  Iowa.  It  is  exposed  only  in  a small  portion  of 
the  northeastern  part  of  the  State,  and  has  been  brought  to  view  there  by 
the  erosion  of  the  river  valleys.  The  base  of  the  formation  does  not  appear 
anywhere  in  Iowa,  consequently  its  full  thickness  is  not  certainly  known,  nor 
is  it  known  certainly  that  it  rests  on  the  Sioux  Quartzite.  The  rock  is 
everywhere  soft;  usually  a very  friable  sandstone,  but  sometimes  containing 
some  clayey  material,  and  approaching  in  character  a sandy  shale.  It  is 
nearly  valueless  for  any  economic  purpose,  not  being  of  sufficient  hardness 
to  serve  even  the  commonest  purposes  of  masonry.  No  fossils  have  been 
discovered  in  this  formation  in  Iowa,  but  in  Wisconsin  they  are  found  quite 
abundantly  in  it. 

The  Lower  Magnesian  Limestone  Formation  has  but  little  greater  geo- 
graphical extent  in  Iowa  than  the  Potsdam  Sandstone  has ; because,  like 
that  formation,  it  appears  only  in  the  bluffs  and  valley-sides  of  the  same 
streams.  It  is  a more  conspicuous  formation,  however;  because,  being  a 
firm  rock,  it  presents  bold  and  often  picturesque  fronts  along  the  valleys. 
Its  thickness  is  about  250  feet,  and  is  quite  uniform  in  composition,  being  a 
nearly  pure  buff-colored  dolomite.  It  lacks  a uniformity  of  texture  and 
stratification  which  causes  it  to  weather  into  rough  and  sometimes  grotesque 
shapes,  as  it  stands  out  in  bold  relief  upon  the  valley-sides.  It  is  not  gener- 
ally valuable  for  building  purposes,  owing  to  its  lack  of  uniformity  in  texture 
and  bedding.  Some  parts  of  it,  however,  are  selected  which  serve  for  such 
uses  at  Lansing  and  McGregor.  It  has  also  been  used  to  some  extent  for 
making  lime,  but  it  is  not  equal  to  the  Trenton  limestone,  near  Dubuque, 
for  that  purpose.  The  only  fossils  that  have  been  found  in  this  formation  in 
Iowa,  are,  so  far  as  known,  a few  traces  of  the  stems  of  Crinoids  found  near 
McGregor. 

The  St.  Peter’s  Sandstone  Formation  is  remarkably  uniform  in  thickness 
throughout  its  known  geographical  extent.  It  is  a clean  grit,  light  colored, 
very  triable  rock;  so  pure  in  its  silicious  compostion  that  it  is  probable  some 
portions  of  it  may  be  found  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of  glass.  It  occu- 
pies the  surface  of  a large  portion  of  the  north  half  of  Allemakee  county, 
immediately  beneath  the  drift,  and  it  is  also  exposed  a couple  of  miles 


120 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


below  McGregor,  where  it  is  much  colored  by  oxide  of  iron.  It  contains  no 
fossils. 

Trenton  Group. — The  lower  formation  of  this  group  is  known  as  the 
Trenton  Limestone.  With  the  exception  of  this  all  the  limestones  of  both 
Upper  and  Lower  Silurian  age  in  Iowa,  are  magnesian  limestones — nearly 
pure  dolomites.  The  rocks  of  this  formation  also  contain  much  magnesia, 
but  a large  part  of  it  is  composed  of  bluish  compact  common  limestone.  It 
occupies  large  portions  of  both  Winneshiek  and  Allamakee  counties,  together 
with  a portion  of  Clayton.  Its  thickness  as  seen  along  the  bluffs  of  the 
Mississippi  is  about  eighty  feet,  but  in  Winneshiek  county  we  find  the 
thickness  is  increased  to  upward  of  200  feet.  The  greater  part  of  this 
formation  is  worthless  for  economic  purposes,  but  enough  of  it  is  suitable 
for  building  purposes  and  for  lime  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  inhabitants. 
The  worthless  portions  of  the  formation  consists  of  clayey  shales  and  shaly 
limestone.  Fossils  are  abundant  in  this  formation.  In  some  places  the 
rock  is  made  up  of  a mass  of  shells,  corals,  and  fragments  of  trilobites, 
together  with  other  animal  remains,  cemented  by  calcareous  matter  into 
compact  form. 

The  upper  portion  of  the  Trenton  Group,  known  as  the  Galena  Limestone 
Formation,  occupies  a narrow  strip  of  country,  seldom  exceeding  12  miles  in 
width,  but  it'  is  fully  150  miles  long.  It  is  about  250  feet  thick  in,  the 
vicinity  of  Dubuque,  but  diminishes  in  thickness  as  it  extends  northwest,  so 
that  it  does  not  probably  exceed  100  feet  where  it  crosses  the  northern 
boundary  of  the  State.  The  outcrop  of  this  formation  traverses  portions  of 
the  counties  of  Howard,  Winneshiek,  Allamakee,  Fayette,  Clayton,  Dubuque, 
and  J ackson.  It  exhibits  its  greatest  development  in  Dubuque  county.  It 
is  not  very  uniform  in  texture,  which  causes  it  to  decompose  unequally,  and 
consequently  to  present  interesting  forms  in  the  abrupt  bluffs  of  it,  which 
border  the  valleys.  It  is  usually  unfit  for  dressing,  but  affords  good  enough 
stone  for  common  masonry.  It  is  the  source  of  the  lead  ore  of  the  Dubuque 
lead  mines.  The  full  thickness  of  this  formation  at  Dubuque  is  250  feet. 
Fossils  are  rare  in  it. 

Cincinnati  Group. — The  Maquoketa  Shale  Formation  of  this  group,  so- 
called  by  Dr.  White,  is  synonymous  with  the  Hudson  River  Shales,  of  Prof. 
Hall.  It  is  comprised  within  a long  and  narrow  area,  seldom  reaching  more 
than  a mile  or  two  in  width,  but  more  than  a hundred  miles  long;  in  the  State. 
Its  most  southerly  exposure  is  in  the  bluffs  of  the  Mississippi  river,  near 
Bellevue,  in  Jackson  county,  and  the  most  northerly  one  yet  recognized  is  in 
the  western  part  of  Winneshiek  county.  The  whole  formation  is  largely 
composed  of  bluish  and  brownish  shales.  Its  economic  value  is  very  slight, 
as  it  is  wholly  composed  of  fragmentary  materials.  The  fossils  contained  in 
this  formation,  together  with  its  position  in  relation  to  the  underlying  and 
overlying  formations,  leave  no  doubt  as  to  the  propriety  of  referring  it  to  the 
same  geological  period  as  that  in  which  the  rocks  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  were 
formed.  Several  species  of  fossils  which  characterize  the  Cincinnati  group 
- are  found  in  the  Maquoketa  Shales,  but  they  contain  a large  number  of 
species  that  have  been  found  nowhere  else  than  in  these  shales  in  Iowa,  and 
it  is  the  opinion  of  Dr. White  that  the  occurrence  of  these  distinct  fossils  in 
the  Iowa  formation  would  seem  to  warrant  the  separation  of  the  Maquoketa 
Shales  as  a distinct  formation  from  any  others  of  the  group,  and  that  its  true 
position  is  probably  at  the  base  of  the  Cincinnati  group. 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


121 


UPPER  SILURIAN  SYSTEM. 

Niagara  Group. — The  area  occupied  by  the  Niagara  limestone  Formation 
is  nearly  160  miles  from  north  to  south,  and  between  40  and  50  miles  wide 
in  its  widest  part.  At  its  narrowest  part,  which  is  near  its  northern  limit  in 
Iowa,  it  is  not  more  than  four  or  five  miles  wide.  This  formation  is  entirely 
magnesian  limestone,  with,  in  some  places,  a considerable  proportion  of  sili- 
cious  matter  in  the  form  of  chert  or  coarse  flint.  Some  of  the  lower  portions 
resemble  both  the  Galena  and  Lower  Magnesian  Limestones,  having  the 
same  want  of  uniformity  of  texture  and  bedding.  It  affords,  however, 
a great  amount  of  excellent  quarry  rock.  The  quarries  at  Anamosa,  in  Jones 
county,  are  remarkable  for  the  uniformity  of  the  bedding  of  its  strata. 
Wherever  this  rock  is  exposed  there  is  always  an  abundance  of  material  for 
common  masonry  and  other  purposes.  In  some  places  excellent  lime  is 
made  from  it. 

DEVONIAN  SYSTEM. 

Hamilton  Group . — The  Hamilton  Limestone  and  Shales  Formation  occu- 
pies an  area  of  surface  as  great  as  those  occupied  by  all  the  formations  of 
both  Lower  and  Upper  Silurian  age  in  the  State.  The  limestones  of  the  De- 
vonian age  are  composed  in  part  of  magnesian  strata,  and  in  part  of  common 
limestone.  A large  part  of  the  material  of  this  formation  is  quite  worthless, 
yet  other  portions  are  very  valuable  for  several  economic  purposes.  Having 
a very  large  geographical  extent  in  Iowa,  it  constitutes  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant formations.  Wherever  any  part  of  this  formation  is  exposed,  the 
common  limestone  portions  exist  in  sufficient  quantity  to  furnish  abundant 
material  for  common  lime  of  excellent  quality,  as  well  as  good  stone  for  com- 
mon masonry.  Some  of  the  beds  furnish  excellent  material  for  dressed  stone, 
for  all  works  requiring  strength  and  durability.  The  most  conspicuous  and 
characteristic  fossils  of  this  tormation  are  brachipod  mollusks  and  corals. 

CARBONIFEROUS  SYSTEM. 

The  Sub-Carboniferous  Group. — This  group  occupies  a very  large  sur- 
face in  Iowa.  Its  eastern  border  passes  from  the  northeastern  portion  of 
Winnebago  county  in  a southeasterly  direction,  to  the  northern  part  of  Wash- 
ington county.  Here  it  makes  a broad  and  direct  bend  nearly  eastward, 
striking  the  Mississippi  river  at  the  city  of  Muscatine.  The  southern  and 
western  boundary  of  the  area  is  to  a considerable  extent  the  same  as  that 
which  separates  it  from  the  coalfield.  From  the  southern  part  of  Pocahontas 
county,  it  passes  southeastward  to  Fort  Dodge,  thence  to  Webster  City, 
thence  to  a point  three  or  four  miles  northeast  of  Eldora,  in  Hardin  county, 
thence  southward  to  the  middle  of  the  north  line  of  Jasper  county,  thence 
southeastward  to  Sigourney  in  Keokuk  county,  thence  to  the  northeast  corner 
of  Jefferson  county,  and  thence,  by  sweeping  a few  miles  eastward  to  the 
southeast  corner  of  Yan  Buren  county.  The  area  as  thus  defined,  is  nearly 
250  miles  long,  and  from  20  to  40  miles  wide.  The  general  southerly  and 
westerly  dip  lias  carried  the  strata  of  the  group  beneath  the  lower  coal- 
measure  along  the  line  last  designated,  but  after  passing  beneath  the  latter 
strata  for  a distance  of  from  15  to  20  miles,  they  appear  again  in  the  valley 
of  the  Des  Moines  river,  where  they  have  been  bared  by  the  erosion  of  that 
valley. 

The  Kinderliook  Beds,  the  lowest  Formation  of  the  sub-carboniferous  group, 


122 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


presents  its  principal  exposures  along  the  bluffs  which  border  the  Mississippi 
and  Skunk  rivers,  where  they  form  the  eastern  and  northern  boundary  of  Des 
Moines  county;  along  English  river  in  Washington  county;  along  Iowa  river 
in  Tama,  Marshall,  Hardin  and  Franklin  counties,  and  along  the  Des  Moines 
river  in  Humboldt  county.  The  southern  part  of  the  formation  in  Iowa 
has  the  best  development  of  all  in  distinguishing  characteristics,  hut  the 
width  of  area  it  occupies  is  much  greater  in  its  northern  part,  reaching  a 
maximum  width  of  eighty  miles.  The  Kinderhook  formation  has  consider- 
able economic  value,  particularly  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  region  it 
occupies.  The  stone  which  it  furnishes  is  of  practical  value.  There  are  no 
exposures  of  stone  of  any  other  kind  in  Pocahontas,  Humboldt  and  some 
other  counties  embraced  in  the  area  occupied  by  it,  and  therefore  it  is  of  very 
great  value  in  such  places  for  building  material.  It  may  be  manufactured 
into  excellent  lime.  The  quarries  in  Marshall  county  and  at  Le  Grand  are 
of  this  formation ; also  the  oolitic  limestone  in  Tama  county.  This  oolitic 
limestone  is  manufactured  into  a good  quality  of  lime.  The  principal  fossils 
appearing  in  this  formation  are  the  remains  of  fishes;  no  remains  of  vegeta- 
tion have  as  yet  been  detected.  The  fossils  in  this  formation,  so  far  as  Iowa 
is  concerned,  are  far  more  numerous  in  the  southern  than  in  the  northern 
part. 

The  Burlington  Limestone  is  the  next  Formation  in  this  group  above  the 
Kinderhook  Beds,  the  latter  passing  gradually  into  the  Burlington  Lime- 
stone. This  formation  consists  of  two  distinct  calcareous  divisions,  which 
are  separated  by  a series  of  silicious  beds.  The  existence  of  these  silicious 
beds  suggests  the  propriety  of  regarding  the  Burlington  Limestone  as  really 
two  distinct  formations.  This  is  strengthened  also  by  some  well  marked 
palaeontological  differences,  especially  in  the  crinoidal  remains.  The  south- 
erly dip  of  the  Iowa  rocks  carries  the  Burlington  Limestone  down,  so  that 
it  is  seen  for  the  last  time  in  this  State  in  the  valley  of  Skunk  river,  near 
the  southern  boundary  of  Des  Moines  county.  Northward  of  Burlington 
it  is  found  frequently  exposed  in  the  bluffs  of  the  Mississippi  and  Iowa  riv- 
ers in  the  counties  of  Des  Moines  and  Louisa,  and  along  some  of  the  smaller 
streams  in  the  same  region.  Burlington  Limestone  forms  a good  building 
material ; good  lime  may  also  be  made  from  it,  and  especially  from  the  up- 
per division.  Geologists  have  given  to  this  formation  the  name  of  Burling- 
ton Limestone  because  its  peculiar  characteristics  are  best  shown  at  the  city 
of  Burlington,  Iowa.  The  great  abundance  and  variety  of  its  character- 
istic fossils — crinoids — have  attracted  the  attention  of  geologists  and  nat- 
uralists generally.  The  only  remains  of  vertebrates  reported  as  being  found 
in  it  are  those  of  fishes.  Remains  of  articulates  are  rare  in  it,  and  confined 
to  two  species  of  trilobites.  Fossil  shells  are  common  but  not  so  abundant 
as  in  some  of  the  other  formations  of  the  Sub-Carboniferous  Group. 

The  Keokuk  Limestone  is  the  next  Formation  in  this  group  above  the 
Burlington  Limestone.  In  Iowa  it  consists  of  about  fifty  feet  in  maximum 
thickness.  It  is  a grayish  limestone,  having  usually  a blueish  tinge.  It  oc- 
cupies in  Iowa  a more  limited  area  than  any  other  formation  of  the  sub- 
carboniferous  group.  It  is  well  developed  and  largely  exposed  at  the  city 
of  Keokuk.  It  is  synonymous  with  the  Lower  Archimedes  Limestone  of 
Owen  and  other  geologists.  The  most  northerly  point  at  which  it  has  been 
recognized  is  in  the  northern  part  of  Des  Moines  county,  where  it  is  quite 
thinned- out.  It  is  only  in  the  counties  of  Lee,  Yan  Buren,  Henry  and  Des 
Moines  that  the  Keokuk  Limestone  is  to  be  seen;  but  it  rises  again  and  is 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


123 


seen  in  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi  river  some  seventy-five  or  eighty  miles 
below  Keokuk,  presenting  there  the  same  characteristics  that  it  has  in  Iowa. 
The  upper  silicious  portion  of  this  formation  is  known  as  the  Geode  bed. 
These  geodes  are  more  or  less  spherical  masses  of  silex,  usually  hollow  and 
lined  with  crystals  of  quartz.  The  Keokuk  Limestone  formation  is  of  great 
economic  value,  as  some  of  its  layers  furnish  a fine  quality  of  building  ma- 
terial. The  principal  quarries  of  it  are  along  the  Mississippi  from  Keokuk 
to  Nauvoo,  a distance  of  about  fifteen  miles.  The  only  vertebrated  fossils 
in  it  are  those  of  fishes,  consisting  both  of  teeth  and  spines.  Some  of  these 
are  of  great  size,  indicating  that  their  owners  probably  reached  a length  of 
twenty-five  or  thirty  feet.  Several  species  of  articulates,  mollusks  and  ra- 
diates are  also  found  in  this  formation.  Among  the  radiates  the  crinoids 
are  very  abundant,  but  are  not  so  conspicuous  as  in  the  Burlington  Lime- 
stone. A small  number  of  Protozoans,  a low  form  of  animal  life,  related 
to  sponges,  have  also  been  found  in  the  Keokuk  Limestone. 

The  next  Formation  in  the  Sub-Carboniferous  Group,  above  the  Keokuk 
Limestone,  is  what  Dr.  White  calls  the  St.  Louis  Limestone,  and  is  synon- 
ymous with  the  Concretionary  Limestone  of  Prof.  Owen,  and  the  Warsaw 
Limestone  of  Prof.  Hall.  It  is  the  upper,  or  highest  formation  of  what  Dr. 
White  classifies  as  the  Sub-Carboniferous  Group,  appearing  in  Iowa,  where 
the  lower  coal-measures  are  usually  found  resting  directly  upon  it,  and  where 
it  forms,  so  to  speak,  a limestone  floor  for  the  coal-bearing  formations.  To 
this,  however,  there  are  some  exceptions.  It  presents  a marked  contrast 
with  the  coal-bearing  strata  which  rest  upon  it.  This  formation  occupies  a 
small  superficial  area  in  Iowa,  because  it  consists  of  long  narrow  strips. 
Its  extent,  however,  within  the  State  is  known  to  be  very  great,  because  it  is 
found  at  points  so  distant  from  each  other.  Commencing  at  Keokuk,  where 
it  is  seen  resting  on  the  geode  division  of  the  Keokuk  limestone,  and  pro- 
ceeding northward,  it  is  tound  forming  a narrow  border  along  the  edge  of 
the  coal-field  in  Lee,  Des  Moines,  Henry,  Jefferson,  Washington,  Keokuk 
and  Mahaska  counties.  It  is  then  lost  sight  of  beneath  the  coal-measure 
strata  and  overlying  drift  until  we  reach  Hamilton  county,  where  it  is  found 
in  the  banks  of  Boone  river  with  the  coal-measures  resting  upon  it,  as  they 
do  in  the  counties  just  named.  The  next  seen  of  the  formation  is  in  the 
banks  of  the  Des  Moines  river  at  and  near  Fort  Dodge.  These  two  last 
named  localities  are  the  most  northerly  ones  at  which  the  formation  is  ex- 
posed, and  they  are  widely  isolated  from  the  principal  portion  of  the  area  it 
occupies  in  Iowa;  between  which  area,  however,  and  those  northerly  points, 
it  appears  by  a small  exposure  near  Ames,  in  Story  county,  in  the  valley  of 
a small  tributary  of  Skunk  river.  This  formation  as  it  appears  in  Iowa, 
consists  of  three  quite  distinct  sub-divisions — magnisian,  arenaceous  and 
calcareous,  consisting  in  the  order  named  of  the  lower,  middle  and  upper  sub- 
divisions of  the  formation.  The  upper  division  furnishes  excellent  material 
for  quicklime,  and  in  places  it  is  quarried  to  serve  a good  purpose  for  ma- 
sonry. The  middle  division  is  of  little  economic  value,  being  usually  too 
soft  for  practical  use.  The  lower,  or  magnesian  division,  furnishes  some  ex- 
cellent stone  for  heavy  masonry,  and  has  proved  to  be  very  durable.  This 
formation  has  some  well  marked  fossil  characteristics,  but  they  do  not  stand 
out  with  such  prominence  as  some  of  those  in  the  two  preceding  formations. 
The  vertibrates,  articulates,  mollusks,  and  radiates,  are  all  more  or  less  rep- 
resented in  it.  Some  slight  vegetable  remains  have  also  been  detected  in  it. 

The  Coal-measure  Group. — The  formations  of  this  group  are  divided 


124 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


into  the  Lower,  Middle,  and  Upper  Coal-measures.  Omitting  particular 
reference  to  the  other  strata  of  the  Lower  Coal-measure,  we  refer  only  to 
the  coal  which  this  formation  contains.  Far  the  greater  part  of  that  indis- 
pensible  element  of  material  prosperity  is  contained  in  the  strata  of  the 
Lower  Coal-measures.  Beds  are  now  being  mined  in  this  formation  that 
reach  to  the  thickness  of  seven  feet  of  solid  coal.  Natural  exposures  of 
this  formation  are  few,  but  coal  strata  are  being  mined  in  a number  of  local- 
ities. 

The  area  occupied  by  the  Middle  Coal-measure  is  smaller  than  that  of 
either  of  the  others,  and  constitutes  a narrow  region  between  them.  The 
passage  of  the  strata  of  the  Lower  with  the  Middle  Coal-measure  is  not 
marked  by  any  well  defined  line  of  division. 

The  area  occupied  by  the  Upper  Coal-measure  formation  in  Iowa  is  very 
great,  comprising  thirteen  whole  counties  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the 
State,  together  with  parts  of  seven  or  eight  others  adjoining.  It  ad- 
joins by  its  northern  and  eastern  boundary  the  area  occupied  by  the  Middle 
Coal-measures.  The  western  and  southern  limits  in  Iowa  of  the  Upper 
Coal-measures  are  the  western  and  southern  boundaries  of  the  State,  but  the 
formation  extends  without  interruption  far  into  the  States  of  Missouri,  Ne- 
braska and  Kansas.  It  contains  but  a single  bed  of  true  coal,  and  that  very 
thin.  Its  principal  economic  value  is  comined  to  its  limestone.  Wherever 
this  stone  is  exposed  it  furnishes  good  material  for  masonry,  and  also  for 
lime.  The  prevailing  color  of  the  limestone  is  light  gray,  wdth  usually  a 
tinge  of  blue.  The  sandstones  of  this  formation  are  usually  shaly,  and  quite 
worthless. 

CRETACEOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  Nishndbotany  Sandstone. — This  formation  is  well  exposed  in  the 
valley  of  the  East  Nishnabotany  river,  from  which  circumstance  Dr.  White 
has  so  named  it.  It  is  found  as  far  east  as  the  southeastern  part  of  Guthrie 
county,  and  as  far  south  as  the  southern  part  of  Montgomery  county.  To 
the  northwestward  it  passes  beneath  the  Woodbury  sandstones  and  shales, 
the  latter  in  turn  passing  beneath  the  Inoceramus,  or  chalky  beds.  It 
reaches  a maximum  thickness  in  Iowa,  so  far  as  known,  of  about  100  feet, 
but  the  exposures  usually  show  a much  less  thickness.  It  is  a soft  sandstone, 
and,  with  tew  exceptions,  almost  valueless  for  economic  purposes.  The  most 
valuable  quarries  in  the  strata  of  this  formation,  so  far  as  known,  are  at 
Lewis,  Cass  county,  and  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Mills  county.  Several 
buildings  have  been  constructed  of  it  at  Lewis,  but  with  some  the  color  is 
objectionable,  being  of  a dark  brown  color.  A few  fossils  have  been  found 
in  it,  being  leaves  too  fragmentary  for  identification. 

The  Woodbury  Sandstones  and  Shales. — These  are  composed  of  alternat- 
ing sandstones  and  shales,  as  the  name  implies,  and  rest  upon  the  Nishna- 
botany sandstone.  They  have  not  been  observed  outside  of  the  limits  of 
Woodbury  county,  but  they  are  found  there  to  reach  a maximum  of  about 
150  feet.  Some  layers  are  firm  and  compact,  but  the  larger  part  is  impure 
and  shaly.  The  best  of  it  is  suitable  for  only  common  masonry,  but  it  fur- 
nishes the  only  material  of  that  kind  in  that  part  of  the  State.  Some  slight 
fossil  remains  have  been  found  in  this  formation. 

The  Inoceramus  Beds. — These  beds  constitute  the  upper  formation  of  the 
Cretaceous  System  in  Iowa,  and  have  a maximum  thickness  of  about  50  feet. 
They  rest  directly  upon  the  Woodbury  sandstones  and  shales.  They  are 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


125 


observed  nowhere  in  Iowa  except  along  the  bluffs  of  the  Big  Sioux  river,  in 
Woodbury  and  Plymouth  counties.  They  are  composed  of  calcareous  mate- 
rial, but  are  not  a true,  compact  limestone.  The  material  of  the  upper  por- 
tion is  used  for  lime,  the  quality  of  which  is  equal  to  that  of  common 
limestone.  Ho  good  building  material  is  obtained  from  these  beds.  Some 
fossil  fish  have  been  found  in  them. 

Above  all  the  formations  above-mentioned  rests  the  Post-Tertiary,  or  Drift 
deposit,  which  is  more  fully  mentioned  in  connection  with  the  Soils  of  Iowa. 


ECONOMIC  GEOLOGY. 


Coal— Peat— Building  Stone— Lime — Lead— Gypsum— Spring  and  Well  Water — Clays — 
Mineral  Paint. 


COAL. 


Every  year  is  adding  to  our  knowledge  of,  and  attesting  the  importance 
and  value  of  our  vast  coal  deposits.  In  some  unknown  age  of  the  past,  long 
before  the  history  of  our  race  began,  Nature  by  some  wise  process,  made  a 
bountiful  provision  for  the  time  when,  in  the  order  of  things,  it  should 
become  necessary  for  civilized  man  to  take  possession  of  these  broad  rich 
prairies.  As  an  equivalent  for  the  lack  of  trees,  she  quietly  stored  away 
beneath  the  soil  those  wonderful  carboniferous  treasures  for  the  use  and 
comfort  of  man  at  the  proper  time.  The  increased  demand  for  coal  has  in 
many  portions  of  the  State  led  to  improved  methods  of  mining,  so  that  in 
many  counties  the  business  is  becoming  a lucrative  and  important  one, 
especially  where  railroads  furnish  the  means  of  transportation.  The  coal 
field  of  the  State  embraces  an  area  of  at  least  20,000  square  miles,  and  coal 
is  successfully  mined  in  about  thirty  counties,  embracing  a territory  larger 
than  the  State  of  Massachusetts.  Among  the  most  important  coal  produc- 
ing counties  may  be  mentioned  Appanoose,  Boone,  Davis,  Jefferson,  Ma- 
haska, Marion,  Monroe,  Polk,  Yan  Buren,  Wapello,  and  Webster.  Within 
the  last  few  years  many  discoveries  of  new  deposits  have  been  made,  and 
counties  not  previously  numbered  among  the  coal  counties  of  the  State  are 
now  yielding  rich  returns  to  the  miner.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned 
the  counties  of  Boone,  Dallas,  Hamilton,  Hardin,  and  Webster.  A vein  of 
coal  of  excellent  quality,  seven  feet  in  thickness,  has  been  opened,  and  is 
now  being  successfully  worked,  about  five  miles  southeast  of  Fort  Dodge,  in 
Webster  county.  Large  quantities  of  coal  are  shipped  from  that  point  to 
Dubuque  and  the  towns  along  the  line  of  the  Dubuque  and  Sioux  City  Rail- 
road. A few  years  ago  it  was  barely  known  that  some  coal  existed  in 
Boone  county,  as  indicated  by  exposures  along  the  Des  Moines  river,  and 
it  is  only  within  the  last  few  years  that  the  coal  mines  of  Moingona  have 
furnished  the  vast  supplies  shipped  along  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Rail- 
road, both  east  and  west.  The  great  productive  coal  field  of  Iowa  is  embraced 
chiefly  within  the  valley  of  the  Des  Moines  river  and  its  tributaries,  extend- 
ing up  the  valley  from  Lee  county  nearly  to  the  north  line  of  Webster 
county.  Within  the  coal  field  embraced  by  this  valley  deep  mining  is 
nowhere  necessary.  The  Des  Moines  and  its  larger  tributaries  have  gener- 
ally cut  their  channels  down  through  the  coal  measure  strata. 

The  coal  of  Iowa  is  of  the  class  known  as  bituminous,  and  is  equal  in 
quality  and  value  to  coal  of  the  same  class  in  other  parts  of  the  world. 
The  veins  which  have  so  far  been  worked  are  from  three  to  eight  feet  in 


126 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


thickness,  but  we  do  not  have  to  dig  from  one  thousand  to  two  thousand 
feet  to  reach  the  coal,  as  miners  are  obliged  to  do  in  some  countries.  But 
little  coal  has  in  this  State  been  raised  from  a depth  greater  than  one  hun- 
dred feet. 

Prof.  Gustavus  Hinrich,  of  the  State  University,  who  also  officiated  as 
State  Chemist  in  the  prosecution  of  the  recent  Geological  Survey,  gives  an 
analysis  showing  the  comparative  value  of  Iowa  coal  with  that  of  other 
countries.  The  following  is  from  a table  prepared  by  him  — 100  represent- 
ing the  combustible: 


NAME  AND  LOCALITY. 

Carbon. 

Bitumen. 

00 

a> 

•s 

Moisture. 

Equivalent. 

Value. 

Brown  coal,  from  Arbesan,  Bohemia 

36 

64 

3 

11 

114 

88 

Brown  coal,  from  Bilin,  Bohemia 

40 

67 

16 

00 

123 

81 

Bituminous  coal,  from  Bentheu,  Silisia 

51 

49 

21 

5 

126 

80 

Cannel  coal,  from  Wigan,  England 

61 

39 

10 

3 

113 

87 

Anthracite,  from  Pennsylvania 

94 

6 

2 

2 

104 

96 

Iowa  coals — average : 

50 

50 

5 

5 

110 

90 

In  this  table  the  excess  of  the  equivalent  above  100,  expresses  the  amount 
of  impurities  (ashes  and  moisture)  in  the  coal.  The  analysis  shows  that  the 
average  Iowa  coals  contains  only  ten  parts  of  impurities  for  one  hundred 
parts  combustible  (carbon  and  bitumen),  being  the  purest  of  all  the  samples 
analyzed,  except  the  Anthracite  from  Pennsylvania. 

PEAT. 

Extensive  deposits  of  peat  in  several  of  the  northern  counties  of  Iowa  have 
attracted  considerable  attention.  In  1866,  Dr.  White,  the  State  Geologist, 
made  careful  observations  in  some  of  those  counties,  including  Franklin, 
Wright,  Cerro  Gordo,  Hancock,  Winnebago,  Worth,  and  Kossuth.  It  is 
estimated  that  the  counties  above  named  contain  an  average  of  at  least  four 
thousand  acres  each  of  good  peat  lands.  The  depth  of  the  bec^s  are  from 
four  to  ten  feet,  and  the  quality  is  but  little,  if  any,  inferior  to  that  of  Ireland. 
As  yet,  but  little  use  has  been  made  of  it  as  a fuel,  but  when  it  is  considered 
that  it  lies  wholly  beyond  the  coal-field,  in  a sparsely  timbered  region  of  the 
State,  its  prospective  value  is  regarded  as  very  great.  Dr.  WTiite  estimates 
that  160  acres  of  peat,  four  feet  deep,  will  supply  two  hundred  and  thirteen 
families  with  fuel  for  upward  of  twenty-five  years.  It  must  not  be  inferred 
that  the  presence  of  these  peat  beds  in  that  part  of  the  State  is  in  any  degree 
prejudicial  to  health,  for  such  is  not  the  case.  The  dry,  rolling  prairie  land 
usually  comes  up  to  the  very  border  of  the  peat  marsh,  and  the  winds,  or 
breezes,  which  prevail  through  the  summer  season,  do  not  allow  water  to 
become  stagnant.  Nature  seems  to  have  designed  these  peat  deposits  to 
supply  the  deficiency  of  other  material  for  fuel.  The  penetration  of  this 
portion  of  the  State  by  railroads,  and  the  rapid  growth  of  timber  may  leave 
a resort  to  peat  for  fuel  as  a matter  of  choice,  and  not  of  necessity.  It  there- 
fore remains  to  be  seen  of  what  economic  value  in  the  future  the  peat  beds 
of  Iowa  may  be.  Peat  has  also  been  found  in  Muscatine,  Linn,  Clinton,  and 
other  eastern  and  southern  counties  of  the  State,  but  the  fertile  region  of 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


127 


^Northern  Iowa,  least  favored  with  other  kinds  of  fuel,  is  peculiarly  the  peat 
region  of  the  State. 

BUILDING  STONE. 

Thore  is  no  scarcity  of  good  building  stone  to  be  found  along  nearly  all  the 
streams  east  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  and  along  that  stream  from  its  mouth 
up  to  the  north  line  of  Humboldt  county.  Some  of  the  counties  west  of  the 
Des  Moines,  as  Cass  and  Madison,  as  well  as  most  of  the  southern  counties 
of  the  State,  are  supplied  with  good  building  stone.  Building  stone  of 
peculiarly  fine  quality  is  quarried  at  and  near  the  following  places:  Keosau- 
qua,  Van  Buren  county;  Mt.  Pleasant,  Henry  county;  Fairfield,  Jefferson 
county;  Ottumwa,  Wapello  county;  Winterset,  Madison  county;  Ft.  Dodge, 
Webster  county;  Springvale  and  Dakota,  Humboldt  county;  Marshalltown, 
Marshall  county;  Orford,  Tama  county;  Vinton,  Benton  county;  Charles 
City,  Floyd  county;  Mason  City,  Cerro  Gordo  county;  Mitchell  and  Osage, 
Mitchell  county;  Anamosa,  Jones  county;  Iowa  Falls,  Hardin  county; 
Hampton,  Franklin  county;  and  at  nearly  all  points  along  the  Mississippi 
river.  In  some  places,  as  in  Marshall  and  Tama  counties,  several  species  of 
marble  are  found,  which  are  susceptible  of  the  finest  finish,  and  are  very 
beautiful. 


LIME. 

Good  material  for  the  manufacture  of  quick-lime  is  found  in  abundance  in 
nearly  all  parts  of  the  State.  Even  in  the  northwestern  counties,  where  there 
are  but  few  exposures  of  rock  “in  place,”  limestone  is  found  among  the 
boulders  scattered  over  the  prairies  and  about  the  lakes.  So  abundant  is 
limestone  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of  quick-lime,  that  it  is  needless  to 
mention  any  particular  locality  as  possessing  superior  advantages  in  furnish- 
ing this  useful  building  material.  At  the  following  points  parties  have  been 
engaged  somewhat  extensively  in  the  manufacture  of  lime,  to-wit:  Ft.  Dodge, 
Webster  county;  Springvale,  Humboldt  county;  Orford  and  Indian  town, 
Tama  county;  Iowa  Falls,  Hardin  county;  Mitchell,  Mitchell  county;  and 
at  nearly  all  the  towns  along  the  streams  northeast  of  Cedar  river. 

LEAD. 

Long  before  the  permanent  settlement  of  Iowa  by  the  whites  lead  was 
mined  at  Dubuque  by  Julien  Dubuque  and  others,  and  the  business  is  still 
carried  on  successfully.  From  four  to  six  million  pounds  of  ore  have  been 
smelted  annually  at  the  Dubuque  mines,  yielding  from  68  to  70  per  cent  of 
lead.  So  far  as  known,  the  lead  deposits  of  Iowa  that  may  be  profitably 
worked,  are  confined  to  a belt  four  or  five  miles  in  width  along  the  Missis- 
sippi above  and  below  the  city  of  Dubuque. 

gypsum. 

One  of  the  finest  and  purest  deposits  of  gypsum  known  in  the  world  exists 
at  Fort  Dodge  in  this  State.  It  is  confined  to  an  area  of  about  six  by  three 
miles  on  both  sides  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  and  is  found  to  be  from  twenty- 
five  to  thirty  feet  in  thickness.  The  main  deposit  is  of  uniform  gray  color, 


128 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


but  large  masses  of  almost  pure  white  (resembling  alabaster)  have  been 
found  embedded  in  the  main  deposits.  The  quantity  of  this  article  is  prac- 
tically inexhaustible,  and  the  time  will  certainly  come  when  it  will  be  a 
source  of  wealth  to  that  part  of  the  State.  It  has  been  used  to  a consider- 
able extent  in  the  manufacture  of  Plaster-of-Paris,  and  has  been  found  equal 
to  the  best  in  quality.  It  has  also  been  used  to  a limited  extent  for  paving 
and  building  purposes. 


SPRING  AND  WELL  WATER. 

As  before  stated,  the  surface  of  Iowa  is  generally  drained  by  the  rolling  or 
undulating  character  of  the  country,  and  the  numerous  streams,  large  and 
small.  This  fact  might  lead  some  to  suppose  that  it  might  be  difficult  to 
procure  good  spring  or  well  water  for  domestic  uses.  Such,  however,  is  not 
the  case,  for  good  pure  well  water  is  easily  obtained  all  over  the  State,  even 
on  the  highest  prairies.  It  is  rarely  necessary  to  dig  more  than  thirty  feet 
deep  to  find  an  abundance  of  that  most  indispensible  element,  good  water. 
Along  the  streams  are  found  many  springs  breaking  out  from  the  banks, 
affording  a constant  supply  of  pure  water.  As  a rule,  it  is  necessary  to  dig 
deeper  for  well  water  in  the  timber  portions  of  the  State,  than  on  the 
prairies.  Nearly  all  the  spring  and  well  waters  of  the  State  contain  a small 
proportion  of  lime,  as  they  do  in  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States.  There  are 
some  springs  which  contain  mineral  properties,  similar  to  the  springs  often 
resorted  to  by  invalids  and  others  in  other  States.  In  Davis  county  there 
are  some  “ Salt  Springs,”  as  they  are  commonly  called,  the  water  being  found 
to  contain  a considerable  amount  of  common  salt,  sulphuric  acid,  and  other 
mineral  ingredients.  Mineral  waters  are  found  in  different  parts  of  the 
State.  No  one  need  apprehend  any  difficulty  about  finding  in  all  parts  of 
Iowa  an  abundant  supply  of  good  wholesome  water. 

CLAYS. 

In  nearly  all  parts  of  the  State  the  material  suitable  for  the  manufacture 
of  brick  is  found  in  abundance.  Sand  is  obtained  in  the  bluffs  along  the 
streams  and  in  their  beds.  Potter’s  clay,  and  fire-clay  suitable  for  fire-brick, 
are  found  in  many  places.  An  excellent  article  of  fire-brick  is  made  at 
Eldora,  Hardin  county,  where  there  are  several  extensive  potteries  in  opera- 
tion. Fire-clay  is  usually  found  underlying  the  coal-seams.  There  are 
extensive  potteries  in  operation  in  the  counties  of  Lee,  Yan  Buren,  Des 
Moines,  Wapello,  Boone,  Hamilton,  Hardin,  and  perhaps  others. 

MINERAL  PAINT. 

In  Montgomery  county  a fine  vein  of  clay,  containing  a large  proportion 
of  ochre,  was  several  years  ago  discovered,  and  has  been  extensively  used  in 
that  part  of  the  State  for  painting  barns  and  out-houses.  It  is  of  a dark  red 
color,  and  is  believed  to  be  equal  in  quality,  if  properly  manufactured,  to  the 
mineral  paints  imported  from  other  States.  The  use  of  it  was  first  introduced 
by  Mr.  J.  B.  Packard,  of  Bed  Oak,  on  whose  land  there  is  an  extensive  de- 
posit of  this  material. 


PRAIRIE  HOME 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


129 


9 


130 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


HOW  THE  TITLE  TO  IOWA  LANDS  IS  DERIVED. 

Right  of  Discovery — Title  of  France  and  Spain — Cession  to  the  United  States — Territorial 
Changes — Treaties  with  the  Indians — The  Dubuque  Grant — The  Giard  Grant — The  Hon- 
ori  Grant — The  Half-Breed  Tract — System  of  Public  Surveys. 

The  title  to  the  soil  of  Iowa  was,  of  course,  primarily  vested  in  the  origi- 
nal occupants  who  inhabited  the  country  prior  to  its  discovery  by  the  whites. 
But  the  Indians,  being  savages,  possessed  but  few  rights  that  civilized  nations 
considered  themselves  bound  to  respect,  so  that  when  they  found  this  coun- 
try in  the  possession  of  such  a people  they  claimed  it  in  the  name  of  the 
King  of  France,  by  the  right  of  discovery . It  remained  under  the  juris- 
diction of  France  until  the  year  1763. 

Prior  to  the  year  1763,  the  entire  continent  of  North  America  was  divided 
between  France,  England,  Spain,  and  Russia.  France  held  all  that  portion 
of  what  now  constitutes  our  national  domain  west  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
except  Texas  and  the  territory  which  we  have  obtained  from  Mexico  and 
Russia.  This  vast  region,  while  under  the  jurisdiction  of  France,  was 
known  as  the  “ Province  of  Louisiana,”  and  embraced  the  present  State  of 
Iowa.  At  the  close  of  the  “Old  French  War,”  in  1763,  France  gave  up  her 
share  of  the  continent,  and  Spain  came  into  possession  of  the  territory  west 
of  the  Mississippi  river,  while  Great  Britain  retained  Canada  and  the 
regions  northward,  having  obtained  that  territory  by  conquest  in  the  war 
with  France.  For  thirty-seven  years  the  territory  now  embraced  within  the 
limits  of  Iowa  remained  as  a part  of  the  possession  of  Spain,  and  then  went 
back  to  France  by  the  treaty  of  St.  Idlefonso,  October  1,  1800.  On  the 
30th  of  April,  1803,  France  ceded  it  to  the  United  States  in  consideration 
of  receiving  $11,250,000,  and  the  liquidation  of  certain  claims  held  by  citi- 
zens of  the  United  States  against  France,  which  amounted  to  the  further 
sum  of  $3,750,000,  and  making  a total  of  $15,000,000.  It  will  thus  be  seen 
that  France  has  twice,  and  Spain  once,  held  sovereignty  over  the  territory 
embracing  Iowa,  but  the  financial  needs  of  Napoleon  afforded  our  govern- 
ment an  opportunity  to  add  another  empire  to  its  domain. 

On  the  31st  of  October,  1803,  an  act  of  Congress  was  approved  author- 
izing the  President  to  take  possession  of  the  newly  acquired  territory  and 
provide  for  it  a temporary  government,  and  another  act  approved  March  26, 
1804,  authorized  the  division  of  the  “ Louisiana  Purchase,”  as  it  was  then 
called,  into  two  separate  Territories.  All  that  portion  south  of  the  33d 
parallel  of  north  latitude,  was  called  the  “ Territory  of  Orleans,”  and  that 
north  of  the  said  parallel  was  known  as  the  “District  of  Louisiana,”  and 
was  placed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  what  was  then  known  as  “Indiana 
Territory.” 

By  virtue  of  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  March  3,  1805,  the  “District 
of  Louisiana”  was  organized  as  the  “Territory  of  Louisiana,”  with  a Terri- 
torial government  of  its  own,  'which  went  into  operation  J uly  4tli,  of  the 
same  year,  and  it  so  remained  until  1812.  In  this  year  the  “ Territory  of 
* Orleans”  became  the  State  of  Louisiana,  and  the  “Territory  of  Louisiana” 
was  organized  as  the  “Territory  of  Missouri.”  This  change  took  place 
under  an  act  of  Congress  approved  June  4, 1812.  In  1819,  a portion  of  this 
territory  was  organized  as  “ Arkansaw  Territory,”  and  in  1821  the  State  of 
Missouri  was  admitted,  being  a part  of  the  former  “Territory  of  Missouri.” 
This  left  a vast  domain  still  to  the  north,  including  the  present  States  of 
Iowa  and  Minnesota,  which  was,  in  1834,  made  a part  of  the  “ Territory  of 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


131 


Michigan.”-  In  July,  1836,  the  territory  embracing  the  present  States  of 
Iowa,  Minnesota  and  Wisconsin  was  detached  from  Michigan,  and  organized 
with  a separate  Territorial  government  under  the  name  of  “ Wisconsin  Ter- 
ritory.” 

By  virtue  of  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  June  12,  1838,  on  the  3d  of 
July  of  the  same  year,  the  “Territory  of  Iowa”  was  constituted.  It  em- 
braced the  present  State  of  Iowa,  and  the  greater  portion  of  what  is  now 
the  State  of  Minnesota. 

To  say  nothing  of  the  title  to  the  soil  of  Iowa  that  may  once  have  vested 
in  the  natives  who  claimed  and  occupied  it,  it  is  a matter  of  some  interest 
to  glance  at  the  various  changes  of  ownership  and  jurisdiction  through 
which  it  has  passed  within  the  time  of  our  historical  period: 

1.  It  belonged  to  France,  with  other  territory  now  belonging  to  our  na- 
tional domain. 

2.  In  17 63,  with  other  territory,  it  was  ceded  to  Spain. 

3.  October  1,  1800,  it  was  ceded  with  other  territory  from  Spain  back  to 
France. 

4.  April  30,  1803,  it  was  ceded  with  other  territory  by  France  to  the 
United  States. 

5.  October  31,  1803,  a temporary  government  was  authorized  by  Con- 
gress for  the  newly  acquired  territory. 

6.  October  1,  1804,  it  was  included  in  the  “District  of  Louisiana,”  and 
placed  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Territorial  government  of  Indiana. 

7.  July  4,  1805,  it  was  included  as  a part  ot  the  “Territory  of  Louis- 
iana,” then  organized  with  a separate  Territorial  government. 

8.  June  4,  1812,  it  was  embraced  in  what  was  then  made  the  “Territory 
of  Missouri.” 

9.  June  28,  1834,  it  became  part  of  the  “Territory  of  Michigan.” 

10.  July  3,  1836,  it  was  included  as  a part  of  the  newly  organized  “Ter- 
ritory of  Wisconsin.” 

11.  June  12, 1838,  it  was  included  in,  and  constituted  a part  of  the  newly 
organized  “ Territory  of  Iowa.” 

12.  December  28,  1846,  it  was  admitted  into  the  Union  as  a State. 

The  cession  by  France,  April  30,  1803,  vested  the  title  in  the  United 
States,  subject  to  the  claims  of  the  Indians,  which  it  was  very  justly  the 
policy  of  the  government  to  recognize.  The  several  changes  of  territorial 
jurisdiction  after  the  treaty  with  France  did  not  affect  the  title  to  the  soil. 

Before  the  government  of  the  United  States  could  vest  clear  title  to  the 
soil  in  its  grantees  it  was  necessary  to  extinguish  the  Indian  title  by  pur- 
chase. The  treaties  vesting  the  Indian  title  to  the  lands  within  the  limits 
of  what  is  now  the  State  of  Iowa,  were  made  at  different  times.  The  fol- 
lowingis  a synopsis  of  the  several  treaties  by  which  the  Indians  relinquished 
to  the  United  States  their  rights  in  Iowa: 

1.  Treaty  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes , Aug.  J,  182 Ip. — This  treaty  between 
the  United  States  and  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  was  made  at  the  City  of  Wash- 
ington, William  Clark  being  commissioner  on  the  part  of  the  United  States. 
By  this  treaty  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  relinquished  their  title  to  all  lands  in 
Missouri,  Iowa  then  being  a part  of  Missouri.  In  this  treaty  the  land  in 
the  southeast  corner  of  Iowa  known  as  the  “ Half-Breed  Tract,”  was  re- 
served for  the  use  of  the  half-breeds  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  they  holding 
the  title  to  the  same  in  the  same  manner  as  Indians.  This  treaty  was  rati- 
fied January  18,  1825. 


132 


HIST0KY  OF  IOWA. 


2.  Treaty  with  various  tribes , Aug.  19, 1825. — This  treaty  was  also  made 
at  the  city  of  Washington,  by  William  Clark  as  Commissioner  on  the  part 
of  the  United  States,  with  the  Chippewas,  Sacs  and  Foxes,  Menomonees, 
Winnebagoes  and  a portion  of  the  Ottawas  and  Pottawattamies.  This  treaty 
was  intended  mainly  to  make  peace  between  certain  contending  tribes  as  to 
the  limits  of  their  respective  hunting  grounds  in  Iowa.  It  was  agreed  that 
the  United  States  should  run  a boundary  line  between  the  Sioux  on  the 
north  and  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  on  the  south,  as  follows:  Commencing  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Upper  Iowa  river,  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  and 
ascending  said  Iowa  river  to  its  west  fork;  thence  up  the  fork  to  its  source; 
thence  crossing  the  fork  of  Eed  Cedar  river  in  a direct  line  to  the  second  or 
upper  fork  of  the  Des  Moines  river;  thence  in  a direct  line  to  the  lower  fork 
of  the  Calumet  (Big  Sioux)  river,  and  down  that  to  its  junction  with  the 
Missouri  river. 

3.  Treaty  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes , July  15,  1830. — By  this  treaty  the 
Sacs  and  Foxes  ceded  to  the  United  States  a strip  of  country  twenty  miles 
in  width  lying  directly  south  of  the  line  designated  in  the  treaty  of  Aug.  19, 
1825,  and  extending  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Des  Moines  river. 

4.  Treaty  with  the  Sioux,  July  15,  1830. — By  this  treaty  was  ceded  to 
the  United  States  a strip  twenty  miles  in  width,  on  the  north  of  the  line 
designated  by  the  treaty  of  Aug.  19,  1825,  and  extending  from  the  Missis- 
sippi to  the  Des  Moines  river.  By  these  treaties  made  at  the  same  date  the 
United  States  came  into  possession  of  a strip  forty  miles  wide  from  the 
Mississippi  to  the  Des  Moines  river.  It  was  known  as  the  “Keutral 
Ground,”  and  the  tribes  on  either  side  of  it  were  allowed  to  use  it  in  com- 
mon as  a fishing  and  hunting  ground  until  the  government  should  make 
other  disposition  of  it. 

5.  Treaty  with  various  tribes,  July  15, 1830. — This  was  a treaty  with  the 
Sacs  and  Foxes,  Sioux,  Omahas,  Iowas  and  Missouris,  by  which  they  ceded 
to  the  United  States  a tract  bounded  as  follows:  Beginning  at  the  upper 
fork  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  and  passing  the  sources  of  the  Little  Sioux 
and  Floyd  rivers,  to  the  fork  of  the  first  creek  that  falls  into  the  Big  Sioux, 
or  Calumet  river,  on  the  east  side;  thence  down  said  creek  and  the  Calumet 
river  to  the  Missouri  river;  thence  down  said  Missouri  river  to  the  Missouri 
State  line  above  the  Kansas ; thence  along  said  line  to  the  northeast  corner 
of  said  State;  thence  to  the  highlands  between  the  waters  falling  into  the 
Missouri  and  Des  Moines,  passing  to  said  highlands  along  the  dividing 
ridge  between  the  forks  of  the  Grand  river;  thence  along  said  highlands  or 
ridge  separating  the  waters  of  the  Missouri  from  those  of  the  Des  Moines, 
to  a point  opposite  the  source  of  the  Boyer  river,  and  thence  in  a direct  line 
to  the  upper  fork  of  the  Des  Moines,  the  place  of  beginning.  The  lands 
ceded  by  this  treaty  were  to  be  assigned,  or  allotted,  under  the  direction  of 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  the  tribes  then  living  thereon,  or  to 
such  other  tribes  as  the  President  might  locate  thereon  for  hunting  and 
other  purposes.  In  consideration  of  the  land  ceded  by  this  treaty  the  United 
States  stipulated  to  make  certain  payments  to  the  several  tribes  joining  in 
the  treaty.  The  treaty  took  effect  by  proclamation,  February  24,  1831. 

6.  Treaty  with  the  Winnebagoes,  Sept.  15, 1832. — This  treaty  was  made  at 
Fort  Armstrong,  by  Gen.  Winfield  Scott,  and  Gov.  John  Keynolds,  of  Illinois. 
By  the  treaty  the  Winnebagoes  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  their  lands  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Mississippi,  and  in  part  consideration  therefor  the  United 
States  granted  to  the  Winnebagoes  as  a reservation  the  lands  in  Iowa  known 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


133 


as  the  Neutral  Ground.  The  exchange  of  the  two  tracts  was  to  take  place 
on  or  before  June  1,  1833.  The  United  States  also  stipulated  to  make  pay- 
ment to  the  Winnebagoes,  beginning  in  September,  1873,  and  to  continue 
for  twenty-seven  successive  years,  $10,000  annually  in  specie,  and  also  to 
establish  a school  among  them,  with  a farm  and  garden.  There  were  also 
other  agreements  on  the  part  of  the  government. 

7.  Treaty  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes , Sept.  21, 1832. — This  was  the  treaty 
known  as  the  “Black  Hawk  Purchase,”  which  opened  the  first  lands  in 
Iowa  for  settlement  by  the  whites.  In  negotiating  this  treaty  Gen.  Win- 
field Scott  and  Gov.  John  Reynolds  represented  the  United  States.  By  it 
the  Sacs  and  Foxes  ceded  to  the  United  States  a tract  of  land  on  the  eastern 
border  of  Iowa  fifty  miles  wide,  and  extending  from  the  northern  boundary 
of  Missouri  to  the  mouth  of  the  Upper  Iowa  river,  containing  about  six 
millions  of  acres.  The  United  States  stipulated  to  pay  annually  to  the  Sacs 
and  Foxes  $20,000  in  specie,  and  to  pay  certain  indebtedness  of  the  Indians, 
amounting  to  about  $50,000,  due  chiefly  to  Davenport  & F arnham,  Indian 
traders,  at  Rock  Island.  By  the  terms  of  the  treaty  four  hundred  square 
miles  on  Iowa  river,  including  Keokuk’s  village,  were  reserved,  for  the  use  and 
occupancy  of  the  Indians.  This  treaty  was  made  on  the  ground  where  the 
city  of  Davenport  is  now  located.  The  government  conveyed  in  fee  simple 
out  of  this  purchase  one  section  of  land  opposite  Rock  Island  to  Antoine 
LeClaire,  the  interpreter,  and  another  at  the  head  of  the  first  rapid  above 
Rock  Island,  being  the  first  title  to  land  in  Iowa  granted  by  the  United 
States  to  an  individual. 

8.  Treaty  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes , 1836. — This  treaty  was  also  made  on 
the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  near  where  the  city  of  Davenport  now  stands. 
Gen.  Henry  Dodge,  Governor  of  Wisconsin  Territory,  represented  the 
United  States.  By  it  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  ceded  to  the  United  States 
“ Keokuk’s  Reserve,”  as  it  was  called,  for  which  the  government  stipulated 
to  pay  $30,000,  and  an  annuity  of  $10,000  for  ten  successive  years,  together 
with  certain  indebtedness  of  the  Indians. 

9.  Treaty  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes , Oct.  21, 1837. — This  treaty  was  made 
at  Washington;  Carey  A.  Harris,  Commissioner  of  Indian  Affairs,  repre- 
senting the  United  States.  By  this  treaty  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  relinquished 
their  title  to  an  additional  tract  in  Iowa,  described  as  follows:  “A  tract  of 
country  containing  1,250,000  acres,  lying  west  and  adjoining  the  tract  con- 
veyed by  them  to  the  United  States  in  the  treaty  of  September  21,  1832. 
It  is  understood  that  the  points  of  termination  for  the  present  cession  shall 
be  the  northern  and  southern  points  of  said  tract  as  fixed  by  the  survey 
made  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  and  that  a line  shall  be 
drawn  between  them  so  as  to  intersect  a line  extended  westwardly  from  the 
angle  of  said  tract  nearly  opposite  to  Rock  Island,  as  laid  down  in  the  above 
survey,  so  far  as  may  be  necessary  to  include  the  number  of  acres  hereby 
ceded,  which  last  mentioned  line,  it  is  estimated,  will  be  about  twenty-five 
miles.”  The  tract  ceded  by  this  treaty  lay  directly  west  of  the  “Black 
Hawk  Purchase.” 

1 0.  Treaty  with  Sacs  and  Foxes , same  date. — At  the  same  date  the  Sacs 
and  Foxes  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  their  right  and  interest  in  the 
country  south  of  the  boundary  line  between  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  and  the 
Sioux,  as  described  in  the  treaty  of  August  19,  1825,  and  between  the  Mis- 
sissippi and  Missouri  rivers,  the  United  States  paying  for  the  same  $160,000. 


134 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


The  Sacs  and  Foxes  by  this  treaty  also  relinquished  all  claims  and  interest 
under  the  treaties  previously  made  with  them. 

11.  Treaty  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes , Oct.  11,  181$. — This  treaty  was 
made  at  the  Sac  and  Fox  Agency,  by  John  Chambers,  as  Commissioner,  on 
behalf  of  the  United  States.  By  it  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  relinquished  to  the 
United  States  all  their  lands  west  of  the  Mississippi  to  which  they  had  any 
claim  or  title,  and  agreed  to  a removal  from  the  country,  at  the  expiration  of 
three  years.  In  accordance  with  this  treaty,  a part  of  them  were  removed 
to  Kansas  in  the  fall  of  1845,  and  the  remainder  in  the  spring  of  1846. 

The  treaty  of  1803  with  France,  and  these  several  treaties  with  the  Indian 
tribes,  vested  in  the  United  States,  the  title  to  all  the  lands  in  the  State  of 
Iowa — subject,  however,  to  claims  set  up  under  certain  Spanish  grants,  and 
also,  the  claim  to  the  “ Ilalf-Breed  Tract,”  in  Lee  county,  which  claims  were 
afterward  adjudicated  in  the  courts  or  otherwise  adjusted.  The  following 
is  a brief  explanation  of  the  nature  of  these  claims: 

The  Dubuque  Claim. — Lead  had  been  discovered  at  the  site  of  the  present 
city  of  Dubuque  as  early  as  1780,  and  in  1788  Julien  Dubuque,  then  resid- 
ing at  Prairie  du  Chien,  obtained  permission  from  the  Fox  tribe  of  Indians 
to  engage  in  mining  lead,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Mississippi.  Dubuque, 
with  a number  of  other  persons,  was  engaged  in  mining,  and  claimed  a large 
tract,  embracing  as  he  supposed  all  the  lead  bearing  region  in  that  vicinity. 
At  that  time,  it  will  be  remembered,  the  country  was  under  Spanish  juris- 
diction, and  embraced  in  the  “Province  of  Louisiana.”  In  1796  Dubuque 
petitioned  the  Spanish  Governor  of  Louisiana,  Carondelet,  for  a grant  of 
the  lands  embracing  the  lead  mines,  describing  in  his  petition  a tract  con- 
taining over  twenty  thousand  acres.  The’ Spanish  governor  granted  the 
petition,  and  the  grant  was  confirmed  by  the  Board  of  Land  Commissioners 
of  Louisiana.  Dubuque,  in  1804,  transferred  the  larger  part  of  his  claim  to 
Auguste  Choteau,  of  St.  Louis.  On  the  17th  of  May,  1805,  Dubuque  and 
Choteau  filed  their  joint  claims  with  the  Board  of  Land  Commissioners,  and 
the  claim  was  decided  by  them  to  be  a clear  and  regular  Spanish  grant,  hav- 
ing been  made  and  completed  prior  to  October  1st,  1800,  and  while  it  was 
yet  Spanish  territory.  Dubuque  died  March  24,  1810.  After  the  death  of 
Dubuque  the  Indians  resumed  occupancy  of  the  mines  and  engaged  them- 
selves in  mining  to  some  extent,  holding  that  Dubuque’s  claim  was  only  a 
permit  during  his  lifetime,  and  in  this  they  were  sustained  by  the  military 
authority  of  the  United  States,  notwithstanding  the  decision  of  the  Land 
Commissioners.  In  the  treaty  afterward  between  the  United  States  and  the 
Sacs  and  Foxes,  the  Indians  made  no  reservation  of  this  claim,  and  it  was 
therefore  included  as  a part  of  the  lands  ceded  by  them  to  the  United  States. 
In  the  meantime  Auguste  Choteau  also  died,  and  his  heirs  began  to  look 
after  their  interests.  They  authorized  their  agent  to  lease  the  privilege  of 
working  the  mines,  and  under  this  authority  miners  commenced  operations, 
but  the  military  authorities  compelled  them  to  abandon  the  work.  But  little 
further  was  done  in  the  matter  until  after  the  town  of  Dubuque  was  laid 
out,  and  lots  had  been  sold  and  were  occupied  by  purchasers,  when  Henry 
Choteau  brought  an  action  of  ejectment  against  Patrick  Malony,  who  held 
land  under  a patent  from  the  united  States,  for  the  recovery  of  seven  undi- 
vided eighths  of  the  Dubuque  claim,  as  purchased  by  Auguste  Choteau  in 
1804.  The  case  was  decided  in  the  United  States  District  Court  adversely 
to  the  plain  tiff.  It  was  carried  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States 
on  a writ  of  error,  where  the  decision  of  the  lower  court  was  affirmed.  The 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


135 


Supreme  Court  held  that  Dubuque  asked,  and  the  Governor  of  Louisiana 
granted,  nothing  more  than  peaceable  possession  of  certain  lands  obtained 
from  the  Indians,  and  that  Carondelet  had  no  legal  authority  to  make  such 
a grant  as  claimed. 

The  Giard  Claim. — The  Lieutenant  Governor  of  Upper  Louisiana,  in 
1795,  granted  to  one  Basil  Giard  5,760  acres  in  what  is  now  Clayton  county. 
Giard  took  possession  and  occupied  the  land  until  after  the  territory  passed 
into  the  possession  of  the  United  States,  after  which  the  government  of  the 
United  States  granted  a patent  to  Giard,  for  the  land  which  has  since  been 
known  as  the  “ Giard  Tract.”  His  heirs  subsequently  sold  the  whole  tract 
for  $300. 

The  Honori  Claim. — On  the  30th  day  of  March,  1799,  Zenon  Trudeau, 
Acting  Lieutenant  Governor  of  Upper  Louisiana,  granted  to  Louis  Honori 
a tract  of  land  on  the  site  of  the  present  town  of  Montrose,  as  follows:  “It 
is  permitted  to  Mr.  Louis  (Fresson)  Llenori,  or  Louis  Honori  Fesson,  to 
establish  himself  at  the  head  of  the  rapids  of  the  River  Des  Moines,  and  liis 
establishment  once  formed,  notice  of  it  shall  be  given  to  the  Governor  Gen- 
eral, in  order  to  obtain  for  him  a commission  of  a space  sufficient  to  give 
value  to  such  establishment,  and  at  the  same  time  to  render  it  useful  to  the 
commerce  of  the  peltries  of  this  country,  to  watch  the  Indians  and  keep  them 
in  the  fidelity  which  they  owe  to  His  Majesty.”  Honori  retained  possession 
until  1805,  but  in  1803  it  was  sold  under  an  execution  obtained  by  one 
Joseph  Robedoux,  who  became  the  purchaser.  The  tract  is  described  as  being 
“ about  six  leagues  above  the  Des  Moines.”  Auguste  Choteau,  the  executor 
of  Robedoux,  in  April,  1805,  sold  the  Honori  tract  to  Thomas  F.  Reddeck. 
In  the  grant  from  the  Spanish  government  it  was  described  as  being  one 
league  square,  but  the  government  of  the  United  States  confirmed  only  one 
mile  square.  Attempts  were  subsequently  made  to  invalidate  the  title  of 
the  Reddeck  heirs,  but  it  was  finally  confirmed  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States,  in  1839. 

The  Half-Breed  Tract. — By  a treaty  made  with  the  Indians,  August 
4,  1824,  the  United  States  acquired  possession  of  a large  tract  of  land 
in  the  northern  portion  of  Missouri.  In  this  same  treaty  119,000  acres 
were  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  half-breeds  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nation. 
This  reservation  occupied  the  strip  between  the  Mississippi  and  Des  Moines 
rivers,  and  south  of  a line  drawn  from  a point  on  the  Des  Moines  river, 
about  one  mile  below  the  present  town  of  Farmington,  in  Yan  Buren  county, 
east  to  the  Mississippi  river  at  the  lower  end  of  Fort  Madison,  including  all 
the  land  between  the  two  rivers  south  of  this  line.  By  the  terms  of  the 
treaty  the  United  States  had  a reversionary  interest  in  this  land,  which  de- 
prived the  Indians  of  the  power  to  sell.  But,  in  1835,  Congress  relinquished 
to  the  half-breeds  this  reversionary  interest,  vesting  in  them  a fee  simple 
title,  and  the  right  to  sell  and  convey.  In  this  law,  however,  the  right  to 
sell  was  not  given  to  individuals  by  name,  but  to  the  half-breeds  as  a class, 
and  in  this  the  subsequent  litigation  in  regard  to  the  “Half-Breed  Tract” 
originated.  A door  was  open  for  innumerable  frauds.  The  result  was  that 
speculators  rushed  in  and  began  to  buy  the  claims  of  the  half-breeds,  and, 
in  many  instances,  a gun,  a blanket,  a pony  or  a few  quarts  of  whisky  was 
sufficient  for  the  purchase  of  large  estates.  There  was  a deal  of  sharp  prac- 
tice on  both  sides;  Indians  would  often  claim  ownership  of  land  by  virtue 
of  being  half-breeds,  and  had  no  difficulty  in  proving  their  mixed  blood  by 
the  Indians,  and  they  would  then  cheat  the  speculators  by  selling  land  to 


136 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


which  they  had  no  rightful  title.  On  the  other  hand,  speculators  often 
claimed  land  in  which  they  had  no  ownership.  It  was  diamond  cut  dia- 
mond, until  at  last  things  became  badly  mixed.  There  were  no  authorized 
surveys,  and  no  boundary  lines  to  claims,  and,  as  a natural  result,  numerous 
conflicts  and  quarrels  ensued.  To  settle  these  difficulties,  to  decide  the  va- 
lidity of  claims  or  sell  them  for  the  benefit  of  the  real  owners,  by  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  Wisconsin  Territory,  approved  January  16,  1838,  Edward 
Johnstone,  Thomas  S.  Wilson  and  David  Brigham  were  appointed  commis- 
sioners, and  clothed  with  power  to  effect  these  objects.  The  act  provided 
that  these  commissioners  should  be  paid  six  dollars  a day  each.  The  com- 
mission entered  upon  its  duties  and  continued  until  the  next  session  of  the 
Legislature,  when  the  act  creating  it  was  repealed,  invalidating  all  that  had 
been  done  and  depriving  the  commissioners  of  their  pay.  The  repealing 
act,  however,  authorized  the  commissioners  to  commence  action  against  the 
owners  of  the  Half-Breed  Tract,  to  receive  their  pay  for  their  services,  in  the 
District  Court  of  Lee  county.  Two  judgments  were  obtained,  and  on  exe- 
cution the  whole  of  the  tract  was  sold  to  Hugh  T.  Beid,  the  sheriff  executing 
the  deed.  Mr.  Beid  sold  portions  of  it  to  various  parties,  but  his  own  title 
was  questioned  and  he  became  involved  in  litigation.  Decisions  in  favor 
of  Beid  and  those  holding  under  him  were  made  by  both  District  and  Su- 
preme Courts,  but  in  December,  1850,  these  decisions  were  finally  reversed 
by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  in  the  case  of  Joseph  Webster, 
plaintiff  in  error,  vs.  Hugh  T.  Beid,  and  the  judgment  titles  failed.  About 
nine  years  before  the  “judgment  titles”  were  finally  abrogated,  as  above, 
another  class  of  titles  was  brought  into  competition  with  them,  and  in  the 
conflict  between  the  two,  the  final  decision  was  obtained.  These  were  the 
titles  based  on  the  “ decree  of  partition  ” issued  by  the  United  States  District 
Court  for  the  Territory  of  Iowa,  on  the  8th  of  May,  1841,  and  certified  to  by 
the  clerk  on  the  2d  day  of  June  of  that  year.  Edward  Johnstone  and  Hugh 
T.  Beid,  then  law  partners  at  Fort  Madison,  filed  the  petition  for  the  decree 
in  behalf  of  the  St.  Louis  claimants  of  half-breed  lands.  Francis  S.  Key, 
author  of  the  “ Star  Spangled  Banner,”  who  was  then  attorney  for  the  Hew 
York  Land  Company,  which  held  heavy  interests  in  these  lands,  took  a lead- 
ing part  in  the  measure,  and  drew  up  the  document  in  which  it  was  pre- 
sented to  the  court.  Judge  Charles  Mason,  of  Burlington,  presided.  The 
plan  of  partition  divided  the  tract  into  101  shares,  each  claimant  to  draw  his 
proportion  by  lot, and  to  abide  the  result.  The  plan  was  agreed  to  and  the 
lots  drawn.  The  plat  of  the  same  was  filed  for  record,  October  6th,  1841. 
The  title  under  this  decree  of  partition,  however,  was  not  altogether  satis- 
factory. It  was  finally  settled  by  a decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States,  in  January,  1855. 

SYSTEM  OF  PUBLIC  LAUD  SURVEYS. 

In  connection  with  the  subject  of  land  titles,  an  explanation  of  the  method 
of  public  surveys  will  prove  interesting  to  all  land  owners.  These  explana- 
tions apply,  not  only  to  Iowa,  but  to  the  Western  States  generally,  and  to 
nearly  all  lands  the  title  to  which  is  derived  from  the  Government. 

Soon  after  the  organization  of  our  government,  Virginia  and  other 
States,  ceded  to  the  United  States  extensive  tracts  of  wild  land,  which, 
together  with  other  lands  subsequently  acquired  by  purchase  and  treaty, 
constituted  what  is  called  the  public  lands,  or  public  domain.  Up  to  the 
year  1S02,  these  lands  were  sold  without  reference  to  any  general  or  uniform 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


13T 


plan.  Each  person  who  desired  to  purchase  any  portion  of  the  public  do- 
main, selected  a tract  in  such  shape  as  suited  his  fancy,  designating  his 
boundaries  by  prominent  objects,  such  as  trees,  rocks,  streams,  the  banks  of 
rivers  and  creeks,  cliffs,  ravines,  etc.  But,  owing  to  the  frequent  indefinite- 
ness of  description,  titles  often  conflicted  with  each  other,  and  in  many  cases 
several  grants  covered  the  same  premises. 

To  obviate  these  difficulties,  in  1802,  Col.  Jared  Mansfield,  then  surveyor- 
general  of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  devised  and  adopted  the  present  mode 
of  surveying  the  public  lands.  This  system  was  established  by  law,  and  is 
uniform  in  its  application  to  all  the  public  lands  belonging  to  the  United 
States. 

By  this  method,  all  the  lines  are  run  by  the  cardinal  points  of  the  com- 
pass; the  north  and  south  lines  coinciding  with  the  true  meridian,  and  the 
east  and  west  lines  intersecting  them  at  right  angles,  giving  to  the  tracts 
thus  surveyed  the  rectangular  form. 

In  the  first  place,  certain  lines  are  established  running  east  and  west,  called 
Base  Lines.  Then,  from  noted  points,  such  as  the  mouths  of  principal  riv- 
ers, lines  are  run  due  north  and  south,  which  are  called  Principal  Meri- 
dians. The  Base  Lines  and  Principal  Meridians  together,  are  called 
Standard  Lines , as  they  form  the  basis  of  all  the  surveys  made  therein. 

In  order  to  distinguish  from  each  other  the  system  or  series  of  surveys  thus 
formed,  the  several  Principal  Meridians  are  designated  by  progressive 
numbers.  The  Meridian  running  north  from  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami 
river,  is  called  the  First  Principal  Meridian;  that  running  north  through 
the  State  of  Indiana,  the  Second  Principal  Meridian;  that  rnnning  north 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  river  through  the  State  of  Illinois,  the  Third 
Principal  Meridian;  that  running  north  from  the  mouth  of  the  Illinois 
river,  through  the  States  of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  the  Fourth  Principal 
Meridian;  and  that  running  north  from  the  mouth  of  the  Arkansas  river, 
through  the  States  of  Arkansas,  Missouri,  Illinois,  Iowa  and  Wisconsin,  the 
Fifth  Principal  Meridian. 

Having  established  the  Standard  Lines  as  above  described,  the  country 
was  then  divided  into  equal  squares  as  nearly  as  practicable,  by  a system  of 
parallel  meridians  six  miles  distant  from  each  other,  crossed  or  intersected 
by  lines  east  and  west,  also  six  miles  from  each  other.  Thus  the  country 
was  divided  into  squares,  the  sides  of  which  are  six  miles,  and  each  square 
containing  36  square  miles.  These  squares  are  called  Townships.  The 
lines  of  the  townships  running  north  and  south  are  called  Range  Lines / and 
the  rows  or  tiers  of  townships  running  north  and  south  are  called  Ranges ; 
tiers  of  townships  east  and  west  are  called  Townships / and  the  lines  di- 
viding these  tiers  are  called  Township  Lines.  Townships  are  numbered 
from  the  Base  Line  and  the  Principal  Meridians.  Thus  the  township  in 
which  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  is  located,  is  described  as  township  No.  89  north, 
in  range  No.  47  west  of  the  Fifth  Principal  Meridian.  The  situation  of  this 
township  is,  therefore,  528  miles  (making  no  allowance  for  fractional  town- 
ships) north  of  the  Base  Line,  as  there  are  88  townships  intervening  between 
it  and  the  Base  Line;  and  being  in  range  No.  47,  it  is  276  miles  west  of  the 
Fifth  Principal  Meridian,  as  there  are  46  ranges  of  townships  intervening 
between  it  and  the  said  Principal  Meridian.  The  township  adjoining  on  the 
north  of  89  in  range  47,  is  90  in  range  47 ; but  the  township  adjoining  on 
the  west  of  89  in  range  47,  is  numbered  89  of  range  48,  and  the  one  north 
of  89  of  range  48,  is  90  of  range  48,  and  so  on. 


138 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


Some  of  the  townships  mentioned  in  this  illustration,  being  on  the  Mis- 
souri and  Big  Sioux  rivers,  are  fractional. 

The  lines  and  corners  of  the  townships  being  established  by  competent 
surveyors,  under  the  authority  of  the  government,  the  next  work  is  to  sub- 
divide the  townships  into  sections  of  one  square  mile  each,  making  36  sec- 
tions in  each  full  township,  and  each  full  section  containing  640  acres.  The 
annexed  diagram  exhibits  the  36  sections  of  a township: 


6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

30 

29 

28 

27 

26 

25 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

The  sections  are  numbered  alternately  west  and  east,  beginning  at  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  township,  as  shown  by  the  diagram. 

The  lands  are  sold  or  disposed  of  by  the  government,  in  tracts  of  640 
acres,  320  acres,  160  acres,  80  acres  and  40  acres;  or  by  the  section,  half 
section,  quarter  section,  half  quarter  section  and  quarter  of  quarter  section. 
The  annexed  diagram  will  present  a section  and  its  sub-divisions: 


N 


160  A 

40  A 

80  A 

40  A 

160  A 

160  A 

S 


The  corners  of  the  section,  and  the  comers  at  H.,  E.,  S.  and  W.  have  all 
been  established  and  marked  by  the  government  surveyor  in  making  his 
sub-division  of  the  township,  or  in  sectionizing , as  it  is  termed.  He  does 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


139 


not  establish  or  mark  any  of  the  ulterior  lines  or  corners.  This  work  is 
left  for  the  county  surveyor  or  other  competent  person.  Suppose  the  last 
diagram  to  represent  section  25,  in  township  89,  north  of  range  47  west, 
then  the  sub-divisions  shown  may  be  described  as  the  northwest  quarter  of 
section  25 ; the  southwest  quarter  of  section  25 ; the  southeast  quarter  of 
section  25,  all  in  township  89  north  of  range  47  west  of  the  5th  Principal 
Meridian.  But  these  descriptions  do  not  include  any  portion  of  the  north- 
east quarter  of  the  section.  That  we  wish  to  describe  in  smaller  sub-divis- 
ions. So  we  say,  the  east  half  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  section  25;  the 
northwest  quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  section  25,  and  the  southwest 
quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  section  25,  all  in  township  89  north  of 
range  47  west  of  the  5th  Principal  Meridian.  The  last  three  descriptions 
embrace  all  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  section,  but  described  in  three 
distinct  tracts,  one  containing  80  acres,  and  two  containing  40  acres  each. 

The  Base  Lines  and  Principal  Meridians  have  been  established  by  astro- 
nomical observations;  but  the  lines  of  sub-divisions  are  run  with  the  com- 
pass. The  line  indicated  by  the  magnetic  needle,  when  allowed  to  move 
freely  about  the  point  of  support,  and  settle  to  a state  of  rest,  is  called  the 
magnetic  variation.  This,  in  general,  is  not  the  true  meridian,  or  north 
and  south  line.  The  angle  which  the  magnetic  meridian  makes  with  the 
true  meridian,  is  called  the  variation  of  the  needle  at  that  place,  and  is  east 
or  west,  according  as  the  north  end  of  the  needle  lies  on  the  east  or  west 
side  of  the  true  meridian.  The  variation  of  the  needle  is  different  at  dif- 
ferent places,  but  in  Iowa  the  magnetic  needle  points  about  9^  degrees  east 
of  the  true  meridian.  The  lines  of  the  lands  are  made  to  conform  as  nearly 
as  practicable  to  the  true  meridian,  but  owing  to  the  imperfections  of  instru- 
ments, topographical  inequalities  in  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and  various 
other  causes,  it  is  absolutely  impossible  in  practice  to  arrive  at  perfection ; 
or,  in  other  words,  to  make  the  townships  and  their  sectional  sub-divisions 
exactly  square  and  their  lines  exactly  north  and  south  and  east  and  west. 
A detailed  statement  of  the  manner  of  sub-dividing  a township  into  sec- 
tions would  be  too  lengthy  for  this  article.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  frac- 
tional tracts  are  all  thrown  on  the  north  and  west  sides  of  the  townships.  The 
last  tiers,  or  rows,  of  quarter  sections  on  the  north  and  west  sides  of  a town- 
ship generally  fall  either  below  or  in  excess  of  even  quarter  sections.  Where 
there  is  a large  district  of  country  of  uniform  level  surface,  the  errors  of 
measurement  are  not  likely  to  be  so  great,  and  the  fractions  in  that  case 
may  not  vary  much  from  even  quarter  sections. 

All  measurements  are  made  in  chains.  A chain  is  a measure  of  four 
rods,  each  link  being  the  hundredth  part  of  a chain,  and  is  so  used  in  the 
field  notes  and  calculations.  For  convenience  in  practice,  however,  the  sur- 
veyor generaly  uses  a half  chain , equal  to  two  rods,  or  fifty  links,  but  the 
surveyor’s  reckoning  is  kept,  and  all  his  calculations  are  made  in  full  chains 
of  four  rods,  and  decimal  parts  thereof.  In  the  measurement  of  lines,  every 
five  chains  are  called  an  “ out,”  because  at  that  distance,  the  last  of  the  ten 
tally  rods  or  pins,  with  which  the  forward  chain  in  an  set  out,  has  been  set  to 
mark  the  measurement.  The  other  chainman  then  comes  forward,  counts 
and  delivers  to  him  the  ten  tally  rods  which  he  has  taken  up  in  the  last 
“out,”  the  forward  chainman  likewise  counting  the  pins  as  he  receives  them. 
At  the  end  of  every  five  chains,  the  forward  chainman  as  he  sets  the  tenth 
or  last  tally  rod,  calls,  “ out,”  which  is  repeated  by  the  other  chainman, 
and  by  the  marker  and  surveyor,  each  of  whom  keeps  a tally  of  the  “ outs,” 


140 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


and  marks  the  same  as  lie  calls  them.  Sixteen  “ outs,”  or  eighty  chains, 
make  a mile. 

The  corners  of  townships,  sections  and  quarter  sections,  are  marked  in  the 
following  manner: 

On  the  exterior  township  lines,  corner  posts  are  set  at  the  distance  of 
every  mile  and  half  mile  from  the  township  corner.  The  mile  posts  are  for 
the  corners  of  sections,  and  the  half-mile  po^s  for  the  corners  of  quarter 
sections.  They  are  required  to  be  driven  into  the  ground  to  the  depth  of 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  inches,  and  to  be  made  of  the  most  durable  wood  to 
be  had.  The  sides  of  the  posts  are  squared  off  at  the  top,  and  the  angles 
of  the  square  set  to  correspond  with  the  cardinal  points  of  the  compass. 
All  the  mile  posts  on  the  township  lines  are  marked  with  as  many  notches 
cut  in  one  of  the  angles  as  they  are  miles  distant  from  the  township  corner 
where  the  line  commenced.  But  the  township  corner  posts  are  notched  with 
six  notches  on  each  of  the  four  angles.  The  mile  posts  on  the  section  lines 
are  notched  on  the  south  and  east  angles  of  the  square,  respectively,  with  as 
many  notches  as  they  are  miles  distant  from  the  south  and  east  boundaries 
of  the  township.  If  it  so  happens  that  a tree  is  situated  to  supply  the 
place  of  a corner  post,  it  is  “blazed”  on  four  sides  facing  the  sections  to 
which  it  is  the  corner,  and  notched  in  the  same  manner  that  the  corner  posts 
are.  At  all  corners  in  the  timber,  two.  or  more  bearing  trees  in  opposite 
directions  are  required  to  be  noted,  and  the  course  of  each  tree  noted  and 
recorded.  The  trees  are  “blazed”  on  the  side  facing  the  post,  and  the  let- 
ters B.  T.  (Bearing  Tree)  cut  in  the  wood  below  the  blaze.  At  the  quarter 
section  corners,  the  post  is  flattened  on  opposite  sides,  and  marked  “ J,”  and 
the  nearest  suitable  tree  on  each  side  of  the  section  line  is  marked  to  show 
the  township,  range  and  section  in  which  such  tree  is  situated.  More  recent 
regulations  require  four  witnesses,  or  bearing  trees,  at  the  township  and 
section  corners,  and  two  at  the  quarter  section  corners,  if  within  convenient 
distance. 

In  the  prairies,  and  other  places  where  bearing  trees  could  not  be  noted, 
quadrangular  mounds  of  earth  are  raised  around  the  posts,  the  angles  of  the 
mounds  corresponding  with  the  cardinal  points  of  the  compass.  The 
mounds  are  required  to  be  two  and  a-half  feet  high  and  four  feet  square  at 
the  base.  The  earth  to  form  the  mound  at  the  section  corner  is  taken  from 
one  place  to  form  the  pit  directly  south  of  the  mound ; and  at  the  quarter 
section  corner  it  is  taken  directly  vast  of  the  mound.  The  posts  are  squared 
and  notched  as  heretofore  described.  More  recent  regulations  require 
stones  or  charcoal  to  be  buried  in  the  mound. 

In  the  timber  the  lines  are  marked  in  the  following  manner:  All  those 
trees  which  the  line  cuts  have  two  notches  on  each  side  of  the  tree  where 
the  line  cuts  it.  These  are  called  “station  trees,”  and  sometimes  “line 
trees,”  or  “ sight  trees.”  All  trees  within  ten  or  fifteen  links  on  each  side 
of  the  line  are  marked  with  two  spots  or  “blazes,”  diagonally  or  quartering 
toward  the  line.  The  names  and  estimated  diameters  of  all  the  “station 
trees,”  with  their  distances  on  the  lines,  are  noted. 

In  the  northwest  part  of  Iowa,  where  the  prairie  so  largely  predominates, 
the  landmarks,  of  course,  are  chiefly  mounds  and  pits.  The  original  stakes 
set  by  the  surveyors  have  mostly  been  destroyed  by  the  fires,  but  occasion- 
ally one  may  be  found.  Many  of  the  mounds  and  pits  have  also  been  par- 
tially obliterated,  but  the  experienced  surveyor  will  generally  identify  them 
with  very  little  trouble.  A person  in  search  of  the  landmarks  on  the  prai- 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


141 


rie  should  provide  himself  with  a compass  with  which  to  trace  the  lines.  A 
small  one  will  answer  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  lines  approximately,  but 
for  finding  the  sub-divisions  accurately,  a good  compass  or  transit  and  chain 
are  required. 

The  field  notes  of  the  original  surveys  furnish  primarily  the  material 
from  which  the  plats  and  calculations  of  the  public  lands  are  made,  and  the 
source  from  whence  the  description  and  evidence  of  the  location  and  boun- 
daries of  those  surveys  are  drawn  and  perpetuated.  The  surveyors  of  the 
public  lands  were,  therefore,  required  to  keep  an  accurate  record  of  the 
topography  of  the  country,  with  a description  of  everything  which  might 
afford  useful  information.  The  crossings  of  streams,  lakes,  ponds,  sloughs, 
etc.,  with  their  location  on  the  lines,  wTere  all  required  to  be  carefully  noted. 

EAELY  SETTLEMENTS,  AND  TEEEITOEIAL  OEGANIZATION. 

Julien  Dubuque — Spanish  Lead  Mines — Early  Settlement  at  Dubuque — Settlement  at  Mont- 
rose— Old  Apple  Trees — Fort  Madison — Keokuk — First  Settlement  at  Burlington — First 
Settlement  in  Scott  County — Organization  of  Scott  County — Murder  of  Col.  Davenport — 
Band  of  Outlaws  broken  up — Some  First  Things — Territorial  Convention — Subject  of 
Pre-emptions — Missouri  Boundaiy — Question  of  Separate  Territorial  Organization — Me- 
morials to  Congress. 

The  first  white  men  who  are  known  to  have  set  their  feet  upon  the  soil  of 
Iowa,  were  James  Marquette  and  Louis  Joliet,  in  1673,  as  we  have  seen  in 
a former  part  of  this  work.  It  was  115  years  after  the  visit  of  these  cele- 
brated Erench  voyageurs  before  any  white  man  established  a settlement, 
during  which  time  several  generations  of  the  Indian  tribes  occupied  the  val- 
leys of  the  beautiful  rivers  of  Iowa,  or  roamed  over  her  broad  prairies.  Dur- 
ing all  this  time  they  doubtless  kept  alive  among  them  the  tradition  of  the 
strange  Black-Eobe  Chief  and  his  pale-faced  companions  who  came  in  their 
canoes  to  see  their  fathers  so  many  years  before.  It  was  likewise  a French- 
man, Julien  Dubuque,  who  had  the  honor  of  making  the  first  permanent 
white  settlement.  In  1788,  having  obtained  permission  from  the  Indians, 
he  crossed  the  Mississippi  with  a small  party  of  miners  for  the  purpose  of 
working  lead  mines  at  the  place  where  the  city  is  now  located  which  bears 
his  name,  the  lead  having  been  discovered  a short  time  before  by  the  wife 
Peosta,  a Fox  warrior.  Dubuque  was  a native  of  France,  but  had  emigrated 
to  Canada  and  become  an  Indian  trader.  While  engaged  in  that  business 
he  reached  Prairie  du  Chien  about  the  year  1785,  and  with  two  other  French- 
men, laid  out  a village  which  now  constitutes  the  northern  part  of  that  city. 
As  a trader  he  acquired  great  influence  with  the  Sac  and  Fox  Chiefs.  Six 
years  after  he  engaged  in  mining  (1796),  he  wrote  a very  diplomatic  peti- 
tion to  the  Spanish  Governor  of  Louisiana,  Baron  de  Carondelet,  to  con- 
firm the  Indian  grant.  The  governor  referred  the  petition  to  a merchant 
and  trader  named  Andrew  Todd,  who  recommended  that  the  grant  be  con- 
firmed, with  a restriction  prohibiting  Dubuque  from  trading  with  the 
Indians,  without  first  obtaining  Todd’s  consent  in  writing.  With  this  re- 
striction the  petition  was  granted.  Dubuque,  as  was  a common  custom 
among  the  French  traders,  had  married  an  Indian  woman.  He  gave  to  the 
district  embraced  in  his  grant  the  name  of  the  Mines  of  Spain,  in  17 96,  in 
compliment  to  the  Spanish  governor.  lie  remained  engaged  in  mining, 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  March  24,  1810.  He  was  buried  on  a bluff 
near  the  present  city,  and  at  his  grave  was  placed  a cedar  cross,  hewn  square, 


142 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


and  about  twelve  feet  high.  On  the  arms  of  the  cross  there  was,  in  French, 
an  inscription,  of  which  the  following  is  a translation:  » 

JULIES  DUBUQUE, 

MINER  OF  THE  MINES  OF  SPAIN, 

DIED  MARCH  24TH,  1810, 

AGED  FORTY-FIVE  AND  A-HALF  YEARS. 

A number  of  Indians  were  afterward  buried  at  the  same  place,  and  among 
them  the  chief  Kettle  and  his  wife,  who  both  died  some  eighteen  years  after 
Dubuque.  Kettle  had  requested  his  tribe  to  bury  him  and  his  wife  in  the 
vault  with  Dubuque.  In  1828  their  bodies  were  on  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  wrapped  in  buffalo  robes,  protected  from  animals  by  closed  walls 
and  a roof.  The  cross  and  vault  of  Dubuque,  it  is  said,  were  torn  down 
about  the  year  1854,  by  some  thoughtless  boys,  or  perhaps  men.  The  vault 
was  built  of  roughly  dressed  limestone  taken  from  the  edge  of  the  bluff  only 
a few  feet  distant.  But  little  more  than  is  here  stated  is  known  of  the  first 
white  man  who  settled  on  Iowa  soil. 

At  the  death  of  Dubuque  the  Indians  claimed  that  the  right,  or  lease  of 
the  whites  to  work  the  mines  had  expired,  and  but  little  more  mining  seems 
to  have  been  done  there  until  after  the  Black  Hawk  War.  When  attempts 
were  made  to  engage  in  mining  the  military  authority  interfered  to  prevent 
intrusion  upon  the  rights  of  the  Indians.  In  1829,  James  L.  Langworthy, 
a native  of  Vermont,  who  had  been  engaged  in  lead  mining  at  Galena,  Illi- 
nois, crossed  over  the  river  for  the  purpose  of  working  the  mines  known 
then  as  the  “ Spanish  Lead  Mines.”  The  Indians  refused  to  give  him  per- 
mission, but  allowed  him  to  explore  the  country.  With  two  young  Indians 
as  guides,  he  traversed  the  region  between  Maquoketa  and  Turkey  rivers. 
When  he  returned  to  the  Sac  and  Fox  village,  he  secured  the  good  will  of 
the  Indians,  and  formed  his  plans  for  operating  the  mines.  The  next  year, 
with  his  brother,  Lucius  H.  Langworthy,  and  some  other  miners,  he  crossed 
over  the  river  and  engaged  in  mining.  In  June,  1830,  the  miners  adopted  a 
code  of  laws  or  rules,  reported  by  a committee  consisting  of  James  L.  Lang- 
worthy, H.  F.  Lander,  James  McPhetres,  Samuel  Scales  and  E.  M.  Wren. 
They  erected  an  independent  civil  government  of  their  own,  the  first  gov- 
ernment established  by  white  men  in  Iowa.  Some  time  after  this  the  War 
Department  issued  an  order  to  Col.  Zachary  Taylor,  then  in  command  of  the 
military  post  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  to  cause  the  miners  to  leave  the  west  side 
of  the  river.  Notice  was  accordingly  given  them  and  the  order  was  reluc- 
tantly obeyed,  but  not  until  a detachment  of  troops  was  sent  to  enforce  it. 
After  the  close  of  the  Black  Hawk  War,  and  the  treaty  went  into  effect  which 
allowed  settlement,  on  and  after  June  1,  1833,  the  Langworthy  brothers  and 
some  others  returned  and  resumed  their  claims,  and  soon  there  was  a con- 
siderable settlement  at  Dubuque.  The  first  school  house  in  Iowa  was 
erected  there  the  same  year,  and  before  the  close  of  the  year  there  were  five 
hundred  white  people  in  the  mining  district.  At  a meeting  of  the  settlers, 
in  1834,  the  place  was  named  Dubuque. 

Except  the  mining  settlement  at  Dubuque,  the  first  traces  of  the 
white  man  in  Iowa,  are  to  be  found  in  Lee  county.  On  the  30tli  of 
March,  1799,  Louis  Honori  Fesson  obtained  permission  of  the  Span- 
ish government  to  establish  himself  at  the  head  of  the  rapids  of  the 
river  Des  Moines  for  the  purpose  of  trading  with  the  Indians.  The 
place  was  at  this  time  occupied  by  a half-breed  Indian  named  Bed  Bird, 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


143 


but  known  among  tbe  whites  as  Thomas  Abbott.  Subsequently  the  town 
of  Montrose  was  located  on  the  ground  where  Fesson  had  his  trading  post 
and  Red  Bird  his  wick-e-up.  Settlers  of  a later  day  have  felt  much  interest 
in  the  existence  here  of  some  full  grown  apple  trees  which  must  have  been 
planted  by  some  hand  long  before  the  Black  Hawk  War.  It  has  been 
claimed  by  some  that  they  were  planted  by  Fesson  as  early  as  the  beginning 
of  the  present  century.  Hon.  D.  W.  Kilbourne,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of 
Lee  county,  claimed  that  they  were  planted  by  Red  Bird  some  time  between 
the  years  1795  and  1798.  Mr.  Kilbourne  was  personally  acquainted  with 
Red  Bird  as  well  as  with  Black  Hawk  and  other  noted  Indians  of  the  Sac 
and  Fox  tribes,  and  from  them  he  received  what  he  believed  to  be  an  authen- 
tic account  of  the  origin  of  the  “ ancient  apple  orchard  ” at  Montrose.  It 
was  the  custom  of  the  Indians  once  a year  to  visit  St.  Louis  for  the  purpose 
of  obtaining  supplies  of  blankets  and  other  articles.  The  half-breed,  Red 
Bird,  then  a young  man,  made  his  customary  pilgrimage  in  the  early  spring, 
and  on  his  return  stopped  a few  days  at  St.  Charles  on  the  Missouri  river. 
There  a white  man  made  him  a present  of  about  twenty  small  apple  trees 
and  gave  him  instructions  how  to  plant  them.  Red  Bird  carried  the  trees 
home  with  him  and  planted  them  near  his  wick-e-up,  placing  stakes  around 
them.  Hearty  all  of  them  grew  and  remained  to  excite  the  wonder  and 
curiosity  of  succeeding  generations  of  white  men. 

In  1809  a military  post  was  established  where  Ft.  Madison  is  now  located, 
but  of  course  the  country  was  not  open  to  white  settlers  until  after  the 
“ Black  Hawk  Purchase.”  In  1834  troops  were  stationed  at  the  point  where 
Montrose  is  now  located,  but  at  that  time  the  place  was  called  “Fort  I)es 
Moines.”  They  remained  until  1837,  when  they  were  removed  to  Fort 
Leavenworth.  At  first  they  were  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  S.  W. 
Kearney,  who  was  afterward  relieved  by  Col.  R.  B.  Mason.  The  command 
consisted  of  three  companies  of  the  1st  United  States  Dragoons,  Co.  C, 
Capt.  E.  V.  Sumner,  Co.  H,  Capt.  Kathan  Boone,  and  Co.  I,  Capt.  J.  B. 
Browne.  Capt.  Browne  resigned  his  position  in  the  regular  army  in  1837, 
and  remained  a citizen  of  Lee  county.  In  1838  he  was  appointed  by  Gov. 
Lucas  as  Maj.  Gen.  of  Militia.  He  was  also  elected  as  a member  of  the  first 
Territorial  Legislature  which  convened  at  Burlington,  and  had  the  honor  of 
being  the  first  President  of  the  Council  and  afterward  Speaker  of  the  House 
of  Representatives.  At  the  “ Foot  of  The  Lower  Rapids  ” there  was  a place 
which,  prior  to  1834,  was  known  as  “ Farmers’  Trading  Post.”  In  Septem- 
ber of  that  year  a meeting  of  half-breed  Indians  and  their  assigns  was  held 
in  the  old  trading  house  then  owned  by  Isaac  C.  Campbell.  The  object  of 
the  meeting  was  to  petition  Congress  for  the  passage  of  a law  granting  them 
the  privilege  to  sell  and  convey  their  respective  titles  to  what  was  then 
known  as  the  “ Half-breed  Reservation,”  according  to  the  laws  of  Missouri. 
In  attendance  at  this  meeting  were  representatives  from  Prairie  du  Chein 
and  St.  Louis.  At  this  time  there  were  about  nine  families  residing  in  the 
vicinity,  and  after  the  adjournment  of  the  meeting  the  resident  citizens  re- 
paired to  the  saloon  of  John  Gaines  to  talk  over  their  prospects  when  the 
half-breed  title  should  become  extinct.  They  looked  forward  to  the  time 
when  a city  should  grow  up  at  that  point.  John  Gaines  called  the  meeting 
to  order  and  made  a speech  in  which  he  said  the  time  had  now  come  to 
agree  upon  a name  for  the  town.  He  spoke  of  the  chief  Keokuk  as  the 
friend  of  the  white  man,  and  proposed  his  name  for  the  future  town.  The 
proposition  met  with  favor  and  the  name  was  adopted.  In  the  spring  of 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


144 

1837  the  town  was  laid  out  and  a public  sale  of  lots  took  place  in  June. 
Only  two  or  three  lots  were  sold,  although  many  attended  from  St.  Louis 
and  other  points,  in  1840  the  greater  portion  of  Keokuk  was  a dense  for- 
est, the  improvements  being  only  a few  cabins.  In  1847  a census  of  the 
place  gave  a population  of  020.  During  the  year  1832  Capt.  James  White 
made  a claim  on  the  present  site  of  Montrose,  and  in  the  same  year,  soon 
after  the  close  of  the  Black  Hawk  war,  Zachariah  Hawkins,  Benjamin  Jen- 
nings, Aaron  White,  Augustine  Horton,  Samuel  Gooch,  Daniel  Thompson 
and  Peter  Williams  made  claims  at  Ft.  Madison.  In  1833  these  claims 
were  purchased  by  John  and  Nathaniel  Knapp,  upon  which,  in  1835,  they 
laid  out  the  town.  The  next  summer  lots  were  sold.  The  lots  were  subse- 
quently re-surveyed  and  platted  by  the  United  States  Government. 

The  first  settlement  made  at  Burlington  and  in  the  vicinity,  was 
in  the  fall  of  1832.  Daniel  Tothero  came  with  his  family  and  settled 
on  the  prairie  about  three  miles  from  the  Mississippi  river.  About  the 
same  time  Samuel  White,  with  his  family,  erected  his  cabin  near  the  river 
at  what  is  known  as  the  upper  bluff,  within  the  limits  of  the  present  city 
of  Burlington.  This  was  before  the  extinction  of  the  Indian  title,  for  that 
did  not  take  place  before  June  1st,  1833,  when  the  government  acquired  the 
territory  under  what  was  known  as  the  “ Black  Hawk  Purchase.”  There 
was  then  a government  military  post  at  Bock  Island,  and  some  dragoons 
came  down  from  that  place  during  the  next  winter  and  drove  Tothero  and 
and  White  over  the  river,  burning  their  cabins.  White  remained  in  Illinois 
until  the  first  of  the  following  June,  when  the  Indians  surrendered  posses- 
sion of  the  “Black  Hawk  Purchase,”  and  on  that  very  day  was  on  the  ground 
and  built  his  second  cabin.  His  cabin  stood  on  what  is  now  Front  street, 
between  Court  and  High  streets,  in  the  city  of  Burlington.  Soon  after  Mr. 
White’s  return  his  brother-in-law,  Doolittle,  joined  him,  and  in  1834  they 
laid  out  the  original  town,  naming  it  Burlington,  for  the  town  of  that  name 
in  Yermont.  The  name  was  given  at  the  request  of  John  Gray,  a Ver- 
monter and  a friend  of  the  proprietors.  Thus  White  and  Doolittle  became 
the  Pom  ulus  and  Remus  of  one  of  the  leading  cities  of  Iowa.  During  the 
year  1833  there  was  considerable  settlement  made  in  the  vicinity,  and  soon  a 
mill  was  erected  by  Mr.  Donnell,  on  Flint  creek,  three  miles  from  Burling- 
ton. In  1837  Major  McKell  erected  a saw-mill  in  the  town.  In  June, 
1834,  Congress  passed  an  act  attaching  the  “ Black  Hawk  Purchase  ” to  the 
Territory  of  Michigan  for  temporary  government.  In  September  of  the 
same  year  the  Legislature  of  Michigan  divided  this  purchase  into  two  coun- 
ties, Des  Moines  and  Dubuque.  The  boundary  between  them  was  a line 
running  due  west  from  the  lower  end  of  Rock  Island.  They  also  organized 
a county  court  in  each  county,  and  for  Des  Moines  county  made  the  seat 
of  justice  at  Burlington.  The  first  court  was  held  in  April,  1835,  in  a log 
house.  In  1838  Iowa  was  made  a separate  Territory  and  Burlington  was 
made  the  capital  and  so  remained  until  after  the  admission  into  the  Union 
as  a State.  The  Territorial  Legislature  met  for  several  years  in  the  first 
church  erected  in  Burlington,  known  as  “ Old  Zion.”  In  this  same  building 
the  supreme  judicial  tribunal  of  the  Territory  also  held  its  sessions,  as  well 
as  the  district  court. 

The  first  white  man  to  settle  permanently  within  the  limits  of  Scott 
county,  was  Capt.  B.  W.  Clark,  a native  of  Virginia.  He  had  settled  and  made 
some  improvement  on  the  Illinois  side  of  the  Mississippi,  but  in  1833  he 
moved  across  the  river  and  made  a “claim  and  commenced  an  improvement 


BREAKING  PRAIRIE 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


145 


10 


146 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


where  the  town  of  Buffalo  was  laid  out.  His  nearest  white  neighbors  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Mississippi,  were  at  Burlington  and  Dubuque.  David  H. 
Clark,  a son  of  Capt.  Clark,  born  April  21,  1834,  was  the  first  white  child 
born  within  the  limits  of  what  is  now  Scott  county. 

Before  the  time,  June  1,  1833,  that  the  Indians  were  to  give  possession 
to  the  whites,  Geo.  L.  Davenport  had  been  permitted  to  make  a claim.  He 
had  been  a favorite  with  the  Indians  from  boyhood,  and  for  this  reason  he 
was  permitted  to  go  upon  the  lands  while  others  were  kept  off.  The  land 
upon  which  a part  of  the  city  of  Davenport  is  located,  and  adjoining  or  near 
Le  Claire’s  reserve,  was  claimed  by  R.  H.  Spencer,  and  a man  named  Mc- 
Cloud. Mr.  Le  Claire  afterward  purchased  their  claim  interest  for  $150. 

The  project  of  laying  out  a town  upon  Mr.  Le  Claire’s  claim  was  first  dis- 
cussed in  the  autumn  of  1835,  at  the  residence  of  Col.  Davenport,  on  Rock 
Island.  The  persons  interested  in  the  movement  were  Antoine  Le  Claire, 
Maj.  Thos.  Smith,  Maj.  Wm.  Gordon,  Phillip  Hambaugh,  Alexander  W. 
McGregor,  Levi  S.  Colton,  Capt.  James  May  and  Col.  Geo.  Davenport.  In 
the  spring  of  1836,  the  enterprise  was  carried  into  effect  by  the  purchase  of 
the  land  from  Mr.  Le  Claire,  and  the  laying  out  of  a town  to  which  the 
name  of  Davenport  was  given,  in  honor  of  Col.  Davenport.  The  survey 
was  made  by  Maj.  Gordon.  Some  improvement  had  been  made  upon  the 
ground  by  Mr.  Le  Claire,  as  early  as  1833,  but  none  of  a substantial  character 
until  1836. 

During  this  year  Messrs.  Le  Claire  and  Davenport  erected  a building 
which  was  opened  as  a public  house  or  tavern,  by  Edward  Powers.  During 
the  same  year  John  Litch  from  Hewburyport,  N.  II.,  opened  the  pioneer 
whisky  shop  in  a log  shanty  on  Front  street.  A ferry  across  the  Mississippi 
was  established  by  Mr.  Le  Claire,  who  was  also  the  same  year  appointed  the 
first  postmaster,  and  carried  the  mails  in  his  pocket  while  ferrying.  The 
first  white  male  child  born  in  Davenport  was  a son  of  Levi  S.  Colton,  in 
the  autumn  of  1836.  The  child  died  in  August,  1840,  at  the  Indian  village 
on  Iowa  river.  The  first  female  child  was  a daughter  of  D.  C.  Eldridge. 
Alex.  W.  McGregor,  opened  the  first  law  office  in  1836.  Rev  A.  M.  Gavit, 
a Methodist  minister,  preached  the  first  sermon  in  the  house  of  D.  C.  Eld- 
ridge. At  the  close  of  the  year  1836  there  were  some  six  or  seven  houses 
in  the  town.  The  Indians  still  lingered  about  the  place.  Col.  Davenport 
still  kept  a trading  house  open  on  Rock  Island,  and  furnished  supplies. 

When  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  removed  from  the  lands  embraced  in  the  first 
purchase  they  settled  for  a short  time  on  Iowa  river,  and  after  the  second 
purchase  removed  to  the  Des  Moines  river,  where  they  remained  until  the 
last  sale  of  their  lands  in  Iowa  when  they  were  removed  by  the  government 
to  Kansas. 

Scott  county  was  organized  and  named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Winfield  Scott  at 
the  session  of  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin  in  December,  1837.  Major 
Frayer  Wilson  was  appointed  sheriff.  The  election  for  county  commission- 
ers was  held  on  the  third  Monday  in  February,  1838,  when  the  following 
^ were  elected:  Benj.  F.  Pike,  Andrew  W.  Campbell,  and  Alfred  Carter.  On 
the  4th  of  July,  1838,  by  an  act  of  Congress,  Iowa  became  a separate  Terri- 
tory, and  Robert  Lucas,  of  Ohio,  was  appointed  the  first  Territorial  Governor. 
He  made  the  following  appointments  for  Scott  county:  Williard  Barrows, 
notary  public;  Ebenezer  Cook,  judge  of  probate;  Adrian  H.  Davenport, 
sheriff;  Isaac  A.  Hedges  and  John  Porter,  justices  of  the  peace.  D.  C. 
Eldridge  received  the  appointment  of  postmaster  at  Davenport.  The  first 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


147 


District  Court  met  in  Davenport  in  October,  1838,  Hon.  Thomas  S.  Wilson, 
of  Dubuque,  presiding. 

For  two  years  a contest  had  been  going  on  between  Davenport  and  a place 
called  Rockingham  as  to  which  should  nave  the  honor  of  the  county  seat. 
The  fourth  Monday  of  August,  1840,  was  fixed  for  holding  an  election  to 
decide  the  vexed  question.  It  resulted  favorably  to  Davenport,  the  citizens 
of  the  successful  town  building  a court  house  and  jail  free  of  expense  to  the 
county. 

On  the  7th  of  July,  1838,  Andrew  Logan,  from  Pennsylvania,  arrived 
with  a printing  press,  and  on  the  17 th  of  September  following  issued  the 
first  number  of  a paper  called  Iowa  Sun  and  Davenport  and  Dock  Island 
News,  the  first  newspaper  published  in  the  county.  On  the  26th  day  of- 
August,  1841,  the  first  number  of  the  Davenport  Weekly  Gazette  was  issued 
by  Alfred  Sanders. 

One  of  the  most  exciting  incidents  connected  with  the  early  history  of 
Davenport  and  Scott  county  was  the  murder  of  Col.  George  Davenport  on 
Rock  Island,  July  4, 1845.  The  country  on  both  sides  of  the  river  had  been 
infested  by  a lawless  band  of  freebooters,  with  their  supposed  headquarters 
at  Nauvoo.  They  had  organized  themselves  into  bands  and  engaged  in 
horse  stealing,  counterfeiting,  burglary,  robbery,  and  murder.  In  some 
places  men  in  official  positions  and  of  good  standing  in  community  were 
associated  with  them.  On  the  fatal  4th  of  July,  Col.  Davenport’s  family  was 
away  at  Stephenson  attending  a celebration  when  three  men  attacked  him  in 
his  house,  one  of  whom  shot  him  with  a pistol  through  the  thigh.  They 
then  bound  him  with  strips  of  bark  and  blindfolded  him.  They  then  made 
a search  for  the  key  of  his  safe  but  were  unable  to  find  it.  Returning  to  the 
wounded  man,  they  carried  him  up-stairs  where  the  safe  was  and  compelled 
him  to  unlock  it.  The  booty  obtained  was  about  $600  in  money,  a gold 
watch-chain  and  seals,  a double-barrelled  gun,  and  a few  articles  of  minor 
value.  Col.  Davenport  lived  long  enough  to  relate  the  incidents  of  the  rob- 
bery. For  several  weeks  no  trace  could  be  found  of  the  murderers.  Edward 
Bonney,  of  Lee  county,  Iowa,  undertook  to  ferret  out  their  place  of  conceal- 
ment. About  the  middle  of  August  he  went  to  Nauvoo  where  he  obtained 
trace  of  them  by  representing  himself  as  one  of  the  gang.  On  the  8th  of 
September  he  arrested  a man  named  Fox  at  Centerville,  Indiana,  and  com- 
mitted him  to  jail  there.  On  the  19th  he  arrested  two  others,  Birch  and 
John  Long,  at  Sandusky,  Ohio,  and  brought  them  to  Rock  Island  by  way  of 
the  lakes  and  Chicago.  These  three  men  were  known  at  the  west  as  leaders 
of  gangs  of  desperadoes,  but  operated  under  different  names.  Three  others 
were  also  arrested  as  accessories,  Richard  Baxter  and  Aaron  Long,  near 
Galena,  Illinois,  and  Granville  Young,  at  Nauvoo.  Aaron  was  a brother  of 
John  Long.  On  the  6th  of  October  all  of  them  were  indicted  by  the  grand 
jury  of  Rock  Island  county,  except  Fox,  who  had  escaped  from  jail  in  Indi- 
ana on  the  17th  of  September.  On  the  14th  of  October  the  two  Longs  were 
put  upon  trial,  found  guilty,  and  sentenced  to  be  hung  on  the  27 th  of  the 
same  month.  Birch,  the  greatest  villain,  turned  State’s  evidence.  Baxter 
was  tried  separately,  convicted  and  sentenced  to  be  hung  on  the  18th  of  No- 
vember. In  his  case  a writ  of  error  was  obtained  and  a new  trial  granted, 
when  he  was  again  found  guilty  and  sentenced  to  the  penitentiary  for  life, 
where  he  died  two  years  after.  Birch  took  a change  of  venue  to  Knox 
county,  and  while  awaiting  trial  escaped  from  jail.  Upon  the  gallows  John 
Long  confessed  all,  but  died  a hardened  wretch  without  sign  of  repentance 
or  fear  of  death. 


148 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


During  tlie  year  1834  settlements  were  made  at  various  points  besides 
those  mentioned,  in  what  are  now  the  counties  bordering  on  the  Mississippi 
river,  and  soon  other  settlements  began  to  extend  to  the  western  limit  of  the 
Black  Hawk  Purchase. 

The  first  post-office  in  Iowa  was  established  in  Dubuque  in  1833.  Milo 
H.  Prentice  was  appointed  postmaster. 

The  first  justice  of  the  peace  was  Antoine  Le  Claire,  appointed  in  1833,  as 
“ a very  suitable  person  to  adjust  the  difficulties  between  the  white  settlers 
and  the  Indians  still  remaining  there.” 

The  first  Methodist  Society  in  the  Territory  was  formed  at  Dubuque  on 
the  18th  of  May,  1834,  and  the  first  class  meeting  was  held  June  1st  of  that 
year. 

The  first  church  bell  brought  into  Iowa  was  in  March,  1834. 

The  first  mass  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  in  the  Territory  was  cele- 
brated at  Dubuque,  in  the  house  of  Patrick  Quigley,  in  the  fall  of  1833. 

The  first  school  house  in  the  Territory  was  erected  by  the  Dubuque  miners 
in  1833. 

The  first  Sabbath  school  was  organized  at  Dubuque  early  in  the  summer 
of  1834. 

The  first  woman  who  came  to  this  part  of  the  Territory  with  a view  to 
permanent  residence  was  Mrs.  Noble  F.  Dean,  in  the  fall  of  1832. 

The  first  family  that  lived  in  this  part  of  Iowa  was  that  of  Hosea  T.  Camp, 
in  1832. 

The  first  meeting-house  was  built  by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  at 
Dubuque,  in  1834. 

The  first  newspaper  in  Iowa  was  the  Dubuque  Visitor , issued  May  11th, 
1836.  John  King,  afterward  Judge  King,  was  editor,  and  William  C. 
Jones,  printer. 

By  the  year  1836  the  population  had  increased  so  that  the  people  began 
to  agitate  for  a separate  Territorial  organization.  There  were  also  several 
other  matters  in  which  they  were  deeply  interested.  In  November,  1837,  a 
convention  was  called  at  Burlington  to  take  action.  Some  account  of  this 
first  Iowa  convention,  and  the  action  taken  by  it,  will  be  of  interest  to  every 
citizen  of  the  State. 

TERRITORIAL  CONVENTION. 

On  Monday  the  6th  of  November,  1837,  a convention  of  delegates  from  the 
several  counties  in  that  portion  of  Wisconsin  Territory  west  of  the  Missis- 
sippi river,  then  sometimes  called  Western  Wisconsin,  convened  in  the  town 
of  Burlington.  Among  the  principal  purposes  for  which  this  convention 
was  called  were:  1.  To  memoralize  Congress  for  the  passage  of  an  act 
granting  the  right  of  pre-emption  to  actual  settlers  on  government  lands ; 
2.  To  memoralize  Congress  on  the  subject  of  the  attempt  then  being  made 
by  the  State  of  Missouri  to  extend  her  northern  boundary  line  so  as  to 
embrace  territory  claimed  as  being  a part  of  Wisconsin;  3.  To  memoralize 
Congress  for  the  organization  of  a separate  territorial  government  in  that 
part  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  west  of  the  Mississippi  river. 

The  following  were  the  accredited  delegates  in  the  convention  from  the 
several  counties: 

Dubuque  Coum,ty. — P.  H.  Engle,  J.  T.  Fales,  G.  W.  Harris,  W.  A.  War- 
ren, W.  B.  Watts,  A.  F.  Russell,  W.  H.  Patton,  J.  W.  Parker,  J.  D.  Bell,  and 
J.  H.  Rose. 

Des  Moines  County. — David  Rorer,  Robert  Ralston,  and  Cyrus  S.  Jacobs. 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


149 


Van  Buren  County . — Van  Caldwell,  J.  Gr.  Kenner,  and  James  Hall. 

Henry  County. — W.  H.  Wallace,  J.  D.  Payne,  and  J.  L.  Myers. 

Muscatine  County. — J.  R.  Struthers,  M.  Couch,  Eli  Reynolds,  S.  C. 
Hastings,  James  Davis,  S.  Jenner,  A.  Smith,  and  E.  K.  Fay. 

Louisa  County. — J.  M.  Clark,  Wm.  L.  Toole,  and  J.  J.  Rinearson. 

Lee  County. — Henry  Eno,  John  Claypool,  and  Hawkins  Taylor. 

The  officers  of  the  convention  were:  President,  Cyrus  S.  Jacobs;  Vice 
Presidents,  J.  M.  Clark,  and  Wm.  H.  Wallace;  Secretaries,  J.  W.  Parker, 
and  J.  R.  Struthers. 

The  following  committees  were  appointed: 

To  draft  and  report  a memorial  in  relation  to  the  right  of  pre-emption — 
Messrs.  Engle,  Kenner,  Payne,  Struthers,  Patton,  Rorer,  and  Smith. 

To  draft  and  report  a memorial  on  the  subject  of  the  boundary  line — 
Messrs.  Eno,  Claypool,  Kenner,  Ralston,  Davis,  Watts,  and  Toole. 

To  draft  and  report  a memorial  on  the  subject  of  a separate  territorial 
organization — Messrs.  Rorer,  Hastings,  Caldwell,  Myers,  Claypool,  Rinear- 
son, and  Harris. 

The  convention  continued  in  session  three  days,  and  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
last  day  all  the  committees  reported,  and  their  reports  were  unanimously 
adopted. 

MEMORIAL  ON  THE  SUBJECT  OF  PRE-EMPTIONS. 

To  the  Honorable  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  : 

A convention  of  citizens  representing  all  the  counties  in  that  part  of  Wis- 
consin Territory  lying  west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  have  assembled  at  Bur- 
lington, the  present  seat  of  government  of  said  Territory,  for  the  purpose  of 
taking  into  consideration  several  measures  immediately  affecting  their  in- 
terests and  prosperity.  Among  the  most  important  of  these  is  the  passage 
by  your  honorable  bodies,  at  the  session  about  to  be  commenced,  of  a pre- 
emption law  by  which  the  settlers  on  the  public  land  shall  have  secured  to 
them  at  the  minimum  price,  the  lands  on  which  they  live,  which  they  have 
improved  and  cultivated  without  fear  of  molestation,  or  over-bidding  on  the 
part  of  the  rich  capitalist  and  speculator.  It  is  a fact  well  known  to  your  hon- 
orable bodies,  that  none  of  the  land  in  Wisconsin,  west  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
in  what  is  called  the  “ Iowa  District,”  has  yet  been  offered  for  sale  by  the 
government.  It  is  equally  true  that  that  tract  of  country  is  now  inhabited 
by  twenty-five  thousand  souls,  comprising  a population  as  active,  intelligent, 
and  worthy  as  can  be  found  in  any  other  part  of  the  United  States.  The 
enterprise  of  these  pioneers  has  converted  what  was  but  yesterday  a solitary 
and  uncultivated  waste,  into  thriving  towns  and  villages,  alive  with  the  en- 
gagements of  trade  and  commerce,  and  rich  and  smiling  farms,  yielding 
their  bountiful  return  to  the  labors  of  the  husbandman.  This  district  has 
been  settled  and  improved  with  a rapidity  unexampled  in  the  history  of  the 
country;  emigrants  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  from  Europe, 
are  daily  adding  to  our  numbers  and  importance.  An  attempt  to  force  these 
lands  thus  occupied  and  improved  into  market,  to  be  sold  to  the  highest  bid- 
der, and  to  put  the  money  thus  extorted  from  the  hard  earnings  of  an  indus- 
trious and  laborious  people  into  the  coffers  of  the  public  treasury,  would  be 
an  act  of  injustice  to  the  settlers,  which  would  scarcely  receive  the  sanction 
of  your  honorable  bodies.  In  most  cases  the  labor  of  years  and  the  accu- 
mulated capital  of  a whole  life  has  been  expended  in  making  improvements 
on  the  public  land,  under  the  strong  and  firm  belief  that  every  safeguard 
would  be  thrown  around  them  to  prevent  their  property,  thus  dearly  earned 


150 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


by  years  of  suffering,  privation  and  toil,  from  being  unjustly  wrested  from 
their  hands.  Shall  they  be  disappointed?  Will  Congress  refuse  to  pass 
such  laws  as  may  be  necessary  to  protect  a large  class  of  our  citizens  from 
systemized  plunder  and  rapine?  The  members  comprising  this  convention, 
representing  a very  large  class  of  people,  who  delegated  them  to  speak  in 
their  stead,  do  most  confidently  express  an  opinion  that  your  honorable 
bodies  will  at  your  present  session,  pass  some  law  removing  us  from  danger, 
and  relieving  us  from  fear  on  this  subject.  The  members  of  this  conven- 
tion, for  themselves,  and  for  the  people  whose  interests  they  are  sent  here  to 
represent,  do  most  respectfully  solicit  that  your  honorable  bodies  will,  as 
speedily  as  possible,  pass  a pre-emption  law,  giving  to  every  actual  settler 
on  the  public  domain,  who  has  made  improvements  sufficient  to  evince  that 
it  is  bona  fide  his  design  to  cultivate  and  occupy  the  land,  the  right  to  enter 
at  the  minimum  government  price,  one-half  section  for  that  purpose,  before 
it  shall  be  offered  at  public  sale. 

MEMORIAL.  ON  THE  SUBJECT  OF  THE  MISSOURI  BOUNDARY  LINE. 

To  the  Honorable,  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 

States  in  Congress  assembled: 

The  Memorial  of  a Convention  of  Delegates  from  the  several  counties  in 
the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  convened  at  Bur- 
lington, in  said  Territory,  November  6,  1837,  respectfully  represent: 

That  your  memorialists  are  desirous  of  asking  the  attention  of  Congress 
to  the  adjustment  of  the  boundary  line  between  the  State  of  Missouri  and 
the  Territory  of  Western  Wisconsin.  Much  excitement  already  prevails 
among  the  inhabitants  situated  in  the  border  counties  of  the  State  and  Ter- 
ritory, and  it  is  much  to  be  feared  that,  unless  the  speedy  action  of  Congress 
should  be  had  upon  the  subject,  difficulties  of  a serious  nature  will  arise, 
militating  against  the  peace  and  harmony  which  would  otherwise  exist 
among  them.  At  the  last  session  of  the  legislature  of  Missouri,  commis- 
sioners Tvere  appointed  to  run  the  northern  boundary  line  of  the  State.  They 
have  recently  been  engaged  in  the  work,  and,  according  to  the  line  run  by 
them,  there  is  included  within  the  limits  of  the  State  of  Missouri  a consid- 
erable tract  of  country  hitherto  supposed  to  belong  to  the  Territory  of  Wis- 
consin, and  which  is  still  believed  of  right  to  belong  to  it.  The  northern 
boundary  line  of  Missouri  was  run  several  years  ago  by  commissioners  ap- 
pointed by  the  State  of  Missouri,  and  will  cross  the  Des  Moines  river  at  a 
point  about  twenty-five  miles  from  its  mouth.  This  line,  if  continued  on 
due  east,  would  strike  the  Mississippi  river  near  the  town  of  Fort  Madison, 
about  ten  miles  above  the  rapids  in  said  river,  long  since  known  as  the  Des 
Moines  rapids;  and  this  line,  so  run  by  the  commissioners,  has  always  been 
considered  as  the  boundary  line  between  the  State  and  Territory.  The  pres- 
ent commissioners,  appointed  by  the  State  of  Missouri,  giving  a different 
construction  to  the  act  defining  the  boundary  line  of  the  State,  passed  up 
the  Des  Moines  river  in  search  of  rapids,  and  have  seen  proper  to  find  them 
some  twelve  or  fourteen  miles  further  up  the  river  than  the  other  commis- 
sioners of  Missouri  formerly  did,  and,  selecting  a point  which  they  call 
the  rapids  in  the  Des  Moines  river,  have  from  thence  marked  out  a line 
which  is  now  claimed  as  the  northern  boundary  line  of  the  State.  Were 
this  line  extended  due  east,  it  would  strike  the  Mississippi  river  at  the  town 
of  Burlington,  some  thirty  miles  above  the  rapids  known,  as  stated  above,  as 
the  Des  Moines  Rapids. 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


151 


Missouri  was  created  into  an  independent  State,  and  her  boundary  line 
defined,  in  June,  1820.  At  that  time  the  country  bordering  on  the  Des 
Moines  river  was  a wilderness,  and  little  was  known,  except  from  the  Indi- 
ans who  lived  on  its  banks,  of  its  geographical  situation.  There  was  at  that 
time  no  point  on  the  river  known  as  the  Des  Moines  rapids,  and  at  the 
present  time  between  the  mouth  of  the  river  and  the  Raccoon  forks,  a dis- 
tance of  two  hundred  miles,  fifty  places  can  with  as  much  propriety  be  desig- 
nated as  the  one  selected  by  the  commissioners  of  the  State  of  Missouri. 

Your  memorialists  conceive  that  no  action  of  the  State  of  Missouri  can, 
or  ought  to,  affect  the  integrity  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin;  and  standing 
in  the  attitude  they  do,  they  must  look  to  the  general  government  to  protect 
their  rights  and  redress  their  wrongs,  which,  for  so  long  a period  of  time, 
existed  between  the  Territory  of  Michigan  and  the  State  of  Ohio  relative  to 
their  boundaries,  will,  it  is  hoped,  prompt  the  speedy  action  of  Congress  on 
this  existing  subject.  Confidently  relying  upon  the  wisdom  of  the  general 
government,  and  its  willingness  to  take  such  means  as  will  settle  this  ques- 
tion, the  people  of  Wisconsin  will  peaceably  submit  to  an  extension  of  the 
northern  boundary  line  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  if  so  be  that  Congress 
shall  ordain  it;  but  until  such  action,  they  will  resist  to  the  utmost  extrem- 
ity any  attempt  made  by  the  State  of  Missouri  to  extend  her  jurisdiction 
over  any  disputed  territory. 

We,  therefore,  pray  that  Congress  will  appoint  commissioners,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  run  the  line  between  the  State  of  Missouri  and  the  Territory 
of  Wisconsin  according  to  the  spirit  and  intention  of  the  act  defining  the 
boundary  lines  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  and  to  adopt  such  other  measures 
as  in  their  wisdom  they  shall  deem  fit  and  proper. 

MEMORIAL  PRAYING  FOR  A DIVISION  OF  THE  TERRITORY. 

To  the  Honorable , the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 

States  in  Congress  assembled: 

The  memorial  of  a general  convention  of  delegates,  from  the  respective 
counties  in  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  con- 
vened at  the  capitol  at  Burlington,  in  said  Territory,  November  6,  1837, 
respectfully  represents : 

That  the  citizens  of  that  part  of  the  Territory  west  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
taking  into  consideration  their  remote  and  isolated  position,  and  the  vast 
extent  of  country  included  within  the  limits  of  the  present  Territory,  and 
the  utter  impracticability  of  the  same  being  governed  as  an  entire  whole,  by 
the  wisest  and  best  administration  of  our  municipal  affairs,  in  such  manner 
as  to  fully  secure  individual  right  and  the  right  of  property,  as  well  as  to 
maintain  domestic  tranquility,  and  the  good  order  of  society,  have  by  their 
respective  representatives,  convened  in  general  convention  as  aforesaid,  for 
availing  themselves  of  their  right  of  petition  as  free  citizens,  by  representing 
their  situation  and  wishes  to  your  honorable  body,  and  asking  for  the  organ- 
ization of  a separate  Territorial  government  over  that  part  of  the  Territory 
west  of  the  Mississippi  river. 

Without  in  the  least  designing  to  question  the  official  conduct  of  those  in 
whose  hands  the  fate  of  our  infant  Territory  has  been  confided,  and  in  whose 
patriotism  and  wisdom  we  have  the  utmost  confidence,  your  memorialists 
cannot  refrain  from  the  frank  expression  of  their  belief  that,  taking  into 
consideration  the  geographical  extent  of  her  country,  in  connection  with  the 
probable  population  of  Western  Wisconsin,  perhaps  no  Territory  of  the 


152 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


United  States  has  been  so  much  neglected  by  the  parent  government,  so  illy 
protected  in  the  political  and  individual  rights  of  her  citizens. 

Western  Wisconsin  came  into  the  possession  of  our  government  in  June, 
1833.  Settlements  were  made,  and  crops  grown,  during  the  same  season; 
and  even  then,  at  that  early  day,  was  the  impulse  given  to  the  mighty  throng 
of  emigration  that  has  subsequently  filled  our  lovely  and  desirable  country 
with  people,  intelligence,  wealth  and  enterprise.  From  that  period  until  the 
present,  being  a little  over  four  years,  what  has  been  the  Territory  of  West- 
ern Wisconsin?  Literally  and  practically  a large  portion  of  the  time  with- 
out a government.  With  a population  of  thousands,  she  has  remained 
ungoverned,  and  has  been  quietly  left  by  the  parent  government  to  take  care 
of  herself,  without  the  privilege  on  the  one  hand  to  provide  a government  ot 
her  own,  and  without  any  existing  authority  on  the  other  to  govern  her. 

From  June,  1833,  until  June,  1834,  a period  of  one  year,  there  was  not 
even  the  shadow  of  government  or  law  in  all  Western  Wisconsin.  In  June, 
1334,  Congress  attached  her  to  the  then  existing  Territory  of  Michigan,  of 
which  Territory  she  nominally  continued  a part,  until  July,  1836,  a period 
of  little  more  than  two  years.  During  the  whole  of  this  time,  the  whole 
country  west,  sufficient  of  itself  for  a respectable  State,  was  included  in  two 
counties,  Dubuque  and  Des  Moines.  In  each  of  these  two  counties  there 
were  holden,  during  the  said  term  of  two  years,  two  terms  of  a county  court 
(a  court  of  inferior  jurisdiction),  as  the  only  sources  of  judicial  relief  up  to 
the  passage  of  the  act  of  Congress  creating  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin.  That 
act  took  effect  on  the  third  day  of  July,  1836,  and  the  first  judicial  relief 
afforded  under  that  act,  was  at  the  April  term  following,  1837,  a period  of 
nine  months  after  its  passage;  subsequently  to  which  time  there  has  been  a 
court  holden  in  one  solitary  county  in  Western  Wisconsin  only.  This,  your 
memorialists  are  aware,  has  recently  been  owing  to  the  unfortunate  disposi- 
tion of  the  esteemed  and  meritorious  judge  of  our  district;  but  they  are 
equally  aware  of  the  fact,  that  had  Western  Wisconsin  existed  under  a sep- 
arate organization,  we  should  have  found  relief  in  the  services  of  other  mem- 
bers of  the  judiciary,  who  are  at  present,  in  consequence  of  the  great  extent 
of  our  Territory,  and  the  small  number  of  judges  dispersed  at  two  great  a 
distance,  and  too  constantly  engaged  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  their 
own  district,  to  be  enabled  to  afford  relief  to  other  portions  of  the  Territory. 
Thus,  with  a population  of  not  less  than  twenty- five  thousand  now,  and  of 
near  half  that  number  at  the  organization  of  the  Terri  to  r}T,  it  will  appear 
that  we  have  existed  as  a portion  of  an  organized  Territory,  for  sixteen 
months,  with  but  one  term  of  courts  only. 

Your  memorialists  look  upon  those  evils  as  growing  exclusively  out  of  the 
immense  extent  of  country  included  within  the  present  boundaries  of  the 
Territory,  and  express  their  conviction  and  belief,  that  nothing  would  so 
effectually  remedy  the  evil  as  the  organization  of  Western  Wisconsin  into  a 
separate  territorial  government.  To  this  your  memorialists  conceive  them- 
selves entitled  by  principles  of  moral  right — by  the  same  obligation  that 
rests  upon  their  present  government,  to  protect  them  in  the  free  enjoyment 
of  their  rights,  until  such  time  as  they  shall  be  permitted  to  provide  protec- 
tion for  themselves;  as  well  as  from  the  uniform  practice  and  policy  of  the 
government  in  relation  to  other  Territories. 

The  Territory  of  Indiana,  including  the  present  States  of  Indiana,  Illinois, 
and  Michigan,  and  also  much  of  the  eastern  portion  of  the  present  Territory 
of  Wisconsin,  was  placed  under  one  separate  territorial  government  in  the  year 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


153 


1800,  at  a time  that  the  population  amounted  to  only  live  thousand  six  hun- 
dred and  forty,  or  thereabouts. 

The  Territory  of  Arkansas  was  erected  into  a distinct  Territory,  in  1820, 
with  a population  of  about  fourteen  thousand.  The  Territory  of  Illinois  was 
established  in  1809,  being  formed  by  dividing  the  Indiana  Territory.  The 
exact  population  of  Illinois  Territory,  at  the  time  of  her  separation  from  In- 
diana, is  not  known  to  your  memorialists,  but  her  population  in  1812,  one 
year  subsequent  to  that  event,  amounted  to  but  eleven  thousand  five  hun- 
dred and  one  whites,  and  a few  blacks — in  all,  to  less  than  twelve  thousand 
inhabitants. 

The  Territory  of  Michigan  was  formed  in  1805,  by  again  dividing  the 
Indiana  Territory,  of  which,  until  then,  she  composed  a part.  The  popula- 
tion of  Michigan,  at  the  time  of  her  separation  from  Indiana,  your  memo- 
rialists have  been  unable  to  ascertain,  but  in  1810,  a period  of  five  years  sub- 
sequent to  her  separate  organization,  her  population  amounted  to  but  about 
four  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty;  and  in  the  year  1820,  to  less  than 
nine  thousand — so  that  Michigan  existed  some  fifteen  years,  as  a distinct 
Territory,  with  a population  of  less  than  half  of  Western  Wisconsin  at  pres- 
ent; and  each  oi  the  above  named  Territories,  now  composing  so  many 
proud  and  flourishing  States,  were  created  into  separate  territorial  govern- 
ments, with  a much  less  population  than  that  of  Western  Wisconsin,  and 
that  too  at  a time  when  the  parent  government  was  burdened  with  a 
national  debt  of  millions.  Your  memorialists  therefore  pray  for  the  organ- 
ization of  a separate  territorial  government  over  that  part  of  the  Territory  of 
Wisconsin  west  of  the  Mississippi  river. 

TERRITORY  OF  IOWA. 

Territorial  Organization — Members  of  First  Legislative  Assembly — Its  Presiding  Officers — 

Important  Acts — The  Great  Seal  of  the  Territory — Provision  for  Locating  Seat  of  Gov- 
ernment— Some  Prominent  Members — The  Boundary  Dispute — Its  Settement — Delegate 

to  Congress — Territorial  Governors — Death  of  Win.  B.  Conway — Various  Incorporations. 

Congress  considered  the  prayer  of  the  memorial  favorably,  and  “ An  Act 
to  divide  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  and  to  establish  the  Territorial  govern- 
ment of  Iowa,”  was  approved  June  12,  1838,  to  take  effect  and  be  in  force 
on  and  after  July  3,  1838.  The  new  Territory  embraced  “all  that  part  of 
the  present  Territory  of  Wisconsin  which  lies  west  of  the  Mississippi  River, 
and  west  of  a line  drawn  due  north  from  the  head  water  or  sources  of  the 
Mississippi  to  the  territorial  line.”  The  organic  act  provided  for  a Governor 
whose  term  of  office  should  be  three  years,  and  for  a Secretary,  Chief  Jus- 
tice, two  Associate  Justices,  and  Attorney  and  Marshal,  who  should  serve 
four  years,  to  be  appointed  by  the  President,  by  and  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  Senate.  The  act  also  provided  for  the  election,  by  the  white 
male  inhabitants,  citizens  of  the  United  States,  over  twenty-one  years  of 
age,  of  a House  of  Representatives,  consisting  of  twenty-six  members,  and 
a Council,  to  consist  of  thirteen  members.  It  also  appropriated  $5,000  for  a 
public  library,  and  $20,000  for  the  erection  of  public  buildings.  President 
Van  Buren  appointed  Ex-Governor  Robert  Lucas,  of  Ohio,  to  be  the  first 
Governor  of  the  new  Territory.  William  B.  Conway,  of  Pittsburg,  was 
appointed  Secretary  of  the  Territory;  Charles  Mason,  of  Burlington,  Chief 
Justice;  and  Thomas  S.  Wilson,  of  Dubuque,  and  Joseph  Williams,  of 
Pennsylvania,  Associate  Judges  of  the  Supreme  and  District  Courts;  Mr. 
Van  Allen,  of  Hew  York,  Attorney;  Francis  Gehon,  of  Dubuque,  Marshal; 


154 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


Augustus  C.  Dodge,  Register  of  the  Land  Office  at  Burlington,  and  Thom- 
as McKnight,  Receiver  of  the  Land  Office  at  Dubuque.  Mr.  Van  Al- 
len, the  District  Attorney,  died  at  Rockingham,  soon  after  his  appointment, 
and  Col.  Charles  Weston  was  appointed  to  fill  his  vacancy.  Mr.  Conway, 
the  Secretary,  also  died  at  Burlington,  during  the  second  session  of  the 
Legislature,  and  James  Clarke,  editor  of  the  Gazette , was  appointed  to  suc- 
ceed him.  Immediately  after  his  arrival,  Governor  Lucas  issued  a procla- 
mation for  the  election  of  members  of  the  first  Territorial  Legislature,  to  be 
held  on  the  10th  of  September,  dividing  the  Territory  into  election  districts 
for  that  purpose,  and  appointing  the  12th  day  of  November  for  the  meeting 
of  the  Legislature  to  be  elected,  at  Burlington. 

The  following  were  the  names,  county  of  residence,  nativity,  age,  and 
occupation,  of  the  members  of  that  first  Territorial  Legislature: 

COUNCIL. 


NAME. 

COUNTY. 

NATIVITY. 

AGE. 

OCCUPATION. 

E A M Swarzy 

Van  Buren. 

4 4 4 4 

Vermont. 

28 

Farmer. 

J Kieth 

Virginia. 

Penn. 

52 

Gunsmith. 

A Ingram 

Des  Moines. 

60 

Farmer. 

Robert  Ralston 

<<  << 

Ohio. 

31 

Merchant. 

Merchant. 

C Whittlesey 

Cedar. 

New  York. 

31 

Gcnrgp  U^pn^T 

Des  Moines. 

Kentucky. 

Kentucky. 

Tennessee. 

33 

Farmer. 

Jpiapp  p RmyPTI^ 

Lee. 

40 

Formerly  in  U.S.  A 

Physician. 

Merchant. 

Jesse  D Payne 

Henry. 

44 

35 

L B Hughes 

Virginia. 

Vermont. 

34 

J W Parker 

Scott. 

28 

26 

Lawyer. 

Lawyer. 

Stephen  Hempstead 

Dubuque. 

44 

Conn. 

Warnpv  TiPwifl. 

Virginia. 
New  York. 

32 

J M Clark 

Louisa. 

25 

Farmer. 

HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 


NAME. 

COUNTY. 

NATIVITY. 

AGE. 

OCCUPATION. 

Wm.  H.  Wallace 

Henry. 

Ohio. 

27 

Farmer. 

Wm.  0.  Coop 

Virginia. 

Kentucky. 

Kentucky. 

Penn. 

33 

Farmer. 

A.  B.  Porter 

4 4 

30 

Farmer. 

Laurel  Summers 

Scott. 

24 

Farmer 

Jabez  Burchard 

34 

Farmer 

James  Brierly 

Lee. 

Ohio. 

29 

Farmer. 

Wm.  Patterson 

Virginia. 

Kentucky. 

Illinois. 

37 

Farmer. 

H.  Taylor 

44 

27 

Farmer. 

Harden  Nowlin 

Dubuque. 

34 

Farmer. 

Andrew  Bankston 

N.  C. 

51 

Farmer. 

Thomas  Cox  . . * 

u 

Kentucky. 
New  York 

51 

Farmer. 

0.  Swan 

<< 

39 

Miner. 

C.  J.  Price 

Lee. 

N.  C. 

37 

Farmer. 

Lawyer. 

Farmer. 

J.  W.  Grimes . . 

Des  Moines. 
<« 

N.  H. 

22 

George  Temple 

N.  H 

34 

George  H.  Beeler 

<( 

Virginia. 

Virginia. 

Kentucky. 

Maryland. 

Virginia. 

Kentucky. 

Penn. 

39 

Merchant. 

Farmer. 

Farmer. 

V.  B.  Del a,shm nti, 

u 

37 

Thomas  Blair 

4 4 

49 

Jam^s  Hall , 

Van  Buren. 

27 

34 

Samuel  Parker 

Farmer. 

Physician. 

Farmer. 

Farmer. 

Farmer. 

Surveyor. 

Lawyer. 

G S-  Bailey 

44 

27 

Levi  Thornton 

Louisa. 

44 

42 

Wm  L.  Toole 

Virginia. 

Penn. 

35 

Robert  G.  Roberts 

Cedar. 

Muscatine. 

42 

John  Frierson 

Ohio. 

34 

S.  C.  Hastings 

New  York. 

25 

HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


155 


Jesse  B.  Browne,  of  Lee  county,  was  elected  president  of  the  council.  He 
had  been  an  officer  in  the  regular  array,  was  a gentleman  of  dignified 
appearance  and  commanding  stature,  being  six  feet  and  seven  inches  in 
height.  "William  H.  Wallace,  of  Henry  county,  was  elected  speaker  of  the 
House.  Some  years  after  he  held  the  position  of  receiver  at  the  United 
States  land  office  located  at  Fairfield.  He  subsequently  removed  to  Wash- 
ington Territory,  and  at  one  time  served  as  a delegate  in  Congress  from 
that  Territory. 

Among  the  acts  passed  were  those  for  organizing  the  counties  of  Linn, 
Jefferson  and  Jones;  for  changing  the  name  of  Slaughter  county  to  Wash- 
ington ; providing  for  the  election  in  each  county  of  a board  of  commission- 
ers, to  consist  of  three  persons,  to  attend  to  all  county  business,  and  acts 
providing  for  the  location  of  the  capital  and  the  penitentiary.  The  Terri- 
tory was  divided  into  three  judicial  districts,  in  each  county  of  which  court 
was  to  be  held  twice  a year.  The  counties  of  Lee,  Yan  Buren,  Henry  and 
Des  Moines  constituted  the  first  district,  to  which  Charles  Mason,  of  Bur- 
lington, was  assigned  as  judge.  The  counties  of  Louisa,  Washington,  John- 
son, Cedar  and  Muscatine  constituted  the  second  district,  with  Joseph 
Williams,  of  Muscatine,  as  judge.  The  counties  of  Jackson,  Dubuque, 
Scott  and  Clayton  constituted  the  third  district,  with  Thomas  S.  Wilson,  of 
Dubuque,  as  judge. 

Among  the  proceedings  was  the  passage  of  a resolution  by  the  council, 
instructing  Wm.  B.  Conway,  the  secretary  of  the  Territory,  to  procure 
a seal.  In  compliance  with  this  instruction,  on  the  23d  of  November, 
Mr.  Conway  submitted  to  the  inspection  of  the  council  what  became  the 
“ great  seal  of  the  Territory  of  Iowa.”  The  design  was  that  of  an  eagle 
bearing  in  its  beak  an  Indian  arrow,  and  clutching  in  its  talons  an  unstrung 
bow.  The  seal  was  one  inch  and  five-eighths  in  diameter,  and  was  engraved 
by  William  Wagner,  of  York,  Pennsylvania.  The  council  passed  a resolu- 
tion adopting  the  seal  submitted  by  the  secretary,  but  it  does  not  appear 
that  it  was  adopted  by  the  other  branch  of  the  legislature.  In  his  communi- 
cation to  the  council  presenting  the  seal,  Mr.  Conway  calls  it  the  “ great 
seal  of  the  Territory  of  Iowa,”  but  the  word  “great”  did  not  appear  upon 
it.  This  old  territorial  seal  appears  to  have  been  lost  in  the  removal  from 
Iowa  City  to  Des  Moines. 

Under  the  act  passed  for  the  location  of  the  capital,  Chauncey  Swan,  of 
Dubuque  county,  John  Donalds,  of  Louisa  county,  and  Robert  Ralston,  of 
Des  Moines  county,  were  appointed  commissioners,  and  were  required  to 
meet  at  the  town  of  Napoleon,  in  Johnson  county,  on  the  first  Monday  of 
May,  1839,  and  proceed  to  locate  the  seat  of  government  at  the  most  suit- 
able point  in  that  county.  They  proceeded  at  that  time  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  their  trust,  and  procured  the  title  to  six  hundred  and  forty  acres.  They 
had  it  surveyed  into  lots,  and  agreed  upon  a plan  for  a capitol,  selecting  one 
of  their  number,  Chauncey  Swan,  to  superintend  the  work  of  erecting  the 
building.  The  site  selected  was  about  two  miles  northwest  of  what  was 
then  the  town  of  Napoleon,  a place  which  now  is  not  known  as  a town. 
The  new  town  was  named  Iowa  City,  and  the  first  sale  of  lots  took  place 
August  16,  1839.  In  November,  1839,  the  second  Territorial  Legislature 
assembled  in  Burlington,  and  passed  an  act  requiring  the  commissioners  to 
adopt  a plan  for  a building,  not  to  exceed  in  cost  $51,000.  On  the  4th  day 
of  July,  1840,  the  corner  stone  was  laid  with  appropriate  ceremonies,  Sam- 


156 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


uel  C.  Trowbridge  acting  as  marshal  of  the  day,  and  Governor  Robert  Lucas 
as  orator. 

This  first  legislative  body  which  enacted  laws  for  the  government  of  the 
new  Territory  of  Iowa  held  its  sessions  in  the  then  unfinished  Methodist 
church  in  Burlington,  the  lower  story  or  basement  being  built  of  stone,  and 
the  upper  story  of  brick.  It  was  known  in  later  years  as  “ Old  Zion.”  Of 
the  members  of  that  legislature  several  afterward  held  prominent  official 
positions  in  the  State.  Two  of  them,  Stephen  Hempstead,  of  Dubuque, 
and  James  W.  Grimes,  of  Burlington,  held  the  office  of  Governor.  The 
latter  also  became  prominent  in  the  United  States  Senate,  and  in  the 
National  Cabinet. 

William  G.  Coop  continued  to  be  returned  as  a member  of  one  or  the  other 
branch  of  almost  every  General  Assembly,  up  to  the  change  of  parties  in 
the  election  of  James  W.  Grimes,  as  Governor.  Ilis  later  legislative  career 
was  as  a member  of  the  State  Senate  from  J efferson  county.  He  was  the 
Democratic  candidate  in  that  county  against  James  F.  Wilson  in  1856,  for 
member  of  the  constitutional  convention,  but  was  defeated  by  the  latter.  He 
was  a man  of  strong  party  attachments,  being  a Democrat  in  the  strictest 
sense,  but  was  faithful  to  his  constituents,  and  honest  in  his  discharge  of  duty. 
We  recognize  other  names  that  were  familiar  in  the  subsequent  history  of  the 
Territory  or  State,  and  among  them,  the  following:  Asbury  B.  Porter,  who 
became  the  first  colonel  of  the  Fourth  Iowa  Cavalry  during  the  Rebellion; 
Hawkins  Taylor,  of  Lee  county,  who,  during  later  years,  has  resided  most 
of  the  time  in  Washington  City;  Warner  Lewis,  of  Dubuque,  who  afterward 
held  the  position  of  Surveyor  General  for  Iowa  and  Wisconsin;  William  L. 
Toole,  of  Louisa  county,  after  whom  the  town  of  Toolesboro  in  that  county 
was  named ; Laurel  Summers,  of  Scott  county,  and  others.  In  the  organi- 
zation of  this  first  Territorial  Legislature  party  ties  do  not  seem  to  have 
been  very  strictly  drawn,  for  General  Browne,  who  was  chosen  president  of 
the  council  without  opposition,  and  Colonel  Wallace,  who  was  elected 
speaker  of  the  house,  with  but  little  opposition,  were  both  Whigs,  while 
both  branches  of  the  legislature  were  largely  Democratic.  Party  lines  were 
not  tightly  drawn  until  the  campaign  of  1840,  when  the  young  Territory 
caught  the  enthusiasm  which  characterized  that  contest  throughout  the 
country. 

THE  BOUNDARY  DISPUTE. 

One  of  the  exciting  questions  with  which  the  Territory  of  Iowa  had  to  deal 
was  that  in  relation  to  the  southern  boundary.  The  constitution  of  Missouri 
in  defining  the  boundaries  of  that  State  had  defined  her  northern  boundary  to 
be  the  parallel  of  latitude  which  passes  through  the  rapids  of  the  Des  Moines 
river.  In  the  Mississippi  river,  a little  above  the  mouth  of  the  Des  Moines 
river,  are  the  rapids,  which  had  been  known  as  the  Des  Moines  Rapids,  or  the 
Rapids  of  the  Des  Moines  river.  Just  below  the  town  of  Keosauqua,  in  Yan 
Buren  county,  there  are  rapids  (though  very  slight  and  inconsiderable)  also 
in  the  Des  Moines  river.  The  Missouri  authorities  claimed  that  the  latter 
rapids  were  referred  to  in  the  definition  of  her  boundary,  and  insisted  on  ex- 
ercising jurisdiction  over  a strip  of  territory  some  eight  miles  in  width  which 
Iowa  claimed  as  being  a part  of  her  territory.  At  the  first  court  held  in  Far- 
mington, Van  Buren  county,  in  April,  1837,  by  David  Irwin,  Judge  of  the 
Second  Judicial  District  of  Wisconsin,  an  indictment  was  found  against  one 
David  Doose  for  exercising  the  office  of  constable  in  Yan  Buren  county 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


157 


under  authority  of  the  State  of  Missouri.  This,  and  other  similar  acts 
by  Missouri  officials,  were  the  origin  of  the  despute  which  resulted  in  demon- 
strations of  hostilities,  and  very  nearly  precipitated  a border  war.  Governor 
Boggs,  of  Missouri,  called  out  the  militia  of  that  State  to  enforce  its  claims, 
and  Governor  Lucas,  of  Iowa,  called  out  the  militia  of  the  Territory  to  main- 
tain its  rights.  About  1200  men  were  enlisted  and  armed.  There  was  no 
difficulty  in  raising  volunteers,  for  the  war  spirit  ran  high.  At  this  stage, 
however,  it  was  considered  best  to  send  peace  commissioners  to  Missouri 
with  a view  of  adjusting  the  difficulties.  Gen.  A.  C.  Dodge,  of  Burlington; 
Gen.  Churchman,  of  Dubuque,  and  Dr.  Clark,  of  Fort  Madison,  were  ap- 
pointed and  proceeded  to  discharge  the  duties  of  their  mission.  When  they 
arrived  they  found  that  the  county  commissioners  of  Clarke  county,  Mis- 
souri, had  rescinded  their  order  for  the  collection  of  taxes  in  Iowa,  and  the 
Governor  of  Missouri  had  sent  messengers  to  Governor  Lucas  with  a propo- 
sition to  submit  an  agreed  case  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 
This  proposition  was  declined,  but  afterward  both  Iowa  and  Missouri 
petitioned  Congress  to  authorize  a suit  to  settle  the  question.  This  was 
done,  and  the  decision  was  adverse  to  the  claims  of  Missouri.  Under  an 
order  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  William  G.  Miner,  of 
Missouri,  and  Llenry  B.  Hendershott,  of  Iowa,  acted  as  commissioners  to  sur- 
vey and  establish  the  boundary  line.  They  discharged  the  duties  assigned 
them,  and  peace  was  restored. 

In  September,  1838,  the  election  was  held  for  delegate  to  Congress. 
There  were  four  candidates  in  the  field,  to-wit:  William  W.  Chapman 
and  David  Borer,  of  Des  Moines  county;  B.  F.  Wallace,  of  Henry  county, 
and  Peter  H.  Engle,  of  Dubuque  county.  W illiam  W.  Chapman  was  elected 
by  a majority  of  thirty-six  votes  over  P.  H.  Engle.  During  the  time  that 
Iowa  remained  a separate  Territory,  from  1838  to  1816,  the  office  of  Gov- 
ernor was  held  successively  by  Bobert  Lucas,  John  Chambers,  and  James 
Clarke.  Bobert  Lucas  had  been  one  of  the  early  Governors  of  Ohio,  and 
was  appointed  the  first  Governor  of  the  Territory  of  Iowa  by  President  Yan 
Buren.  John  Chambers  had  been  a Bepresentative  in  Congress  from  Ken- 
tucky, and  a warm  supporter  of  Gen.  Wm.  H.  Harrison  for  President  in 
1810.  After  the  change  of  the  National  administration  he  was  appointed  to 
succeed  Governor  Lucas.  James  Clarke  had  been  the  editor  of  the  Gazette 
at  Burlington,  but  at  the  death  of  Wm.  B.  Conway,  Secretary  of  the  Terri- 
tory, which  occurred  at  Burlington,  November  6,  1839,  Mr.  Clarke  was  ap- 
pointed his  successor,  and  afterward  succeeded  John  Chambers  as  the  last 
Territorial  Governor. 

The  death  of  Wm.  B.  Conway,  Secretary  of  the  Territory,  was  an  event 
which  cast  a gloom  over  the  Territory.  Prior  to  his  appointment  by  Presi- 
dent Yan  Buren  he  had  been  a resident  of  Pittsburg,  Penn.  His  remains 
were  taken  to  Davenport  for  interment,  and  on  the  9th  of  November  a pub- 
lic meeting  of  the  citizens  of  that  place  passed  resolutions  expressing  the 
highest  esteem  both  for  his  character  as  a citizen  and  as  an  officer  of  the 
Territory.  His  remains  were  taken  to  St.  Anthony’s  Church  where  the 
solemn  services  for  the  dead  were  performed  by  Bev.  Father  Pelamorgues. 
On  the  11th  a meeting  of  the  members  of  the  bar  of  the  Territory  was  held 
at  Burlington,  in  which  his  associates  in  the  profession  also  passed  resolutions 
of  respect  for  the  deceased.  Of  this  meeting  Charles  Mason  was  chairman, 
and  David  Borer  was  appointed  to  present  the  resolutions  to  the  Supreme 


158 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


Court  of  the  Territory,  for  the  purpose  of  having  them  entered  on  the  record 
of  the  court.  The  deceased  left  a wife  and  one  child. 

The  first  Territorial  Legislature  provided  by  law  that  “ no  action  commenced 
by  a single  woman,  who  intermarries  during  the  pending  thereof,  shall  abate 
on  account  of  such  marriage;  secured  religious  toleration  to  all;  vested  the 
judiciary  power  in  a Supreme  Court,  District  Court,  Probate  Court,  and 
Justices  of  the  Peace;  made  real  estate  divisible  by  will,  and  intestate  prop- 
erty to  be  divided  equitably  among  heirs;  made  murder  punishable  by  death, 
and  provided  proportionate  penalties  for  other  crimes;  established  a system 
of  free  schools,  open  to  all  classes  of  white  children;  provided  for  a system 
of  roads  and  highways;  enacted  a law  to  prevent  and  punish  gambling,  and 
in  fact  enacted  a pretty  complete  code  of  laws,  many  of  which  still  remain  in 
force. 

Among  the  various  institutions  and  associations  incorporated  were  the  fol- 
lowing: The  Wapello  Seminary,  in  Louisa  county;  the  Bloomington  and 
Cedar  Piver  Canal  Company;  the  Des  Moines  Mill  Company,  in  Yan  Buren 
county;  the  Burlington  Steam  Mill  Company;  seminaries  of  learning  in  Fort 
Madison,  West  Point,  Burlington,  Augusta,  Farmington,  Bentonsport, 
Bockingham,  Keosauqua,  Dubuque,  and  Davenport;  the  Burlington  and 
Iowa  Piver  Turnpike  Company;  the  Burlington  and  Des  Moines  Transpor- 
tation Company;  the  Keosauqua  Lyceum,  and  the  Iowa  Mutual  Fire  Insur- 
ance Company  at  Burlington. 

STATE  ORGANIZATION. 

First  Constitution — Proposed  Boundaries — Changed  by  Congress — Rejection  of  Constitution 
by  the  People — Congress  Repeals  its  former  Provision  as  to  Boundaries  and  Fixes  the 
Present  Limits — The  Second  Constitution — Its  Adoption  by  the  People — Election  of  State 
Offiers — First  General  Assembly — Seat  of  Government — Monroe  City — Fort  Des  Moines — 
Final  Permanent  Location — Removal — Third  Constitutional  Convention — New  Capitol — 
Case  of  Attempted  Bribery  in  First  General  Assembly. 

By  the  year  1844  the  population  of  the  Territory  had  reached  75,152,  and 
the  people  began  to  desire  a State  organization.  In  October  of  that  year  a 
constitutional  convention  was  held  at  Iowa  City,  which  formed  a constitution 
defining  the  boundaries  of  the  State  as  follows: 

“Beginning  in  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Des  Moines  river;  thence  up  the  said  river  Des 
Moines  in  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  thereof,  to  a point  where  it  is  in- 
tersected by  the  Old  Indian  Boundary  Line,  or  line  run  by  John  C.  Sullivan 
in  the  year  1816;  thence  westwardly  along  said  line  to  the  ‘ Old  northwest 
corner  of  Missouri ’ ; thence  due  west  to  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of 
the  Missouri  river;  thence  up  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  river 
last  mentioned  to  the  mouth  of  the  Sioux  or  Calumet  river;  thence  in  a 
direct  line  to  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  St.  Peter’s  river,  where 
the  Watonwan  river  (according  to  Nicollet’s  map)  enters  the  same;  thence 
down  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  said  river  to  the  middle  of  the  main 
channel  of  the  Mississippi  river;  thence  down  the  middle  of  the  main  chan- 
nel of  said  river  to  the  place  of  beginning.” 

On  the  3d  of  March,  1845,  Congress  passed  an  act  providing  for  the  admis- 
sion of  the  State  into  the  Union,  but  with  boundaries  different  from  those 
defined  in  the  proposed  constitution.  By  this  act  the  State  was  to  extend 
north  to  the  parallel  passing  through  Mankato,  or  Blue  Earth  river,  in  the 


* HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


159 


present  State  of  Minnesota,  and  west  to  the  meridian  of  17  deg.  30  min.  west 
from  Washington.  These  boundaries  would  have  deprived  the  State  of  the 
Missouri  Slope  and  of  one  of  the  grand  rivers  by  which  it  is  now  bounded, 
while  in  shape  it  would  have  been  long  and  comparatively  narrow.  As  a 
result,  at  an  election  held  August  4, 1845,  the  people  of  the  Territory  rejected 
the  constitution  with  the  change  of  boundaries  as  proposed  by  Congress. 
The  vote  stood  7,235  for,  and  7,656  against  it,  being  a majority  of  421  against 
the  adoption.  On  the  4th  of  August,  1846,  Congress  passed  an  act  repealing 
so  much  of  the  act  of  March,  3, 1845,  as  related  to  the  boundaries  of  Iowa,  and 
fixing  the  boundaries  as  now  defined.  On  the  4th  of  May  of  that  year  a sec- 
ond constitutional  convention  had  convened  at  Iowa  City,  and  after  a session 
of  fifteen  days  formed  the  constitution  which  was  sanctioned  by  the  people 
at  an  election  held  August  3,  1846.  The  popular  vote  stood  9,492  for,  and 
9,036  against  the  constitution  at  this  election,  being  a majority  of  456  in  favor 
of  it.  A copy  of  this  constitution  was  presented  in  Congress,  and  on  the 
28th  of  December,  1846,  an  act  was  passed  and  approved  for  the  admission 
of  the  State  of  Iowa  into  the  Union. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  1846,  an  election  had  been  held  for  State  officers, 
when  the  following  were  elected:  Ansel  Briggs,  Governor;  Elisha  Cutler, 
Jr.,  Secretary  of  State;  Joseph  T.  Fales,  Auditor,  and  Morgan  Reno,  Treas- 
urer. At  this  time  there  were  twenty-seven  organized  counties  with  a popu- 
lation, according  to  the  census,  of  96,088. 

The  first  General  Assembly  under  the  State  organization,  convened  at 
Iowa  City,  November  30,  1846.  Thomas  Baker  was  elected  President  of 
the  Senate,  and  Jesse  B.  Browne,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
As  the  latter  had  been  President  of  the  first  Territorial  Council,  so  he  was 
the  first  Speaker  of  the  House  when  Iowa  became  a State. 

The  capitol  building  at  Iowa  City  being  at  this  time  still  in  an  unfinished 
condition,  an  appropriation  of  $5,500  was  made  to  complete  it.  The  boun- 
dary being  so  much  extended  west  of  the  limits  of  the  Territory  when  the 
capital  was  located  at  Iowa  City,  the  question  of  removal  and  permanent  loca- 
tion at  some  point  further  west  began  to  be  agitated,  and  the  first  General 
Assembly  appointed  commissioners  to  locate  the  seat  of  government,  and  to 
select  five  sections  of  land  which  had  been  granted  by  Congress  for  the  erec- 
tion of  public  buildings.  The  commissioners  in  discharge  of  their  duties 
selected  the  land  in  Jasper  county,  lying  between  the  present  towns  of 
Prairie  City  and  Monroe.  The  commissioners  also  surveyed  and  platted  a 
town,  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of  Monroe  City.  Four  hundred  and  fif- 
teen lots  were  sold,  the  cash  payments  yielding  $1,797.43,  being  one-fourth 
of  the  price  for  which  they  sold.  When  the  commissioners  made  their  re- 
port to  the  next  General  Assembly,  it  was  observed  that  their  claim  for 
services  and  expenses  exceeded  the  cash  received  by  $409.14.  The  report 
was  referred  to  a committee  without  instructions,  but  the  location  was  never 
sanctioned  by  the  General  Assembly.  The  money  paid  by  purchasers  was 
mostly  refunded.  Meantime  the  question  of  re-location  continued  to  be 
agitated  at  each  session.  In  1851  bills  were  introduced  in  the  House  for 
removal  to  Pella  and  Fort  Des  Moines,  but  both  of  them  failed  to  pass.  At 
the  next  session  a bill  was  introduced  in  the  Senate  for  removal  to  Fort  Des 
Moines,  which  was  also  defeated  on  a final  vote.  In  January,  1855,  the  ef- 
fort proved  successful,  and  on  the  15th  of  that  month  the  Governor  ap- 
proved the  bill  re-locating  the  seat  of  government  within  two  miles  of  the 
Raccoon  Fork  of  the  Des  Moines,  and  providing  for  the  appointment  of  com- 


160 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


missioners  for  that  purpose.  Under  this  act  the  commissioners  made  selec- 
tion of  the  present  site.  A temporary  building  was  erected  by  an  associa- 
tion of  citizens  of  Des  Moines,  or  Fort  Des  Moines,  as  it  was  then  called. 
On  the  19th  of  October,  1857,  Governor  Grimes,  having  been  advised  that 
the  building  was  completed  and  ready  for  occupancy,  issued  a proclamation 
declaring  the  city  of  Des  Moines  the  capital  of  Iowa.  The  officers  with 
the  archives  of  the  State  removed  during  the  fall  and  winter,  and  on  the 
11th  day  of  January,  1858,  the  Seventh  General  Assembly  convened  at  Des 
Moines. 

Meantime  a third  constitutional  convention  had  been  called  to  frame  a 
new  State  constitution.  It  convened  at  Iowa  City,  January,  19,  1857,  and 
adjourned  March  5th  of  the  same  year.  Francis  Springer,  of  Louisa  county, 
was  chosen  President.  The  constitution  as  adopted  by  this  convention  was 
approved  by  the  people  at  an  election  held  August  3d  of  the  same  year,  the 
vote  being  40,311  for,  and  38,  681  against  it.  It  took  effect  by  proclamation 
of  the  Governor,  September  3,  1857.  In  this  constitution  the  location  of 
the  seat  of  government  at  Des  Moines  was  made  a part  of  the  fundamental 
law.  In  1868  an  amendment  was  made  to  this  constitution,  striking  the 
word  “ white  ” from  the  clause  defining  the  qualification  of  electors.  The 
whole  vote  cast  by  the  people  on  this  amendment  was  186,503,  with  a ma- 
jority in  favor  of  striking  out,  of  24,265. 

The  first  capitol  building  erected  in  Des  Moines  being  inadequate  for  the 
growing  wants  of  the  State,  being  too  small  and  not  sufficiently  safe,  an  act 
was  passed  and  approved  April  13, 1870,  providing  for  the  erection  of  a 
new  one.  The  following  were  constituted  a Board  of  Commissioners  to 
have  charge  of  the  erection:  Grenville  M.  Dodge,  of  Pottawattamie  county; 
James  F.  Wilson,  of  Jefferson  county;  James  Dawson,  of  Washington 
county;  Simon  G.  Stein,  of  Muscatine  county;  James  O.  Crosby,  of  Clay- 
ton county;  Charles  Dudley,  of  Wapello  county;  John  N.  Dewey,  of  Polk 
county,  and  William  L.  Joy,  of  Woodbury  county.  The  Governor  was 
also  constituted  a member  of  the  Board,  and  President  ex-officio . A.  R. 
Fulton  was  elected  Secretary  of  the  Board.  It  was  provided  in  the  act  that 
the  plan  to  be  selected  should  not  be  for  a building  exceeding  in  cost  $1, 500- 
GOO,  and  the  sum  of  $150,000  was  appropriated  to  commence  the  work. 
In  the  fall  of  1870  excavation  for  the  foundation  was  commenced, 
and  on  the  23d  of  November  of  the  next  year,  the  ceremony  of 
laying  the  corner  stone  took  place.  Gen.  N.  B.  Baker  was  chief  marshal 
of  the  day,  and  Governor  Samuel  Merrill  delivered  an  appropriate  address. 

The  Board  of  commissioners  experienced  many  difficulties  in  finding 
stone,  especially  within  the  limits  of  the  State,  that  had  been  sufficiently 
tested  for  a building  of  such  magnitude.  The  law  required  them  to  give 
preference  to  material  obtained  in  the  State,  price  and  quality  being  equal, 
and  they  desired  to  comply  with  the  spirit  of  the  law.  As  a result,  how- 
ever, some  material  was  placed  in  the  foundation,  which  being  exposed,  dur- 
ing the  next  winter,  was  affected  by  the  weather,  and  the  next  season  it  was 
neccessary  to  remove  a portion  of  the  foundation,  involving  a large  addi- 
tional expense. 

The  Fourteenth  General  Assembly  convened  in  January,  1872,  and  in 
March  a joint  committee  was  authorized  to  examine  and  report  upon  the 
character  of  the  material  used.  They  reported  that  unfit  material  had  been 
placed  in  the  foundation,  and  recommended  its  removal.  An  act  was 
passed  at  this  session  appropriating  $100,000  for  the  work  in  1872,  and 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


161 


$125,000  to  be  used  annually  thereafter  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work, 
but  the  whole  cost  not  to  exceed  the  limit  of  $1,380,000.  The  Board  were 
required,  however,  to  direct  all  their  action  with  a view  to  the  completion 
of  the  building  for  $1,500,000.  The  same  act  placed  the  work  in  charge 
of  a Board  of  commissioners  consisting  of  five  members,  including  the 
Governor,  who  was  also  to  be  President,  ex-officio.  The  following  were  con- 
stituted the  members  of  the  new  Board:  John  G.  Foote,  of  Des  Moines 
county;  Maturin  L.  Fisher,  of  Clayton  county;  Robert  S.  Finkbine,  and 
Peter  A.  Dey,  of  Johnson  county,  and  the  Governor,  as  above  stated.  Ed. 
Wright  was  appointed  Secretary  by  the  Board.  This  Board  proceeded  with 
the  work  in  accordance  with  the  general  plan  adopted  by  the  former  Board, 
and  when  completed  Iowa  will  have  one  of  the  finest  and  most  substantial 
capitol  buildings  in  the  Union. 

Having  presented  a brief  review  of  the  legislation  in  regard  to  seat  of  gov- 
ernment, which,  as  we  have  seen,  was  inaugurated  by  the  first  General  As- 
sembly, we  return  to  that  session.  The  contest  between  the  two  political 
parties  for  ascendency  was  at  that  time  a very  earnest  one,  and  especially  in 
view  of  the  election  of  U.  S.  Senators.  The  two  political  parties  in  the 
legislature  were  nearly  equally  divided.  The  friends  of  the  several  candidates 
were  present  at  the  opening  of  the  session  to  take  part  in  the  lobby  branch, 
in  behalf  of  their  respective  favorites.  Keokuk  county  was  represented  in 
the  House  by  Kelson  King,  a Whig,  although  his  county  at  that  time  was 
regarded  as  Democratic.  Gen.  A.  O.  Dodge,  of  Burlington,  was  the  prom- 
inent Democratic  candidate  for  Senator,  and  the  name  of  J.  C.  Hall,  also 
of  Burlington,  was  likewise  favorably  mentioned.  On  the  aftsrnoon  of 
December  9th,  Mr.  King,  of  Keokuk  county,  by  consent  of  the  House,  rose 
in  his  place  and  made  a statement  to  the  following  effect:  That  since  he  had 
presented  his  credentials,  and  taken  his  seat  as  a member,  he  had  been  ap- 
proached by  several  different  persons  relative  to  the  casting  of  his  vote  for 
united  States  Senators;  that  several  distinct  propositions  for  the  payment  of 
money  and  other  reward  had  been  offered  him,  if  he  would  vote  for  certain 
candidates,  or  either  of  them,  as  might  be  determined  upon,  which  deter- 
mination was  to  be  made  known  to  him  previous  to  casting  his  vote  for 
United  States  Senator;  and  that  the  said  parties  offering  thus  to  reward  him 
for  his  vote,  had  promised  to  secure  him  from  all  blame  or  suspicion,  by 
procuring  written  instructions  from  his  constituents,  urging  him  so  to  vote, 
lie  further  stated  that  one  Marshall  had  the  day  previously  given  him  a five 
dollar  note  on  the  State  Bank  of  Ohio,  and  told  him  to  call  on  him  at  any 
future  time,  and  he  would  give  him  one  hundred  dollars,  or  any  amount  he 
wanted.  He  said  that  Marshall  had  also  surrendered  to  him  two  receipts 
for  indebtedness — one  for  legal  service  while  he  (King)  had  resided  in  Lee 
county,  and  the  other  in  discharge  of  a claim  of  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents, 
held  against  him  by  one  William  Stotts.  Mr.  King  having  concluded  his 
statement,  Mr.  Stewart  Goodrell,  then  a member  of  the  House  from  Wash- 
ington county,  moved  the  appointment  of  a committee  of  five  to  investigate 
the  charges  made  by  Mr.  King.  The  committee  was  subsequently  increased 
to  seven,  as  follows:  W.  J.  Cochran,  of  Lee  county;  Stewart  Goodrell,  of 
Washington  county;  Alfred  Ilebard,  of  Des  Moines  county;  Andrew 
Leech,  of  Davis  county;  Samuel  Whitmore  of  Jefferson  county;  John  L. 
Morton,  of  Henry  county,  and  Robert  Smyth,  of  Linn  county.  The  com- 
mittee commenced  their  investigations  on  the  same  day  that  Mr.  King  made 
his  statement.  Marshall  was  arrested,  and  various  witnesses  were  com- 
il 


162 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


manded  to  appear  before  the  committee  to  give  evidence  in  the  case,  and  the 
investigation  which  was  commenced  on  the  9th  of  December,  1846,  appears 
not  to  have  ended  until  the  19th  of  January,  1847.  Not  until  the  4th  of 
February  was  any  report  made  to  the  House,  and  then  it  did  not  show  that 
the  committee  had  arrived  at  any  conclusions.  The  report  and  testimony 
were  ordered  to  be  laid  on  the  table,  subject  to  the  further  order  of  the 
House.  The  report  was  never  called  up.  On  the  same  day  that  Mr.  King 
made  his  original  statement  to  the  House  of  the  attempted  bribery,  a resolu- 
tion tendering  him  a vote  of  thanks,  was  laid  on  the  table.  Hear  the  close  of 
the  session  (Feb.  24)  this  resolution  was  called  up,  and  a substitute  offered  for 
it  by  Mr.  Smyth,  of  Linn,  censuring  both  King  and  Marshall.  The  original 
resolution  and  the  substitute  were  both  laid  on  the  table,  and  that  was  the 
end  of  the  bribery  case,  which  excited  a great  deal  of  interest  among  the  pol- 
iticians and  people  of  the  State  at  that  early  day  in  her  political  history.  It 
should  be  stated  that  Mr.  Marshall  was  not  a member  of  either  branch  of 
the  General  Assembly.  The  developments  on  investigation  were  generally 
understood  at  the  time  to  be  quite  as  damaging  to  the  party  making  the 
charge  as  to  any  other  person.  The  legislature  adjourned  without  electing 
United  States  Senators  at  that  session.  The  next  General  Assembly  elected 
George  W.  Jones,  of  Dubuque,  and  Augustus  C.  Dodge,  of  Burlington.  A. 
Clinton  Hastings,  and  Shepherd  Leffier,  represented  the  State  in  the  29th 
Congress,  1846  to  1847,  being  the  first  Representatives  in  Congress  from 
Iowa. 


EDUCATIONAL. 

Public  Schools — How  Supported — State  University — Its  Presidents — Faculty — University 
Fund — Agricultural  College — State  Normal  School — Other  State  Educational  Institutions 
— Public  and  Private  Colleges  and  Schools. 

PUBLIC  SCHOOLS. 

We  have  seen  that  the  first  territorial  legislature  made  provision  for  gen- 
eral education  by  organizing  a system  of  common  schools.  The  famous  or- 
dinance of  1787  required  that  “schools  and  the  means  of  education  shall  be 
forever  encouraged,”  and  this  has  been  the  policy  of  the  government  in  the 
admission  of  every  new  State  since  that  time,  as  evinced  by  the  liberal 
grants  of  the  public  lands  for  educational  purposes. 

The  public  schools  are  supported  by  funds  arising  from  several  different 
sources.  In  the  first  place,  the  sixteenth  section  of  every  congressional  town- 
ship was  set  apart  by  the  government  for  school  purposes  - being  one  thirty  - 
sixth  part  of  all  the  land  in  the  State.  Congress  also  made  to  the  State  an 
additional  donation  of  500,000  acres,  and  an  appropriation  of  five  per  cent 
on  all  the  sales  of  public  lands  in  the  State.  The  State  also  gives  the  pro- 
ceeds of  the  sales  of  all  lands  which  escheat  to  it.  The  money  derived  from 
these  sources  constitutes  the  permanent  school  fund , and,  including  the 
proceeds  of  the  land  still  unsold,  will  amount  to  over  four  millions  of  dol- 
lars. The  interest  on  this  fund  is  apportioned  by  the  State  Auditor  semi- 
annually to  the  several  counties  of  the  State,  in  proportion  to  the  number 
of  persons  between  the  ages  of  five  and  twenty-one  years.  The  counties  also 
levy  an  annual  tax  for  school  purposes,  which  is  apportioned  to  the  several 
district  townships  in  the  same  way.  A district  tax  is  also  generally  levied 
for  the  same  purpose.  The  money  arising  from  these  several  sources  consti- 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


163 


tutes  the  support  of  the  public  schools,  and  is  sufficient  to  enable  every  sub- 
district in  the  State  to  afford  from  six  to  nine  months  school  each  year. 

While  Iowa  is  fostering  and  building  up  many  excellent  institutions  of  a 
higher  order,  the  glory  of  her  educational  work  consists  in  her  admirable 
system  of  common  schools — her  peoples’  colleges.  The  superintendent  of 
public  instruction  is  the  highest  school  officer  of  the  State,  and  exercises  a 
general  supervision  over  its  educational  interests,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  pub- 
lic schools.  Each  county  has  a county  superintendent,  who  examines  appli- 
cants for  teachers’  certificates,  visits  the  schools,  reports  annually  to  the  State 
Superintendent,  and  exercises  a general  charge  over  the  schools  of  the  county. 
Each  civil  township  constitutes  what  is  called  a district  township,  which  is 
divided  into  sub-districts,  and  each  sub-district  elects  a sub-director.  The 
several  sub-directors  in  the  district  township  constitute  a board  of  directors. 
In  towns  and  cities  there  are  independent  districts,  which  elect  officers  to 
manage  their  affairs  independently  of  the  district  townships. 

The  common  school  system  has  recently  been  greatly  improved  by  the  in- 
auguration of  normal  institutes,  under  the  auspices  of  the  superintendent 
of  public  instruction,  and  also  by  the  establishment  of  a permanent  State 
normal  school  at  Cedar  Falls.  The  total  permanent  school  fund,  November 
1,  1877,  was  $3,460,348.76.  This  is  being  augmented  from  different  sources, 
and  the  interest  only  is  applied  toward  the  support  of  the  common  schools. 

STATE  UNIVERSITY. 

By  an  act  of  Congress  of  July  20, 1840,  the  secretary  of  the  treasury  was 
authorized  to  set  apart  and  reserve  from  sale  not  exceeding  two  entire  town- 
ships of  land  in  Iowa,  for  the  use  and  support  of  a university.  The  consti- 
tution under  which  Iowa  was  admitted  into  the  Union  contained  a provision 
requiring  the  General  Assembly  to  take  measures  for  the  protection,  im- 
provement, or  other  disposition  of  the  land  granted  by  Congress  for  the 
university,  and  to  create  from  the  proceeds  of  the  same  a permanent  fund 
for  the  use  of  a university.  A bill  was  passed  by  the  first  General  Assembly, 
establishing  at  Iowa  City  an  institution  to  be  called  the  “ State  University,” 
with  such  branches  as,  in  the  opinion  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  public 
convenience  might  thereafter  require.  The  same  act  also  granted  for  the 
use  of  the  university  the  public  building,  with  ten  acres  of  ground,  at  Iowa 
City,  the  same  to  be  used,  however,  for  the  purposes  of  the  State  government 
until  the  removal  of  the  capital.  By  acts  of  January  15, 1849,  and  January 
16,  1819,  two  branches  of  the  university,  located  respectively  at  Fairfield 
and  Dubuque,  were  established,  and  placed  upon  equal  footing,  “ in  respect 
to  funds  and  other  matters,”  with  the  university  established  at  Iowa  City  by 
the  act  of  1847.  The  branch  at  Fairfield  was  organized  May  6,  1849.  A 
site  of  twenty  acres  of  ground  was  purchased  and  a building  erected,  upon 
which  twenty-five  hundred  dollars  had  been  expended.  The  building  was 
almost  destroyed  by  a hurricane  in  1851.  No  aid  from  the  State  or  the 
University  fund  was  ever  given  in  support  of  the  branches.  The  board  at 
Fairfield  requested  the  termination  of  its  relation  to  the  State,  and,  in  ac- 
cordance with  this  request,  an  act  was  passed  January  24, 1853,  severing  the 
connection.  The  branch  at  Dubuque  was  never  organized.  The  new  con- 
stitution, which  took  effect  September  3,  1857,  provided  that  “ the  State 
University  shall  be  established  at  one  place,  without  branches  at  any  other 
place,  and  the  university  fund  shall  be  applied  to  that  institution  and  no 
other.” 


164 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


At  a special  meeting  of  the  board,  February  21,  1850,  it  recognized  the 
“ College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  of  the  Upper  Mississippi,”  an  institu- 
tion at  Davenport  established  under  the  laws  of  the  State  as  the  “College 
of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  of  the  State  University  of  Iowa,”  but  with  the 
express  stipulation  that  such  recognition  should  not  render  the  university 
liable  for  any  pecuniary  aid,  nor  was  the  board  to  acquire  any  control  over 
the  property  or  management  of  the  medical  association.  Soon  after  this  the 
medical  college  removed  to  Keokuk.  This  arrangement  was  terminated  by 
the  operation  of  the  new  constitution. 

In  March,  1855,  the  University  was  partially  opened  for  a term  of  sixteen 
weeks,  and  there  was  an  attendance  of  from  seventy-five  to  one  hundred 
students  during  the  term.  The  first  regular  catalogue  was  published  for  the 
year  185d-7.  At  a meeting  of  the  board,  August  4,  1858,  the  degree  of 
Bachelor  of  Science  was  conferred  upon  Dexter  Edson  Smith,  being  the  first 
degree  conferred  upon  a student  of  the  University. 

From  1860  to  1877,  inclusive,  the  total  number  of  ladies  in  the  collegiate 
department  was  2,994,  and  gentlemen  3,941 ; total  number  of  ladies  in  the 
law  department  since  its  organization,  6,  and  gentlemen,  632 ; total  number 
of  ladies  in  the  medical  department  since  its  organization  48,  and  gentlemen 
469. 


The  presidents  since  its  organization  have  been : 

Amos  Dean,  of  Albany,  Y.,  elected  July  16,  1855. 

Silas  Totten,  D.  D.,  LL.D.,  elected  Oct.  25,  1859. 

Professor  Oliver  M.  Spencer,  elected  August  19,  1862. 

Professor  Kathan  R.  Leonard,  elected  June  26,  1866,  as  president  pro 
tern .,  during  absence  of  President  Spencer  in  Europe  fifteen  months  by  leave 
of  the  board. 

James  Black,  D.D.,  elected  March  4,  1868. 

Rev.  George  Thacher,  elected  March  1,  1871. 

C W.  Slagle,  of  Fairfield,  elected  president  pro  tem.,  June,  1877. 

J.  L.  Pickard,  elected  in  1878. 

The  faculty  of  the  University  consists  of  the  president,  nine  professors  in 
the  collegiate  department,  one  professor  and  six  instructors  in  military  sci- 
ence; chancellor,  three  professors  and  four  lecturers  in  the  law  department; 
eight  professor  demonstrators  of  anatomy;  professor  of  surgery  and  two 
lecturers  in  the  medical  department,  and  two  professors  in  the  homeopathic 
medical  department. 

The  law  department  was  established  in  June,  1868;  the  medical  depart- 
ment in  1869;  the  chair  of  miltary  instruction  in  June,  1874,  and  the  depart- 
ment of  homeopathy  in  1876. 

From  1858  to  187 6,  inclusive,  the  General  Assembly  has  made  appropria- 
tions for  buildings,  and  for  the  support  of  the  University,  sums  aggregating 
$264,757.  The  Seventeenth  General  Assembly,  by  an  act  approved  March 
22, 1878,  made  an  appropriation,  as  an  endowment  fund,  of  $20,000  annually, 
and  an  additional  appropriation  of  $10,000  for  repairs  of  buildings,  fences, 
walks  and  other  purposes.  On  the  30th  of  September,  the  University  held 
interest  bearing  mortgage  notes  amounting  to  $195,423.13;  contract  notes 
amounting  to  $10,357.74,  and  a fund  known  as  the  Saline  fund,  amounting 
to  $4,106.85.  These  amounts,  aggregating  $209,887.72,  constitute  a per- 
manent fund,  the  interest  of  which  goes  to  the  support  of  the  University. 
There  were  also,  September  30,  1877,  remaining  unsold,  2,059.70  acres  of 
University  lands,  and  3887.10  acres  of  Saline  lands,  making  a total  of  5,946.80 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


165 


acres,  the  proceeds  of  which  when  sold,  will  go  to  increase  the  permanent 
University  fund.  At  five  dollars  per  acre  these  lands  will  add  to  the  perma- 
nent fund  $29,734,  which  amount  added  to  the  above  will  give  to  the  Uni- 
versity a permanent  endowment  fund  of  $239,621.72. 

AGRICULTURAL  COLLEGE. 

By  an  act  of  Congress  passed  in  1862,  a grant  of  240,000  acres  of  land 
was  made  to  the  State  for  the  endowment  of  schools  of  agriculture  and  the 
mechanical  arts.  Under  this  act  240,000.96  acres  were  appropriated  to  the 
State;  but  as  35,691.66  acres  were  located  within  railroad  limits,  which  were 
computed  at  the  rate  of  two  acres  for  one,  the  actual  number  of  acres  in  the 
grant  was  204,309.30.  In  addition  to  this  grant  Congress  also  gave  its 
assent  to  the  State  to  use  for  the  same  purpose  the  five  sections  of  land  in 
Jasper  county,  which  had  been  selected  for  the  seat  of  government  of  the 
State.  There  were  also  donated  in  Story  and  Boone  counties  for  the  use  of 
the  institution  921  acres,  making  a grand  total  of  208,430.30  acres.  This 
last  donation  of  921  acres  was  made  by  citizens  of  Story  and  Boone  counties. 

The  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  which  was  approved  March  22, 1858, 
establishing  the  Iowa  Agricultural  College  and  Model  Farm.  Under  this 
act  a board  of  trustees  was  appointed,  which  at  a meeting  in  June,  1859, 
received  propositions  for  the  location,  and  in  July  the  otfer  of  the  present 
location  in  Story  county,  was  accepted.  In  1864  the  General  Assembly  ap- 
propriated $20,000  for  the  erection  of  a College  building,  and  in  1866 
an  additional  appropriation  of  $91,000  was  made.  The  building  was  com- 
pleted in  1868.  An  office  was  opened  in  Fort  Dodge  for  the  sale  of  the  Col- 
lege lands,  and  Hon.  George  W.  Bassett  was  appointed  agent  for  their  sale. 
From  the  establishment  of  this  agency  in  August,  1865,  to  November  1, 
1867,  the  amount  received  on  sales  of  lands  was  $68,782.81,  and  the  amount 
of  interest  collected  on  leases  for  the  same  time  was  $338,931.78,  making  a 
total  of  $406,714.65,  which  is  a permanent  endowment  fund. 

The  courses  of  study  in  the  College,  as  revised  in  1877,  are  as  follows: 
1 — The  Course  in  Science  as  related  to  Agriculture.  2 — The  Course  in 
Mechanical  Engineering.  3 — The  Course  in  Civil  Engineering.  4 — The 
Ladies’ Course  in  Science.  5 — Course  for  Juniors  and  Seniors  in  Special 
Industrial  Sciences.  6 — Post-graduate  Courses  of  Study.  7 — The  Prepar- 
atory Course.  From  1872  to  1877,  inclusive,  the  number  of  graduates  of 
the  College  was  123. 

By  the  terms  of  the  law,  tuition  in  the  Agricultural  College  is  made  for- 
ever free  to  pupils  from  the  State,  over  sixteen  years  of  age,  who  have  re- 
sided in  the  State  six  months  prior  to  their  admission.  Each  county  in  the 
State  has  a prior  right  of  tuition  for  three  pupils,  and  additional  pupils  to 
the  extent  of  the  capacity  of  the  College,  are  distributed  by  the  board  of 
trustees  among  the  counties  in  proportion  to  the  population. 

The  following  constitute  the  Faculty: — A.  S.  Welch,  LL.  D.,  President 
and  Professor  of  Psychology  and  Philosophy  of  Science ; Gen.  J.  L.  Geddes, 
Professor  of  Military  Tactics  and  Engineering;  W.  H.  Wynn,  A.  M.,  Ph. 
D.,  Professor  of  English  Literature;  C.  E.  Bessey,  M.  S.,  Professor  of  Bot- 
any, Zoology,  Entomology;  A.  Thompson,  C.  E.,  Mechanical  Engineering 
and  Superintendent  of  Workshops;  F.  E.  L.  Beal,  B.  S.,  Civil  Engineering; 
T.  E.  Pope,  A.  M.,  Chemistry;  M.  Stalker,  Agricultural  and  Veterinary 
Science;  J.  L.  Budd,  Horticulture;  J.  K.  Macomber,  Physics;  E.  W.  Stan- 
ton, Mathematics  and  Political  Economy;  Mrs.  Margaret  P.  Stanton,  Pre- 


166 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


ceptress,  Instructor  in  French  and  Mathematics;  J.  S.  Lee,  B.  S , Assistant 
Professor  of  Chemistry;  Mrs.  M.  B.  Welch,  Instructor  of  the  English  Lan- 
guage, and  Lecturer  on  Domestic  Economy ; J.  C.  Arthur,  M.  S.,  Librarian, 
and  Demonstrator  of  Botany  and  Zoology.  There  are  also  instructors  in 
Vocal  and  Instrumental  Music. 

STATE  NORMAL  SCHOOL. 

The  State  Normal  School  was  established  by  the  General  Assembly,  at  Iowa 
Falls,  in  1876,  and  under  the  law  the  property  of  the  Orphans’  Home,  at  that 
place,  was  transferred  for  the  use  of  the  Normal  School.  The  first  Board  of 
Directors  organized  June  7th,  of  that  year.  H.  C.  Hemenway,  was  chosen 
President;  J.  J.  Tolerton,  Secretary,  and  E.  Townsend,  Treasurer.  At  the 
same  meeting  Prof.  J.  C.  Gilchrist,  A.  M.,  was  elected  Principal  of  the 
school. 

The  following  constitute  the  Faculty: — J.  C.  Gilchrist,  A.  M.,  Professor 
of  Mental  and  Moral  Philosophy  and  Didactics;  M.  W.  Bartlett,  A.  M., 
Professor  of  Languages  and  Natural  Science;  D.  S.  Wright,  A.  M.,  Profes- 
sor of  Mathematics;  Miss  Frances  L.  Webster,  Teacher  of  Geography  and 
History;  E.  W.  Burnham,  Professor  of  Music. 

During  the  second  year  105  ladies  and  50  gentlemen  were  in  attendance, 
33  counties  of  Iowa  being  represented.  By  an  act  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, approved  March  25,  1878,  the  sum  of  $13,500  was  appropriated  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  school  for  the  next  biennial  period  of  two  years.  By 
the  same  act  the  board  of  directors  were  empowered  to  charge  pupils  a tui- 
tion fee  of  not  exceeding  six  dollars  per  term,  if  necessary,  in  order  to  prop- 
erly support  the  school. 

COLLEGES,  SEMINARIES  AND  ACADEMIES. 

There  are  also  in  Iowa  the  following  educational  institutions: 

COLLEGES  AND  UNIVERSITIES. 


COUNTY. 

LOCATION. 

TITLE. 

Des  Moines 

Burlington * 

Burlington  University 

Fayette 

Fayette * 

Upper  Iowa  University 

Fremont 

Pahor 

Tabor  College 

Henry 

Monnt  Pleasant  

Iowa  Wesleyan  University 

Henry 

Salem 

Whittier  College 

Humboldt* 

Uumhol  dt 

HumholR  College 

Jefferson 

Fairfield 

Parson’s  College. 

Linn 

Mount  Vernon 

Cornell  College 

Linn 

W extern  

Western  College 

Mahaska 

fkkaloo<5a, 

Oskaloosa  College 

Mahaska, 

Oskateosa 

Penn  College 

Marion 

Pella 

Central  University  of  Iowa 

Mills 

Malvern 

Baptist  College 

Pae-e 

College  Spring3 

Amity  College 

Pofk. 

Ties  Mm'neq 

University  of  Des  Moines 

Poweshiek 

Grinnell 

Iowa  College 

Scott 

Davenport 

Griswold  College 

W arren 

Indianola. ...  

Simpson  Centenary  College 

Winneshiek 

Decorah 

Luther  College 

HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


167 


ACADEMIES  AND  OTHER  PRIVATE  INSTITUTIONS. 


COUNTY. 


Allamakee 

Allamakee  .... 

Allamakee 

Appanoose 

Appanoose 

Benton 

Benton 

Benton 

Benton 

Black  Hawk 

Black  Hawk 

Black  Hawk 

Black  Hawk  .... 

Buchanan 

Chickasaw 

Chickasaw 

Clarke 

Clarke 

Clayton 

Clayton 

Clayton 

Clayton 

Clinton 

Clinton 

Clinton 

Clinton 

Clinton 

Clinton 

Davis 

Davis 

Delaware 

Delaware 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines. 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Dubuque 

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque 

Dubuque 

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque 

Dubuque 

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Greene 

Grundy 

Guthrie 

Hamilton 

Hardin 


LOCATION. 


TITLE. 


Waukon 

Lansing. 

Lansing 

Moulton 

Centerville 

Vinton 

West  Irving. . . 

Blairstown 

Vinton 

Waterloo 

Waterloo  

Waterloo 

Waterloo 

Independence  . . 

Bradford 

Fredericksburg. , 

Murray 

Osceola 

Elkader 

Guttenburg 

McGregor 

Clayton  Center. 

Lyons 

Lyons  

Lyons  ...  

Clinton 

De  Witt 

Olive  Township. 

Bloomfield 

Troy 

Hopkinton 

Petersburg 

Burlington 

Kossuth 

Burlington 

Burlington 

Burlington 

Burlington 

Burlington 

Burlington 

Burlington 

Burlington 

Dubuque 

Dubuque  

Dubuque 

Dubuque 

Dubuque 

Dubuque 

Dubuque  

Dubuque  

Dubuque 

Dyersville 

New  Vienna. . . 

Cascade 

Table  Mound. . 

Dubuque  

Sherrill’s  Mount 

Epworth 

Farley 

Jefferson 

Grundy  Center. , 

Panora 

Webster  City. . . 
Ackley 


Waukon  Seminary 

Sisters’  School 

Mrs.  Houghton’s  School  

Moulton  Normal  School 

Centerville  Academy 

Tilford  Academy 

Irving  Institute 

Blairstown  Academy 

Eclectic  Institute •. 

Conservatory  of  Music 

Cedar  Valley  Institute 

Prairie  Home  Seminary 

Our  Lady  of  Victory 

Notre  Dame 

Bradford  Academy 

Select  School 

Graded  School 

Osceola  Private  School 

Sisters’  School 

Sisters’  School 

Sisters’  School 

German  School 

Riverside  Institute 

Seminary  of  Our  Lady  of  Angels 

Latin  School 

Business  College 

Sisters’  School 

Norwegian 

Southern  Iowa  Normal  and  Scientific  Institute. 

Troy  Normal  and  Classical  Institute 

Lenox  Collegiate  Institute 

Petersburg  Catholic  School 

Mr.  Gordon’s  School  for  both  sexes 

Kossuth  Academy 

Graff’s  School 

Young  Ladies’  School 

German  - American  School 

German  Evangelical  Zion  School 

First  German  Evangelical  School  

St.  John’s  Convent 

St.  Paul’s  School 

St.  Patrick’s  School. 

German  Theological  Seminary 

St.  Joseph’s  College 

St.  Joseph’s  Academy 

St.  Mary’s  School 

St.  Patrick’s  School. 

Academy  of  Visitation 

St.  Maria,  (German) 

Private  Primary 

Private  Boarding  School 

St.  Francis 

St.  Boniface 

Church  School 

Church  School 

Church  School 

St.  Peters’. 

Epworth  Seminary 

Church  School 

Jefferson  Academy 

Grundy  Center  Academy 

Guthrie  County  High  School 

Webster  City  Academy 

Catholic  School 


168 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


ACADEMIES  AND  OTHER  PRIVATE  INSTIUTIONS—  Continued. 


COUNTY. 


LOCATION. 


TITLE. 


Hardin 

Hardin 

Hardin 

Henry 

Henry 

Henry 

Henry 

Howard 

Iowa 

Iowa 

Jasper  

Jasper 

Jasper 

Jefferson 

Jefferson 

Jefferson 

Johnson 

Johnson 

Jones.  

Jones 

Keokuk 

Keokuk 

Keokuk 

Kossuth 

Lee 

Linn 

Louisa 

Lucas 

Mahaska 

Mahaska 

Mahaska 

Marion 

Marshall 

Marshall 

Marshall. ..*... 

Marshall 

Mills 

Mitchell ........ 

Muscatine 

Muscatine 

Muscatine . . 

Pocahontas 

Polk 

Polk 

Polk 

Polk 

Pottawattamie  . . 
Pottawattamie  . . 
Pottawattamie  . . 

Scott 

Scott 

Scott 

Van  Buren 

Van  Buren 

Wapello. 

Wapello 

Warren 

Washington 

Webster 

Webster 

Winneshiek 

Winneshiek 

Woodbury  ...... 


Alden. . . . 

New  Providence. . 

Eldora 

Mt.  Pleasant 

Mt.  Pleasant 

Mt.  Pleasant 

New  London 

Cresco 

Marengo 

Lytle  City 

Lynnville 

Prairie  City 

Newton 

Pleasant  Plaine . . . 

Fairfield 

Fairfield 

Iowa  City 

Iowa  City 

Anamosa 

Olin 

Baden. 

Coal  Creek 

German  Township . 

Algona 

Denmark . . 

Cedar  Rapids 

Grand  View 

Chariton 

Hopewell 

Oskaloosa 

Rose  Hill 

Knoxville 

Albion 

Le  Grand 

Le  Grand 

Stanford 

Glenwood 

Osage 

Wilton 

Muscatine 

Muscatine 

Fonda. 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Des  Moines 

Mitchell  ville 

Council  Bluffs 

Council  Bluffs 

Council  Bluffs 

Davenport 

Davenport 

Davenport 

Birmingham 

Farmington 

Ottumwa 

Ottumwa 

Ackworth 

Washington 

Fort  Dodge 

Fort  Dodge 

Decorah 

Spillville 

Sioux  City 


Private  School 

New  Providence  Academy 

Eldora  Academy 

Female  Seminary,  and  Howe’s  Academy 

German  College 

German  Primary 

Academy 

Private  School 

Root’s  Winter  School 

Catholic  School 

Lynnville  Seminary 

South  Side  Academy 

Hazel  Dell  Academy 

Pleasant  Plaine  Academy 

Fairfield  Academy,  and  Private  School 

High  School 

McClain’s  Academy,  and  St.  Joseph’s  Institute. 

St.  Agatha’s  Seminary 

Anamosa  Academy 

Olin  High  School 

Baden  Select  School 

Friends’  Select  School 

German  Lutheran  School 

Algona  College 

Denmark  Academy 

Collegiate  Institute 

Eastern  Iowa  Normal  School 

Chariton  Academy 

Hopewell  Academy 

Select  School 

Select  School 

Knoxville  Academy 

Albion  Seminary 

Le  Grand  Christian  Institute 

Le  Grand  Institute • 

Stanford  Institute 

Private  School 

Cedar  Valley  Seminary . : 

Wilton  Seminary,  and  Collegiate  Institute 

Sisters’  School,  and  German  School 

Business  College 

Teachers’  Normal 

St.  Ambrose  School 

St.  Mary’s  School,  (German) 

Business  College 

Mitchell  Seminary 

St.  Francis’  Boys’  School 

St.  Francis’  Girls’  School 

German  School 

St.  Margaret’s,  and  Sisters’  Academy 

St.  Cunigundus’ 

St.  Anthony’s,  and  Business  College 

Birmingham  Academy 

Select  School 

Convent  of  St.  Joseph,  and  Commercial  College. 

Female  Seminary,  and  Pecks’  Normal 

Ackworth  Seminary 

Washington  Academy 

Convent  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes 

German  School 

Decorah  Institute,  and  Business  College 

Catholic  School 

German  School 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


169 


STATE  INSTITUTIONS. 

Hospitals  for  the  Insane — College  for  the  Blind — Institutions  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb — Or- 
phans1 Homes — Asylum  for  Feeble-Minded  Children — The  Penitentiary — The  Additional 
Penitentiary — State  Reform  School— State  Historical  Society. 

HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE,  MT.  PLEASANT,  HENRY  COUNTY. 

The  General  Assembly,  by  an  act  approved  January  24,  1855,  appropri- 
ated $4,125  to  purchase  a site  for  a Hospital  for  the  Insane,  and  $50,000 for 
the  erection  of  a building.  Edward  Johnston,  of  Lee  county;  Charles  S. 
Clarke,  of  Henry  county,  and  the  Governor  (Grimes),  were  appointed  to  se- 
lect the  location  and  superintend  the  erection  of  a building.  They  made 
the  location  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Henry  county,  and  adopted  a plan  with  suffi- 
cient capacity  to  accommodate  three  hundred  patients.  Henry  Winslow 
was  appointed  to  superintend  the  erection  of  the  building.  The  building 
was  not  ready  for  occupancy  until  March,  1861.  Within  the  first  three 
months  about  one  hundred  patients  were  admitted.  Richard  J.  Patterson, 
M.  D.,  of  Ohio,  was  appinted  Superintendent,  and  in  1865  he  was  succeeded 
by  Dr.  Mark  Ranney.  From  the  opening  of  the  Hospital  to  the  1st  of  No- 
vember, 1877,  there  had  been  admitted  3,584  patients,  of  whom  1,141  had 
been  discharged  recovered,  505  improved,  589  unimproved,  and  one  died. 
The  total  number  discharged  was  2,976,  leaving  608  under  treatment. 

HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE,  INDEPENDENCE,  BUCHANAN  COUNTY. 

In  1868  a bill  passed  the  General  Assembly  making  an  appropriation  of 
$125,000  for  the  erection  of  an  additional  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  at  Inde- 
pendence, Buchanan  county.  A board  of  commissioners  was  appointed, 
who  commenced  their  duties  J une  8, 1868.  They  made  the  location  about 
a mile  from  Independence,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Wapsipinicon  river,  and 
about  one  mile  from  the  river.  The  building  w^as  ready  for  occupancy 
April  21, 1873.  On  the  1st  of  October,  1877,  the  Superintendent,  Albert 
Reynolds,  M.  D.,  reported  322  patients  in  the  hospital. 

COLLEGE  FOR  THE  BLIND,  VINTON,  BENTON  COUNTY. 

In  August,  1852,  Prof.  Samuel  Bacon,  himself  blind,  established  an  in- 
stitution at  Keokuk  for  the  instruction  of  the  blind.  In  January,  1853,  the 
General  Assembly  passed  an  act  by  which  the  State  adopted  the  institution 
at  Keokuk,  and  on  the  4th  of  April,  of  the  same  year,  it  was  opened  for  the 
reception  of  pupils,  at  Iowa  City.  A board  of  trustees  was  appointed,  with 
authority  to  receive  propositions  and  make  a»permanent  location.  Liberal 
donations  were  made  by  citizens  of  Yinton,  Benton  county,  and  that  place 
was  selected.  In  October,  1862,  the  institution  was  opened  at  Yinton  with 
twenty-four  pupils.  Up  to  1878  about  $285,000  have  been  expended  in 
buildings  and  improvements  connected  with  this  institution.  During  the 
period  of  two  years,  ending  November  6,  1877,  about  135  pupils  were 
in  attendance.  The  faculty  is  presided  over  by  Rev.  Robert  Carothers,  A. 
M.,  as  Principal. 


170 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  DEAF  AND  DUMB,  COUNCIL  BLUFFS,  POTTAWATTAMIE 

COUNTY. 

This  institution  was  established  first  at  Iowa  City,  by  an  act  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  approved  January  24,  1855.  W.  E.  Ijams  was  the  first 
Principal.  He  resigned  in  1862,  and  the  board  of  trustees  appointed  Ben- 
jamin Talbot  his  successor.  In  1868  commissioners  were  appointed  to  re- 
locate the  institution  and  superintend  the  erection  of  a building,  and  the 
sum  of  $125,000  was  appropriated  to  commence  the  work.  It  was  located 
about  two  miles  south  of  Council  Bluffs,  and  connected  with  it  is  a tract  of 
about  ninety  acres  of  ground.  The  main  building  and  one  wing  were  com- 
pleted October  1,  18T0,  and  immediately  occupied.  On  the  25th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1877,  the  main  building  and  east  wing  were  destroyed  by  fire,  and 
and  on  the  6th  of  August,  of  the  same  year,  the  roof  of  the  new  west  wing 
was  blown  off  and  the  walls  partially  injured  by  a tornado.  About  150 
pupils  were  in  attendance  at  the  time  of  the  fire.  About  half  of  the  classes 
were  dismissed,  reducing  the  number  to  about  seventy.  The  institution  re- 
mains in  charge  of  Benjamin  Talbot  as  Superintendent.  By  an  act  of  the 
General  Assembly,  approved  March  25,  1878,  the  sum  of  $40,000  was  ap- 
propriated for  the  purpose  of  rebuilding  and  completing  in  a plain  and  sub- 
stantial manner  the  main  building. 

soldiers’  orphans’  homes,  davenport,  cedar  falls,  glenwood. 

In  1866  the  General  Assembly  passed  an  act  establishing  three  Homes 
for  the  soldiers’  orphans,  as  follows:  located  at  Davenport,  Cedar  Falls, 
and  Glenwood.  This  was  the  result  of  a movement  inaugurated  by  Mrs. 
Annie  Wittenmeyer,  during  the  civil  war.  In  October,  1863,  she 
called  a convention  at  Davenport,  to  devise  measures  for  the  support  and 
education  of  the  orphan  children  of  Iowa  soldiers  who  had  fallen  in  the  na- 
tional defense.  An  association  was  formed,  and  provision  made  for  raising 
funds.  A sufficient  amount  of  funds  was  raised  to  open  the  Home,  and 
at  a meeting  of  the  Trustees  in  March,  1864,  they  decided  to  commence  op- 
erations at  once.  A large  brick  building  in  Yan  Buren  county  was  secured, 
and  on  the  13th  of  July,  of  the  same  year,  the  executive  committee  re- 
ported that  they  were  ready  to  receive  pupils.  In  little  more  than  six 
months  seventy  pupils  were  in  attendance.  The  Home  continued  to  be  sus- 
tained by  voluntary  subscriptions  until  1866,  when  it  was  assumed  by  the 
State  and  the  three  Homes  established  as  above  stated.  In  1876  the  Homes 
at  Cedar  Falls  and  Glenwood  were  discontinued,  and  the  pupils  remaining 
in  them  removed  to  the  Home  at  Davenport.  The  buildings  at  Cedar  Falls 
were  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  State  Normal  School,  and  those  at  Glen- 
wood to  the  use  of  the  Asylum  for  Feeble-Minded  Children.  September 
30,  1877,  there  were  in  attendance  at  the  Home  in  Davenport  139  sol- 
diers’ orphans,  and  forty-one  indigent  children,  the  Sixteenth  General  As- 
sembly having  passed  an  act  opening  the  Home  for  the  admission  of  in- 
digent children. 

ASYLUM  FOR  FEEBLE-MINDED  CHILDREN,  GLENWOOD,  MILLS  COUNTY. 

By  an  act  approved  March  17,  1876,  an  Asylum  for  Feeble-Minded 
Children  was  established  at  Glenwood,  Mills  county.  The  buildings  and 
grounds  for  the  Soldiers’  Orphans’  Home  were  by  the  same  act  transferred 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


171 


to  the  use  of  the  new  institution,  which  was  placed  under  the  management 
of  three  trustees,  who  held  their  first  meeting  at  Glenwood,  April  26,  187 6. 
The  property  having  been  repaired,  the  Asylum  was  opened  September  1, 
1876,  and  the  school  organized  on  the  6th  with  only  five  pupils.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1877,  the  number  had  increased  to  eighty-seven. 

THE  PENITENTIARY,  FORT  MADISON,  LEE  COUNTY. 

The  Territorial  Legislature  by  an  act  approved  January  25, 1839,  provided 
for  the  election  by  joint  ballot  of  the  Council  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives of  the  Territory,  of  three  directors  to  locate  the  Penitentiary  within 
one  mile  of  the  public  square  in  the  town  of  Fort  Madison,  and  provided 
further,  limiting  the  cost  of  the  Penitentiary  to  an  amount  not  exceeding 
forty  thousand  dollars.  The  same  act  authorized  the  Governor  to  draw  the 
sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  which  had  been  appropriated  by  Congress 
for  the  erection  of  public  buildings  ici  the  Territory  of  Iowa,  to  pay  for 
materials  and  work  on  the  building.  The  location  at  Fort  Madison,  how- 
ever, was  coupled  with  a proviso  that  the  citizens  of  that  place  and  Lee 
county  should  execute  to  the  directors  a deed  for  ten  acres  of  ground.  All 
the  conditions  were  complied  with,  and  the  erection  of  the  building  was 
commenced  July  9,  1839.  The  main  building  and  warden’s  house  were 
completed  in  the  autumn  of  1841.  Since  that  time  additions  and  other  im- 
provements have  been  made. 

ADDITIONAL  PENITENTIARY,  ANAMOSA,  JONES  COUNTY 

The  Additional  Penitentiary  at  Anamosa  was  established  under  an  act  of 
the  General  Assembly  approved  April  3,  1872.  Three  commissioners  were 
appointed  to  make  the  location  and  provide  for  the  erection  of  the  necessary 
buildings.  They  met  at  Anamosa,  June  4,  1872,  and  made  selection  of  a 
site  donated  by  the  citizens.  Work  was  commenced  on  the  building  Sep- 
tember 28th  of  the  same  year,  and  May  13,  1873,  twenty  convicts  were 
transferred  from  the  Penitentiary  at  Fort  Madison  to  Anamosa.  The  entire 
enclosure  embraces  fifteen  acres. 

THE  STATE  REFORM  SCHOOL,  ELDORA,  HARDIN  COUNTY. 

On  the  31st  of  March,  1868,  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  was  approved 
establishing  a State  Reform  School  near  the  town  of  Salem,  Henry  county. 
A board  of  trustees,  consisting  of  one  from  each  Congressional  district,  was 
appointed.  A proposition  was  accepted  for  the  lease  of  W hite’s  Iowa  Man- 
ual Labor  Institute  at  Salem,  the  buildings  fitted  up,  and  on  the  7 th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1868,  the  first  inmate  was  received  from  Jasper  county.  In  1872,  an  act 
was  passed  and  approved  providing  for  the  permanent  location,  and  $45,000 
appropriated  for  erecting  the  necessary  buildings.  The  permanent  location 
was  made  at  Eldora,  Hardin  county.  Inmates  are  admitted  at  ages  over 
seven  and  under  sixteen  years.  The  object  of  this  school  is  the  reformation 
of  juvenile  offenders. 

STATE  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 

This  society  was  organized  in  1856,  under  an  act  of  the  Sixth  General  As- 
sembly, “for  the  purpose  of  collecting,  arranging  and  preserving  books, 
pamphlets,  maps,  charts,  manuscripts,  papers,  paintings,  statuary,  and  other 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


172 

materials  illustrative  of  tlie  history  of  this  State;  and  also  to  preserve  the 
memory  of  the  early  pioneers  of  Iowa,  their  deeds,  exploits,  perils,  and  adven- 
tures ; to  secure  facts  relative  to  our  Indian  Tribes ; to  exhibit  faithfully  the 
antiquities,  and  to  mark  the  progress  of  our  rapidly  increasing  common- 
wealth; to  publish  such  of  the  collections  of  the  society  as  it  shall  from  time 
to  time  deem  of  value  and  interest;  to  bind  such  publications  and  other 
books,  pamphlets,  manuscripts  and  papers  as  they  may  publish  or  collect; 
and  to  aid  in  all  respects  as  may  be  within  its  province,  to  develop  the  his- 
tory of  this  State  in  all  its  departments.”  At  that  time  the  sum  of  $3,000 
per  annum  for  two  years  was  appropriated.  The  society  is  under  the  man- 
agement of  a board  of  Curators,  consisting  of  one  member  appointed  by  the 
governor  from  each  congressional  district,  and  of  nine  additional  members 
elected  by  the  society.  The  officers  consist  of  a president,  secretary,  treasurer 
and  librarian. 

RAILROADS. 

In  May,  1854,  the  first  rail  was  laid  in  Iowa,  at  or  near  high  water  mark 
on  the  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  in  the  city  of  Davenport.  That  year  the  road 
was  completed  to  Iowa  City,  a distance  of  about  54J  miles.  The  first  loco- 
motive in  Iowa  was  landed  at  Davenport  in  July  of  the  same  year,  and  was 
called  the  “Antoine  LeClaire.”  The  road  was  then  called  the  Mississippi 
& Missouri  Railroad.  The  first  rail  was  laid  at  Keokuk,  on  what  was  then 
called  the  Keokuk,  Fort  Des  Moines  & Minnesota  Railroad,  on  the  9th  day 
of  September,  1856,  and  in  October  of  the  same  year  two  locomotives  for  the 
road  were  landed  at  Keokuk  from  a barge  which  arrived  from  Quincy. 
They  were  called  the  “ Keokuk  ” and  the  “Des  Moines.” 

In  the  meantime  several  lines  of  railroad  had  been  projected  to  cross  the 
State  from  points  on  the  Mississippi.  On  the  15th  of  May,  1756,  an  act  of 
Congress  was  approved  making  a grant  of  land  to  the  State  to  aid  in  the 
construction  of  railroads  from  Burlington  to  the  Missouri  river,  near  the 
mouth  of  Platte  river;  from  Davenport,  via  Iowa  City  and  Fort  Des  Moines 
to  Council  Bluffs;  from  Lyons  northeasterly  to  a point  of  intersection  with 
the  main  line  of  the  Iowa  Central  Air  Line  Railroad,  near  Maquoketa 
thence  on  said  main  line,  running  as  near  as  practicable  on  the  forty-second 
parallel  across  the  State  to  the  Missouri  river,  and  from  Dubuque  to  a point  on 
the  Missouri  river  at  or  near  Sioux  City.  The  grant  embraced  the  sections 
designated  by  odd  numbers  six  miles  in  width  on  each  side  of  the  four  roads 
named.  Where  lands  had  been  sold  the  State  was  authorized  to  select  other 
lands  equal  in  quantity  from  alternate  sections  or  parts  of  sections  within 
fifteen  miles  of  the  lines  located.  The  law  provided  certain  conditions  to  be 
observed  by  the  State  in  disposing  of  the  lands  to  the  railroads  for  which 
they  were  granted.  In  consequence  of  this  grant  the  governor  called  a spe- 
cial session  of  the  General  Assembly  which  convened  at  Iowa  City  in  July  of 
that  year,  and  on  the  14th  of  the  same  month  an  act  was  approved  accepting 
the  grant,  and  regranting  the  lands  to  the  railroads  named,  on  certain  speci- 
fied conditions.  The  roads,  with  the  exception  of  the  Iowa  Central  Air  Line, 
accepted  the  several  grants,  and  located  their  lines  before  April  1, 1857,  that 
being  a stipulation  in  the  act  of  July  14th.  The  lands  granted  to  the  Iowa 
Central  Air  Line  road  were  again  granted  to  the  Cedar  Rapids  & Missouri 
River  Railroad  Company.  The  act  of  Congress  making  this  grant  named 
no  companies,  but  designated  certain  lines,  in  aid  of  which  they  should  be 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


173 


applied,  leaving  the  State  free  to  dispose  of  the  lands  to  such  companies  as 
would  comply  with  the  conditions.  The  state  granted  the  lands  to  the  fol- 
lowing companies:  Burlington  & Missouri  River  Railroad  Company;  Mis- 
sissippi & Missouri  River  Railroad  Company;  Cedar  Rapids  & Missouri 
River  Railroad  Company,  and  Dubuque  & Sioux  City  Railroad  Company. 
These  became  the  first  land  grant  roads  in  Iowa.  Several  subsequent  acts 
of  Congress  modified  the  conditions  of  the  first  act,  especially  with  reference 
to  changes  in  the  lines  of  the  several  roads.  On  the  12th  of  May,  1864, 
Congress  made  another  grant  of  land  to  the  State  to  aid  in  the  construction 
of  a"  railroad  from  McGregor  to  Sioux  City.  This  grant  embraced  every 
alternate  section  ten  miles  on  each  side  of  the  proposed  road,  with  the  right 
to  receive  other  lands  for  such  as  might  be  sold  or  pre-empted. 

By  an  act  approved  August  8,  1846,  Congress  granted  to  Iowa  the  alter- 
nate sections  on  each  side  of  the  Des  Moines  river  for  the  purpose  of  improv- 
ing the  navigation  of  that  river  from  the  mouth  to  the  Raccoon  Fork.  In 
1847  the  State  organized  a board  of  public  works.  The  board  constructed, 
or  partially  constructed,  dams  and  locks  at  some  four  or  five  points  on  the 
river,  when  with  the  approval  of  Congress,  the  lands  were  transferred  to  a 
company  styled  the  Des  Moines  Navigation  and  Railroad  Company.  At 
this  time  (1854)  the  board  of  public  works  had  disposed  of  most  of  the  lands 
below  the  Raccoon  Fork,  and  58,000  acres  above  it,  and  had  incurred  an 
indebtedness  of  $70,000  over  and  above  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  made. 
This  indebtedness  was  assumed  by  the  company.  In  the  meantime  there 
were  different  and  conflicting  rulings  as  to  whether  the  lands  above  the 
Raccoon  Fork  were  intended  to  be  included  in  the  grant.  This  led  to  a 
compromise  with  the  Des  Moines  Navigation  and  Railroad  Company.  The 
company  took  all  the  land  certified  to  the  State  prior  to  1857,  and  paid  the 
State  $20,000  in  addition  to  what  they  had  expended,  and  abandoned  the 
work.  Congress,  in  1862,  settled  the  question  as  to  the  extent  of  the  grant 
by  a definite  enactment  extending  the  grant  to  the  north  line  of  the  State, 
and  the  General  Assembly  granted  the  remainder  of  the  lands  to  the  Des 
Moines  Valley  Railroad  Company  to  aid  in  building  a railroad  up  and  along 
the  Des  Moines  valley,  and  thus  this  road  also  became  a land  grant  road. 

Under  the  several  acts  of  Congress  there  have  been  granted  to  the  State 
to  aid  in  building  railroads,  an  aggregate  of  4,394,400.63  acres  of  land, 
including  the  grant  of  August  8,  1846,  tor  the  Des  Moines  river  improve- 


ment, as  follows: 

Burlington  and  Missouri  River  Railroad 292,806.41 

Mississippi  and  Missouri  River  (now  C.  R.  I.  & P.) 482,374.36 

Iowa  Central  Air  Line  (now  Cedar  Rapids  & Missouri) 735,997.80 

Dubuque  & Sioux  City  & Branch 1,232,359.15 

McGregor  & Sioux  City  (now  McGregor  & Missouri  River). . 137,572.27 

Sioux  City  & St.  Paul 407,910.21 

Des  Moines  Valley 1,105,380.43 


Total  number  of  acres 4,394,400.63 


On  the  1st  of  January,  1877,  there  were  in  Iowa  3,938  miles  of  railroad. 
Since  that  time  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul,  as  it  is  now  called,  has 
been  extended  from  Algona  to  Sheldon,  and  several  other  lines  have  been 
constructed  or  extended,  making  over  4,000  miles  of  railroad  in  the  State, 
with  an  aggregate  assessed  valuation  of  over  $23,000,000.  Several  very 


174 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


important  roads  in  the  State  have  been  constructed  without  the  aid  of  land 
grants,  while  others  are  projected  and  will  be  completed  in  due  time. 

OFFICIAL  RECORD. 

TERRITORIAL  OFFICERS. 

Governors — Robert  Lucas,  1838-41;  John  Chambers,  1841-45;  James 
Clarke,  1845. 

Secretaries — William  B.  Conway,  1838,  died  1839;  James  Clarke,  1839; 
O.  H.  W.  Stull,  1841;  Samuel  J.  Burr,  1843;  Jesse  Williams,  1845. 

Auditors — Jesse  Williams,  1840;  Wm.  L.  Gilbert,  1843;  Robert  M. 
Secrest,  1845. 

Treasurers— Thornton  Bayliss,  1839;  Morgan  Reno,  1840. 

Judges — Charles  Mason,  Chief  Justice,  1838;  Joseph  Williams,  1838; 
Thomas  S.  Wilson, 1838. 

Presidents  of  Council — Jesse  B.  Browne,  1838-9;  Stephen  Hempstead, 
1839-40;  M.  Bainridge,  1840-1;  Jonathan  W.  Parker,  1841-2;  John  D. 
Elbert,  1842-3;  Thomas  Cox,  1843-4;  S.  Clinton  Hastings,  1845;  Stephen 
Hempstead,  1845-6. 

Speakers  of  the  House — William  H.  Wallace,  1838-9;  Edward  John- 
ston, 1839-40;  Thomas  Cox,  1840-1;  Warner  Lewis,  1841-2;  James  M. 
Morgan,  1842-3;  James  P.  Carleton,  1843-4;  James  M.  Morgan,  1845; 
George  W.  McCleary,  1845-6. 

First  Constitutional  Convention,  18 — Shepherd  Leffler,  President; 
Geo.  S.  Hampton,  Secretary. 

Second  C onstitutio7ial  Convention , 18 If — Enos  Lowe,  President;  Wil- 
liam Thompson,  Secretary. 

OFFICERS  OF  THE  STATE  GOVERNMENT. 

Governors — Ansel  Briggs,  1846  to  1850;  Stephen  Hempstead,  1850  to 
1854;  James  W.  Grimes,  1854  to  1858;  Ralph  P.  Lowe,  1858  to  1860; 
Samuel  J.  Kirkwood,  1860  to  1864;  William  M.  Stone,  1864  to  1868; 
Samuel  Merrill,  1868  to  1872;  Cyrus  C.  Carpenter,  1872  to  1876;  Samuel 
J.  Kirkwood,  1876  to  1877;  Joshua  G.  Newbold,  Acting,  1877  to  1878; 
John  H.  Gear,  1878  to -. 

Lieutenant  Governors — Office  created  by  the  new  Constitution  September 

3,  1857 — Oran  Faville,  1858-9;  Nicholas  J.  Rusch,  1860-1;  John  R. 
Needham,  1862-3;  Enoch  W.  Eastman,  1864-5;  Benjamin  F.  Gue,  1866- 
67;  John  Scott,  1868-9;  M.  M.  Walden,  1870-1;  H.  C.  Bulis,  1872-3; 
Joseph  Dysart,  1874-5;  Joshua  G.  Newbold,  1876-7;  Frank  T.  Campbell, 
1878  to  — -. 

Secretaries  of  State — Elisha  Cutler,  Jr.,  Dec.  5,  1846,  to  Dec.  4,  1848; 
Josiah  H.  Bonney,  Dec.  4,  1848,  to  Dec.  2,  1850;  George  W.  McCleary, 
Dec.  2,  1850,  to  Dec.  1,  1856;  Elijah  Sells,  Dec.  1,  1856,  to  Jan.  5,  1863; 
James  Wright,  Jan.  5,  1863,  to  Jan.  7,  1867;  Ed.  Wright,  Jan.  7,  1867,  to 
Jan.  6,  1873;  Josiah  T.  Young,  Jan.  6,  1873,  to  1879;  J.  A.  T.  Hull,  1879 
to  . 

Auditors  of  State — Joseph  T.  Fales,  Dec.  5,  1846,  to  Dec.  2,  1850; 
William  Pattee,  Dec.  2,  1850,  to  Dec.  4,  1854;  Andrew  J.  Stevens,  Dec. 

4,  1854,  resigned  in  1855;  John  Pattee,  Sept.  22,  1855,  to  Jan.  3,  1859; 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA.  175 

Jonathan  W.  Cattell,  1859  to  1865;  John  A.  Elliott,  1865  to  1871;  John 
Russell,  1871  to  1875;  Buren  R.  Sherman,  1875  to . 

Treasurers  of  State — Morgan  Reno,  Dec.  18,  1846,  to  Dec.  2,  1850; 
Israel  Kister,  Dec.  2,  1850,  to  Dec.  4,  1852;  Martin  L.  Morris,  Dec.  4, 
1852,  to  Jan.  2,  1859;  John  W.  Jones,  1859  to  1863;  William  H.  Holmes, 
1863  to  1867;  Samuel  E.  Rankin,  1867  to  1873;  William  Christy,  1873  to 
1877;  George  W.  Bemis,  1877  to . 

Superintendents  of  Public  Instruction — Office  created  in  1847 — 
James  Harlan,  June  5,  1847  (Supreme  Court  decided  election  void); 
Thomas  H.  Benton,  Jr.,  May  23,  1847,  to  June  7,  1854;  James  D.  Eads, 
1854-7;  Joseph  C.  Stone,  March  to  June,  1857;  Maturin  L.  Fisher,  1857 
to  Dec.,  1858,  when  the  office  was  abolished  and  the  duties  of  the  office  de- 
volved upon  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education. 

Secretaries  of  Board  of  Education — Thomas  H.  Benton,  Jr.,  1859- 
1863;  Oran  Faville,  Jan.  1,  1864.  Board  abolished  March  23,  1864. 

Superintendents  of  Public  Instruction — Office  re-created  March  23, 
1864 — Oran  Faville,  March  28,  1864,  resigned  March  1,  1867;  D,  Franklin 
Wells,  March  4,  1867,  to  Jan.,  1870;  A.  S.  Kissell,  1870  to  1872;  Alonzo 
Abernethy,  1872  to  1877 ; Carl  W.  von  Coelln,  1877  to . 

Registers  of  the  State  Land  Office — Anson  Hart,  May  5,  1855,  to  May 
13,  1857;  Theodore  S.  Parvin,  May  13,  1857,  to  Jan.  3,  1859;  Amos  B. 
Miller,  Jan.  3,  1859,  to  October,  1862;  Edwin  Mitchell,  Oct.  31,  1862,  to 
Jan.  5,  1863;  Josiah  A.  Harvey,  Jan.  5,  1863,  to  Jan.  7,  1867;  Cyrus  C. 
Carpenter,  Jan.  7,  1867,  to  January,  1871;  Aaron  Brown,  January,  1871, 
to  January,  1875;  David  Secor,  January,  1875  to  1879;  J.  K.  Powers,  1879 
to . 

State  Bidders — Office  created  February  21,  1855 — William  M.  Coles, 
May  1,  1855,  to  May  1,  1859;  Frank  M.  Mills,  1859  to  1867;  James  S. 
Carter,  1867  to  1870;  J.  J.  Smart,  1870  to  1874;  H.  A.  Perkins,  1874  to 
1875;  James  J.  Smart,  1875  to  1876;  H.  A.  Perkins,  1876  to  1879;  Matt. 
C.  Parrott,  1879  to . 

State  Printers — Office  created  Jan.  3,  1840 — Garrett  D.  Palmer  and 
George  Paul,  1849;  William  H.  Merritt,  1851  to  1853;  William  A.  Horn- 
ish,  1853  (resigned  May  16,  1853);  Mahoney  & Dorr,  1853  to  1855;  Peter 
Moriarty,  1855  to  1857;  John  Teesdale,  1857  to  1861;  Francis  W.  Palmer, 
1861  to  1869;  Frank  M.  Mills,  1869  to  1870;  G.  W.  Edwards,  1870  to 
1872;  R.  P.  Clarkson,  1872  to  1879;  Frank  M.  Mills,  1879  to . 

Adjutants  General — Daniel  S.  Lee,  1851-5;  Geo.  W.  McCleary,  1855- 
7;  Elijah  Sells,  1857;  Jesse  Bowen,  1857-61;  Nathaniel  B.  Baker,  1861  to 

1877;  John  H.  Looby,  1877  to  1878;  Noble  Warwick,  resigned; 

G.  L.  Alexander,  1878  to . 

Attorneys  General — David  C.  Cloud,  1853-56;  Samuel  A.  Rice,  1856- 
60;  Charles  C.  Nourse,  1861-4;  Isaac  L.  Allen,  1865  (resigned  January, 
1866);  Frederick  E.  Bissell,  1866  (died  June  12,  1867);  Henry  O’Connor, 
1867-72;  Marsena  E.  Cutts,  1872-6;  John  F.  McJunkin,  1877  to . 

Presidents  of  the  Senate — Thomas  Baker,  1846-7 ; Thomas  Hughes, 
1848;  John  J.  Selman,  1848-9;  Enos  Lowe,  1850-1;  William  E.  Lefhng- 
well,  1852-3;  Maturin  L.  Fisher,  1854-5;  William  W.  Hamilton,  1856-7. 
Under  the  new  Constitution,  the  Lieutenant  Governor  is  President  of  the 
Senate. 

Speakers  of  the  House — Jesse  B.  Browne,  1847-8;  Smiley  II.  Bonhan, 
1849-50;  George  Temple,  1851-2:  James  Grant,  1853-4;  Reuben  Noble, 


176 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


1855-6;  Samuel  McFarland,  1856-7;  Stephen  B.  Sheledy,  1858-9;  John 
Edwards,  1860-1;  Bush  Clark,  1862-3;  Jacob  Butler,  1864—5;  Ed.  Wright, 
1866-7;  John  Bussell,  1868-9;  Aylett  B.  Cotton,  1870—1 ; James  Wilson, 
1872-3;  John  H.  Gear,  1874—7;  John  Y.  Stone,  1878. 

New  Constitutional  Convention , 1857 — Francis  Springer,  President; 
Thos.  J.  Saunders,  Secretary. 

STATE  OFFICERS,  1878, 

John  EL.  Gear,  Governor;  Frank  T.  Campbell,  Lieutenant  Governor;  Josiah 
T.  Young,  Secretary  ot  State;  Buren  B.  Sheaman,  Auditor  of  State;  Geo. 
W.  Bemis  Treasurer  of  State;  David  Secor,  Begister  of  State  Land  Office; 
John  H.  Looby,  Adjutant-General;  John  F.  McJunken,  Attorney-General; 
Mrs.  Ada  North,  State  Librarian ; Edward  J.  Holmes,  Clerk  Supreme  Court; 
John  S.  Bunnells,  Beporter  Supreme  Court;  Carl  W.  von  Ceolln,  Superin- 
tendent Public  Instruction;  Bichard  P.  Clarkson,  State  Printer;  Henry  A. 
Perkins,  State  Binder;  Prof.  Nathan  B.  Leonard,  Superintendent  of  Weights 
and  Measures;  William  H.  Fleming,  Governor’s  Private  Secretary;  Fletcher 
W.  Young,  Deputy  Secretary  of  State;  John  C.  Parish,  Deputy  Auditor  of 
State;  Erastus  G.  Morgan,  Deputy  Treasurer  of  State;  John  M.  Davis, 
Deputy  Begister  Land  Office;  Ira  C.  Kling,  Deputy  Superintendent  Pub- 
lic Instruction. 

STATE  OFFICERS,  1879. 

John  H.  Gear,  Governor;  Frank  T.  Campbell,  Lieutenant-Governor; 
J.  A.  T.  Hull,  Secretary  of  State;  Buren  B.  Sherman,  Auditor  of  State; 
George  W.  Bemis,  Treasurer  of  State;  J.  K.  Powers,  Begister  of  State  Land 
Office;  G.  L.  Alexander,  Adjutant-General;  John  F.  McJunken,  Attor- 
ney-General; Mrs.  Sadie  Bt  Maxwell,  State  Librarian;  Edward  J.  Holmes, 
Clerk  Supreme  Court;  John  S.  Bunnells,  Beporter  Supreme  Court;  Carl 
W.  von  Coelln,  Superintendent  Public  Instruction;  EYank  M.  Mills,  State 
Printer;  Matt  C.  Parrott,  State  Binder. 

THE  JUDICIABY. 

SUPREME  COURT  OF  IOWA. 

Chief  Justices. — Charles  Mason,  resigned  in  June,  1847;  Joseph  Wil- 
liams, Jan.,  1847,  to  Jan.,  1848;  S.  Clinton  Hastings,  Jan.,  1848,  to  Jan., 
1849;  Joseph  Williams,  Jan.,  1849,  to  Jan.  11,  1855;  George  G.  Wright, 
Jan.  11,  1855,  to  Jan.,  1860;  Balph  P.  Lowe,  Jan.,  1860,  to  Jan.  1,  1862; 
Caleb  Baldwin,  Jan.,  1862,  to  Jan.,  1864;  George  G.  Wright,  Jan.,  1864,  to 
Jan.,  1866;  Balpli  P.  Lowe,  Jan.,  1866,  to  Jan.,  1868;  John  F.  Dillon, 
Jan.,  1868,  to  Jan.,  1870;  Chester  C.  Cole,  Jan.  1,  1870,  to  Jan.  1,  1871; 
James  G.  Day,  Jan.  1,  1871.  to  Jan.  1,  1872;  Joseph  M.  Beck,  Jan.  1, 1872, 
to  Jan.  1,  1874;  Wm.  E.  Miller,  Jan.  1,  1874,  to  Jan.  1,  1876;  Chester  C. 
Cole,  Jan.  1,  1876,  to  Jan.  1,  1877 ; James  G.  Day,  Jan.  1,  1877,  to  Jan.  1, 
1878;  James  H.  Bothrock,  Jan.  1,  1878. 

Associate  Judges. — Joseph  Williams;  Thomas  S.  Wilson,  resigned  Oct., 
1847 ; John  F.  Kinney,  June  12,  1847,  resigned  Feb.  15,  1854 ; George 
Greene,  Nov.  1,  1847,  to  Jan  9,  1855;  Jonathan  C.  Hall,  Feb.  15,  1854,  to 
succeed  Kinney,  resigned,  to  Jan.,  1855;  William  G.  Woodward,  Jan.  9, 
1855;  Norman  W.  Isbell,  Jan.  16,  1855,  resigned  1856;  Lacen  D.  Stockton, 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


177 


June  3,  1856,  to  succeed  Isbell,  resigned,  died  June  9,  1860;  Caleb  Bald- 
win, Jan.  11,  1860,  to  1864;  Ralph  P.  Lowe,  Jan.  12, 1860;  Geo.  G.  Wright, 
June  26,  1860,  to  succeed  Stockton,  deceased;  elected  U.  S.  Senator,  1870; 
John  F.  Dillon,  Jan.  1,  1864,  to  succeed  Baldwin,  resigned,  1870;  Chester 
C.  Cole,  March  1, 1864,  to  1867 ; Joseph  M.  Beck,  Jan.  1,  1868;  W.  E.  Mil- 
ler, October  11,  1864,  to  succeed  Dillon,  resigned;  Janies  G.  Day,  Jan.  1, 
1871,  to  succeed  Wright. 

SUPREME  COURT,  1879. 

Joseph  M.  Beck,  Lee  county,  Chief  Justice;  Austin  Adams,  Dubuque 
county,  Associate  Justice;  William  H.  See  vers,  Mahaska  county,  Associate 
Justice;  James  G.  Day,  Fremont  county,  Associate  Justice;  Jas.  II.  Roth- 
rock,  Cedar  county,  Associate  Justice. 


CONGRESSIONAL  REPRESENTATION. 

UNITED  STATES  SENATORS. 

(The  first  General  Assembly  failed  to  elect  Senators.) 

George  W.  Jones,  Dubuque,  Dec.  1848-1858;  Augustus  C.  Dodge,  Bur- 
lington, Dec.  7, 1848-1855;  James  Harlan,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Jan.  6, 1855-1865; 
James  W.  Grimes,  Burlington,  Jan.  26,  1858 — died  1870;  Samuel  J.  Kirk- 
wood, Iowa  City,  elected  Jan  13,  1866,  to  fill  vacancy  occasioned  by  resig- 
nation of  James  Harlan;  James  Harlan, Mt.  Pleasant,  March  4, 1866-1872; 
James  B.  Howell,  Keokuk,  elected  Jan.  20,  1870,  to  fill  vacancy  caused  by 
the  death  of  J.  W.  Grimes — term  expired  March  3d;  George  G.  Wright, 
Des  Moiues,  March  4,  1871-1877 ; William  B.  Allison,  Dubuque,  March  4, 
1872;  Samuel  J.  Kirkwood,  March  4,  1877. 

MEMBERS  OF  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 

Twenty-ninth  Congress — 18 If  to  181fl — S.  Clinton  Hastings;  Shepherd 

Lefiler. 

Thirtieth  Congress — 18 f7  to  181+9 — First  District,  William  Thompson; 
Second  District,  Shepherd  Lefiler. 

Thirty-first  Congress — 181+9  to  1851 — First  District,  First  Session,  Wm. 
Thompson;  unseated  by  the  House  of  Representatives  on  a contest,  and 
election  remanded  to  the  people.  First  District,  Second  Session,  Daniel  F. 
Miller;  Second  District,  Shepherd  Lefiler. 

Thirty-second  Congress — 1851  to  1853 — First  District,  Bernhart  Henn  ; 
Second  District,  Lincoln  Clark. 

Thirty-thi/rd  Congress — 1853  to  1855 — First  District,  Bernhart  Henn; 
Second  District,  John  P.  Cook. 

Thirty -fourth  Congress — 1855  to  1857 — First  District,  Augustus  Hall; 
Second  District,  James  Thorington. 

Thirty-fifth  Congress — 1857  to  1859 — First  District,  Samuel  R.  Curtis; 
Second  District,  Timothy  Davis. 

Thirty-sixth  Congress — 1859  to  1861 — First  District,  Samuel  R.  Curtis; 
Second  District.  William  Yandever. 


12 


178 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


Thirty -seventh  Congress — 1861  to  1863 — First  District,  First  Session, 
Samuel  R.  Curtis.*  First  District,  Second  and  Third  Sessions,  Jas.  F.  Wil- 
son; Second  District,  Wm.  Yandever. 

Thirty-eighth  Congress — 1863  to  1865 — First  District,  James  F.  Wilson; 
Second  District,  Hiram  Price;  Third  District,  William  B.  Allison;  Fourth 
District  Josiah  B.  G-rinnell;  Fifth  District,  John  A.  Kasson;  Sixth  Dist,, 
Asahel  W.  Hubbard. 

Thirty -ninth  Congress — 1865  to  1867 — First  District,  James  F.  Wilson; 
Second  District  Hiram  Price;  Third  District,  William  B.  Allison;  Fourth 
District  Josiah  B.  G-rinnell;  Fifth  District  John  A.  Kasson;  Sixth  District, 
Asahel  W.  Hubbard. 

Fortieth  Congress — 1867  to  1869 — First  District,  James  F.  Wilson;  Sec- 
ond District,  Hiram  Price;  Third  District,  William  B.  Allison;  Fourth 
District,  William  Loughridge;  Fifth  District,  Grenville  M.  Dodge;  Sixth 
District,  Asahel  W.  Hubbard. 

Forty-first  Congress — 1869  to  1871 — First  District,  Geo.  W.  McCrary; 
Second  District  William  Smyth;  Third  District,  William  B.  Allison;  Fourth 
District,  William  Loughridge;  Fifth  District,  Frank  W.  Palmer;  Sixth 
District,  Charles  Pomeroy. 

Forty-second  Congress — 1871  to  1873 — First  District,  George  W.  Mc- 
Crary; Second  District,  Aylett  R.  Cotton;  Third  District  W.  G.  Donnan; 
Fourth  District,  Madison  M.  Walden;  Fifth  District,  Frank  W.  Palmer; 
Sixth  District,  Jackson  Orr. 

Forty -third  Congress — 1873  to  1875 — First  District,  Geo.  W.  McCrary; 
Second  District,  Aylett  R.  Cotton;  Third  District,  William  G.  Donnan; 
Fourth  District,  Henry  O.  Pratt;  Fifth  District,  James  Wilson;  Sixth  Dis- 
trict, William  Loughridge;  Seventh  District,  John  A Kasson;  Eighth  Dis-  * 
trict,  James  W.  McDill;  Ninth  District,  Jackson  Orr. 

Forty-fourth  Congress — 1875  to  1877 — First  District  George  W.  Mc- 
Crary; Second  District,  John  Q.  Tufts;  Third  District,  L.  L.  Ainsworth; 
Fourth  District,  Henry  O.  Pratt;  Fifth  District,  James  Wilson;  Sixth  Dis- 
trict, Ezekiel  S.  Sampson;  Seventh  District,  John  A.  Kasson;  Eighth  Dis- 
trict, James  W.  McDill;  Ninth  District,  Addison  Oliver. 

Forty -fifth  Congress — 1877  to  1879 — First  District,  J.  C.  Stone;  Second 
District,  Hiram  Price;  Third  District,  T.  W.  Burdick;  Fourth  District,  H. 
C.  Deering;  Fifth  District,  Rush  Clark;  Sixth  District,  E.  S.  Sampson; 
Seventh  District,  H.  J.  B.  Cummings;  Eighth  District,  W.  F.  Sapp;  Ninth 
District,  Addison  Oliver. 

Forty-sixth  Congress — 1879  to  1881 — First  District,  Moses  A.  McCoid; 
Second  District,  Hiram  Price;  Third  District,  Thomas  Updegraff;  Fourth 
District,  H.  C.  Deering;  Fifth  District,  Rush  Clark;  Sixth  District,  J.  B. 
Weaver;  Seventh  District,  E.  H.  Gillette;  Eighth  District,  W.  F.  Sapp; 
Ninth  District,  Cyrus  C.  Carpenter. 

STATE  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

On  the  14th  of  April,  1853,  the  following  editorial  appeared  in  the  Fair- 
field  Ledger: 

“ State  Fair. — Iowa  is  an  Agricultural  State,  but  as  yet  her  agricultural 
resources  are  but  in  the  infancy  ot  their  development.  In  some  counties, 

* Vacated  seat  by  acceptance  of  commission  of  Brigadier  General,  and  J.  F.  Wilson 
chosen  his  successor. 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


179 


however,  some  attention  has  been  paid  to  the  organization  of  societies  for  the 
promotion  of  the  interests  of  agriculture.  These  several  societies  have  had 
their  annual  fairs,  and  in  this  way  much  good  has  been  done,  but  the  growing 
importance  of  our  agricultural  and  industrial  interest  now  demands  a more 

feneral  and  extensive  arrangement.  Let  us  then  have  a State  Agricultural 
'air  sometime  in  next  October  or  November.  Let  some  central  point  be 
fixed  upon  for  an  exhibition  which  will  be  an  honor  to  our  young  State.  It 
would  not  be  expected  that  the  first  exhibition  of  the  kind  would  vie  with 
those  of  older  States,  where  societies  have  long  been  established.  But  in  a 
few  years  a well  organized  State  Society  with  its  annual  fairs,  would  accom- 
plish the  same  good  results  that  have  attended  them  in  other  States.  The 
mechanical  arts,  as  well  as  the  raising  of  stock  or  grain,  might  be  brought 
to  a high  state  of  perfection.  We  suggest  that  this  matter  be  taken  into 
consideration  in  time,  and  let  there  be  a union  of  all  the  county  societies 
that  are  organized,  with  such  as  may  be  organized,  for  the  purpose  of  hold- 
ing a general  Agricultural  and  Industrial  Exhibition  next  fall.” 

The  suggestions  of  the  foregoing  article  were  heartily  seconded  by  several 
papers  of  the  State,  and  especially  by  the  Iowa  Farmer  and  Horticulturist , 
at  Burlington. 

No  definite  action  was  taken  until  the  14th  day  of  October,  1853,  when 
at  the  close  of  the  Second  Annual  Exhibiton  of  the  Jefferson  County  Agri- 
cultural Society,  that  Society  met  for  the  election  of  a board  of  officers. 
At  this  meeting  C.  W.  Slagle  offered  the  following  resolution : 

Resolved , That  the  officers  of  the  Society  be  instructed  to  take  immediate 
steps  to  effect  the  organiztion  of  a State  Agricultural  Society  and  use  their 
influence  to  have  said  Society  hold  its  first  exhibition  at  Fairfield,  in  Octo- 
ber, 1854. 

This  resolution  was  adopted,  and  on  the  21st  of  November,  a notice  signed 
by  F.  L.  Huyett,  0.  Baldwin,  and  J.  M.  Shaffer,  was  issued  to  the  different 
county  societies,  inviting  them  to  send  delegates  to  a meeting  to  be  held  at 
Fairfield,  December  28,  1853,  to  take  part  in  the  organization  of  a State 
Society.  Pursuant  to  this  call,  the  meeting  was  held,  and  delegates  were 
present  from  the  counties  of  Henry,  Jefferson,  Lee,  Yan  Buren  and  Wap- 
ello. Communications  from  officers  of  societies,  and  one  from  Hon.  James 
W.  Grimes,  were  read,  heartily  approving  of  the  movement.  D.  P.  Ins- 
keep,  of  Wapello  county,  was  chairman  of  the  meeting,  and  David  Sheward, 
of  Jefferson  county,  secretary.  A committee  was  appointed  which  reported 
a constitution  for  the  society.  The  society  was  duly  organized  with  the  fol- 
following  officers:  Thomas  W.  Claggett,  Lee  county,  President;  D.  P.  Ins- 
keep,  Wapello  county,  Yice  President;  J.  M.  Shaffer,  Jefferson  county, 
Secretary ; C.  W.  Slagle,  J efferson  county,  Corresponding  Secretary,  and  W. 
B.  Chamberlin,  Des  Moines  county,  Treasurer. 

In  addition  to  the  above  officers,  the  following  were  appointed  a Board  of 
Managers : 

Lee  County. — Arthur  Bridgeman,  Beuben  Brackett,  and  Josiah  Hinkle. 
Van  Buren  County. — Timothy  Day,  Dr.  Elbert,  and  William  Campbell. 
Henry  County. — Thomas  Siviter,  Amos  Lapham,  and  J.  W.  Frazier. 
Jetferson  County. — P.  L.  Huyett,  John  Andrews,  and  B.  B.  Tuttle. 
Wapello  County. — B.  H.  Warden,  Gen.  Bamsay,  and  Uriah  Biggs. 
Mahaska  County. — Wm.  McKinley,  Sr.,  John  White,  and  M.  T.  Wil- 
liams. 

Polk  County. — Dr.  Brooks,  Thomas  Mitchell,  and  William  McKay. 


180 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


Des  Moines  County. — J.  F.  Tallant,  A.  K.  Avery,  and  G.  Neely. 

Louisa  County. — George  Kee,  Francis  Springer,  and  Joshua  Marshal], 

Muscatine  County. — J.  EL  Wallace,  James  Weed,  a*nd  John  A.  Parvin. 

Dubuque  County. — W.  Y.  Lovel,  Orlando  McCraney,  and  L.  EL  Lang- 
worthy. 

Johnson  County. — B.  EL  Sylvester,  LeGrand  Byington,  and  C.  Saunders. 

Scott  County. — J.  A.  Burcliard,  James  Thorington,  and  Laurel  Summers. 

A resolution  was  adopted  providing  that  the  first  State  Fair  be  held  at 
Fairfield,  commencing  Wednesday,  October  25,  1854.  A resolution  was 
also  adopted  for  the  appointment  of  a committee  of  five  to  memorialize  the 
General  Assembly  for  pecuniary  aid,  and  the  following  were  appointed: 
George  W.  McCleary,  of  Johnson  county;  George  S.  Hampton,  of  Johnson 
county;  David  Borer,  of  Des  Moines  county;  Balph  P.  Lowe,  of  Lee 
county,  and  George  Gillaspy,  of  Wapello  county. 

At  this  meeting  the  following  fourteen  persons  affixed  their  signatures  to 
the  Constitution,  agreeing  to  become  members:  Charles  Negus,  J.  M. 
Shaffer,  D.  P.  Inskeep,  Amos  Lapham,  J.  W.  Frazier,  Josiah  Hinkle,  J.  T. 
Gibson,  Stephen  Frazier,  Evan  Marshall,  Thomas  Siviter,  John  Andrews, 
B.  B.  Tuttle,  Eli  Williams,  and  P.  L.  Huyett. 

This  meeting  was  held  in  the  court  house  at  Fairfield,  and  was  not  very 
largely  attended,  for  at  that  time  there  was  not  a mile  of  railroad  in  the 
State. 

THE  FIRST  STATE  FAIR. 

In  accordance  with  the  arrangement  made  at  the  organization  of  the  So- 
ciety, the  first  annual  fair  was  held  at  Fairfield,  commencing  October  25th, 
1854,  and  continued  three  days.  The  number  of  people  in  attendance  was 
estimated  at  the  time  at  from  7,000  to  8,000.  The  exhibition  was  consid- 
ered a grand  success.  All  portions  of  the  State  at  that  time  settled,  were 
represented  by  visitors.  The  fair  was  held  on  the  grounds  which  have  for 
many  years  been  occupied  as  the  depot  grounds  of  the  Burlington  & Mis- 
souri Biver  Bailroad.  There  was  a fine  display  of  stock,  agricultural  imple- 
ments, farm  products,  and  articles  of  domestic  manufacture.  In  the  ladies’ 
department  there  was  an  attractive  exhibit  of  their  handi-work.  The  nat- 
ural history  of  the  State  was  illustrated  by  Dr.  J.  M.  Shaffer’s  collection  of 
reptiles  and  insects,  and  by  a fine  collection  of  birds  shown  by  Mr.  Moore, 
of  Des  Moines.  The  dairy  was  well  represented,  and  a cheese  weighing 
three  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  was  presented  to  Gov.  Grimes  by  his  Lee 
county  friends. 

The  most  exciting  incident  of  the  fair  was  the  equestrian  exhibition  by 
ten  ladies.  This  took  place  on  the  afternoon  of  the  second  and  the  forenoon 
of  the  third  day.  The  first  prize  was  a gold  watch,  valued  at  one  hundred 
dollars.  It  was  awarded  by  the  committee  to  Miss  Turner,  of  Keokuk. 
One  of  the  fair  contestants  was  Miss  Eliza  J.  Hodges,  then  only  thirteen 
years  of  age.  She  rode  a splendid  and  high-spirited  horse,  the  property  of 
Dr.  J.  C.  Ware,  of  Fairfield.  .The  daring  style  Yf  her  riding,  and  the  per- 
fect control  of  the  animal  which  she  maintained,  enlisted  the  favor  and 
sympathy  of  the  throng  present  in  her  behalf.  The  popular  verdict  would 
have  awarded  the  prize  to  Miss  Hodges.  A purse  of  $165,  and  some  other 
presents,  were  immediately  contributed  for  the  “ Jowa  City  girl,”  as  the 
heroine  of  the  day  was  called.  Provision  was  also  made  for  her  attendance, 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


181 


free  of  all  charge,  for  three  terms,  at  the  Ladies’  Seminary  at  Fairfield,  and 
one  term  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  all  of  which  she  gracefully  accepted. 

George  C.  Dixon,  of  Keokuk,  delivered  the  first  annual  address.  Thomas 
W.  Claggett  was  re-elected  President,  and  Dr.  J.  M.  Shaffer,  Secretary.  The 
second  annual  fair  was  appointed  also  to  be  held  at  Fairfield,  commencing 
on  the  second  Wednesday  in  October,  1855,  and  continuing  three  days. 

Such  is  a brief  account  of  the  humble  beginning,  and  first  exhibition 
of  the  Iowa  State  Agricultural  Society,  which  has  since  grown  to  be  one  of 
the  important  institutions  of  the  State,  attracting  to  its  annual  exhibits 
many  thousands  of  people,  not  only  from  all  parts  of  Iowa,  but  from  other 
States. 

THE  FISH  COMMISSION. 

The  Fifteenth  General  Assembly,  in  1871,  passed  “ An  act  to  provide  for 
the  appointment  of  a Board  of  Fish  Commissioners  for  the  construction  of 
Fishways  for  the  protection  and  propagation  of  Fish,”  also  “ An  act  to  pro- 
vide for  furnishing  the  rivers  and  lakes  with  fish  and  fish  spawn.”  This 
act  appropriated  $3,000  for  the  purpose.  In  accordance  with  the  provisions 
of  the  first  act  above  mentioned,  on  the  9th  of  April,  1874,  S.  B.  Evans  of 
Ottumwa,  Wapello  county;  B.  F.  Shaw  of  Jones  county,  and  Charles 
A.  Haines,  of  Black  Hawk  county  were  appointed  to  be  Fish  Commission- 
ers by  the  Governor.  These  Commissioners  met  at  Des  Moines,  May  10, 
1874,  and  organized  by  the  election  of  Mr.  Evans,  President;  Mr.  Shaw, 
Secretary  and  Superintendent,  and  Mr.  Haines,  Treasurer.  During  the 
first  year  the  Commissioners  erected  a “hatching  house”  near  A namosa, 
and  distributed  within  the  State  100,000  shad,  300,000  California  salmon, 
10.000  bass,  80,000  Penobscot  salmon,  5,000  land-locked  salmon,  and  20,- 
000  of  other  kinds. 

The  next  General  Assembly  amended  the  law,  reducing  the  commission 
to  one  member,  and  B.  F.  Shaw  was  appointed.  During  the  second  year 
there  were  distributed  533,000  California  salmon,  and  100,000  young  eels; 
in  1877,  there  were  distributed  303,500  lake  trout  in  the  rivers  and  lakes 
of  the  State,  and  several  hundred  thousands  of  other  species.  During  the 
years  1876  and  1877,  the  total  number  of  different  kinds  distributed,  and 
on  hand,  was  oyer  five  and  a half  million.  The  Seventeenth  General  As- 
sembly, by  an  act  approved  March  23,  1878,  appropriated  $6,000  for  con- 
tinuing the  promotion  of  fish  culture  in  the  State.  B.  F.  Shaw  was  con- 
tinued as  Commissioner. 

STATE  ENCOURAGEMENT  OF  IMMIGRATION. 

The  first  legislative  act  in  Iowa  designed  to  promote  immigration,  was 
passed  in  March,  1860.  The  law  provided  for  the  appointment  by  the  Gov- 
ernor of  a Commissioner  of  Immigration  to  reside  and  keep  an  office  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  from  the  first  of  May  until  the  first  of  December  of 
each  year.  It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  to  give  to  immi- 
grants information  in  regard  to  the  soil  and  climate  of  the  State,  branches 
of  business  to  be  pursued  with  advantage,  the  cheapest  and  best  routes  by 
which  to  reach  the  State,  and  to  protect  them  from  imposition.  To  carry 
out  the  objects  of  the  law,  the  sum  of  $4,500  was  appropriated  to  be  ap- 
plied as  follows:  for  the  payment  of  the  Commissioner  two  years,  $2,400; 


182 


HISTORY  OF  IOWA. 


for  printing  documents  in  English,  German,  and  such  other  languages  as 
the  Governor  might  deem  advisable,  $1,000,  and  for  office  and  office  ex- 
penses for  the  Commissioner,  $1,100.  Under  this  law,  Hon.  H.  J.  Rusch,  of 
Scott  county,  who  had  previously  been  Lieutenant  Governor,  was  appointed 
Immigration  Commissioner,  and  in  May,  1860,  established  an  office  in  Hew 
York.  The  object  of  the  law  seems  to  have  had  special  reference  to  foreign 
immigration.  The  Commissioner  in  his  report  to  the  Governor,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1861,  gave  it  as  his  opinion,  that  the  establishment  of  an  agency  in 
Hew  York  was  not  the  most  successful  method  of  inducing  immigration  to 
a particular  State.  He  thought  far  more  could  be  accomplished  at  less  ex- 
pense by  the  distribution  ot  documents.  In  February,  1862,  the  law  was 
repealed,  and  the  office  of  Commissioner  of  Immigration  was  discontinued 
May  1st  of  that  year. 

The  next  effort  put  forth  by  the  State  to  promote  immigration  was  under 
an  act  passed  by  the  Thirteenth  General  Assembly,  in  1870.  Hon.  M.  J. 
Rohlfs,  of  Scott  county,  had  at  the  previous  session  introduced  a bill  in  the 
House  of  Representatives  for  the  purpose,  but  the  measure  did  not  then 
succeed.  At  the  next  session  he  renewed  his  efforts  with  success.  The  law 
provided  for  the  appointment  by  the  Governor  of  a Board  of  Immigration, 
to  consist  of  one  member  from  each  Congressional  district,  and  the  Gov- 
ernor, who  was  ex-officio  President  of  the  Board.  It  also  provided  for  a 
Secretary,  to  be  ex-officio  Commissioner  of  Immigration,  and  to  be  chosen 
by  the  Board.  Provision  was  also  made  for  the  appointment  of  agents  in 
the  Eastern  States  and  in  Europe,  and  for  the  publication  and  distribution 
of  documents.  To  carry  out  its  objects  an  appropriation  of  $5,000  was 
made.  This  was  designed  to  pay  expense  of  documents,  salary  of  Secre- 
tary, and  compensation  of  agents,  the  members  of  the  Board  receiving  no 
compensation,  except  mileage  for  two  meetings  each  year,  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  general  fund.  Under  this  law  the  following  persons  were  appointed  by 
Governor  Merrill : Edward  Mumm,  of  Lee  county ; M.  J.  Rohlis,  of  Scott 
county;  C.  L.  Clausen,  of  Mitchell  county;  C.  Rhynsburger,  of  Marion 
county;  S.  F.  Spofford,  of  Polk  county,  and  Marcus  Tuttle,  of  Cerro  Gordo 
county.  At  their  first  meeting,  held  in  April,  1870,  they  elected  A.  R. 
Fulton  their  Secretary,  and  authorized  him  to  prepare  a pamphlet  for  dis- 
tribution, in  the  English,  German,  Holland,  Swedish  and  Horwegian  lan- 
guages. Many  thousands  of  copies  of  a pamphlet  entitled  “Iowa:  The 
Home  for  Immigrants,”  were  printed  in  the  several  languages  named,  and 
distributed  throughout  the  East  and  in  European  countries.  Many  other 
pamphlets  and  documents  were  also  distributed,  and  several  agents  com- 
missioned. So  successful  were  the  efforts  of  the  Board  that  the  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly  appropriated  $10,000  for  continuing  the  work.  The  amend- 
atory law,  however,  reduced  the  Board  to  five  members,  including  the  Gov- 
ernor. The  Board,  as  reduced,  was  composed  of  the  following  members: 
M.  J.  Rohlfs,  of  Scott  county;  S.  F.  Spofford,  of  Polk  county;  Marcus 
Tuttle,  of  Cerro  Gordo  county;  C.  Y.  Gardner,  of  Pottawattamie  county, 
and  the  Governor.  The  new  Board  continued  the  former  Secretary,  and 
pursued  its  work  by  the  distribution  of  documents,  through  agents  and  by 
correspondence.  After  four  years  existence  the  Board  of  Immigration  was 
discontinued,  but  not  until  it  had  doubtless  been  the  means  of  inducing 
thousands  to  find  homes  within  the  borders  of  Iowa. 


Statistics. 


^UMBEK  OF  TEOOPS  FUBNISHED  BY  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA 
DUEING  THE  WAE  OF  THE  EEBELLIOH, 

TO  JAHUAEY  1,  1865  * 


1st 

2d 

3d 

4th 

5th 

6th 

7th 

8th 

9th 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13th 

14th 

15th 

16th 

17th 

18th 

19th 

20th 

21st 

22d 

23d 

24th 

25th 

26th 

27th 

28th 

29th 

30th 

31st 

32d 

33d 

34th 

:35th 

36th 

37th 

38th 


No.  Regiment. 


No.  of 
men. 


No.  Regiment. 


No.  of 
men. 


Iowa 


Infantry 


959 

1,247 

1,074 

1,184 

1,037 

1,013 

1,138 

1,027 

1,090 

1,027 

1,022 

981 

989 

840 

1,196 

919 

956 

875 

985 

925 

980 

1,008 

961 

979 

995 

919 

940 

956 

1,005 

978 

977 

925 

985 
953 
984 

986 
914 
910 


39th  Iowa  Infantry 

40th  “ “ 

41st  Battalion  Iowa  Infantry 

44th  Infantry  (100-days  men) 

45th  “ “ “ 

46th  “ “ “ 

47th 

48th  Battalion  “ “ 

1st  Iowa  Cavalry 

2d  “ “ 

3d  “ “ 

4th  “ “ 

5th  “ “ 

6th  “ “ 

7th  “ “ 

8th  “ “ 

9th  “ “ 

Sioux  City  Cavalry  f 

Co.  A,  11th  Penn.  Cavalry 

1st  Battery  Artillery 

2d  “ “ 

3d  “ “ 

4th  “ “ 

1st  Iowa  African  Inf ’y,  60th  U.  S4 

Dodge’s  Brigade  Band 

Band  of  2d  Iowa  Infantry 

Enlistments  as  far  as  reported  to  Jan. 

1 , /64,  for  the  older  Iowa  regiments 
Enlistments  of  Iowa  men  m regi- 
ments of  other  States,  over 

Total 

Re-enlisted  Veterans  for  different 

regiments 

Additional  enlistments 

Grand  total  as  far  as  reported  up  to 
Jan.  1,  1865  


933 

900 

294 

867 

912 

892 

884 

346 

1,478 

1,394 

1,360 

1,227 

1,245 

1,125 

562 

1,234 

1,178 

93 

87 

149 

123 

142 

152 

903 

14 

10 


2,765 


2,500 


61,653 

7,202 

6,664 


75,519 


* This  does  not  include  those  Iowa  men  who  veteranized  in  the  regiments  of  other  States, 
nor  the  names  of  men  who  enlisted  during  1864,  in  regiments  of  other  States, 
f Afterward  consolidated  with  Seventh  Cavalry. 

X Only  a portion  of  this  regiment  was  credited  to  the  State. 


NUMBER  OF  CASUALTIES  AMONG  OFFICERS  OF  IOWA  REGIMENTS  DURING  THE  WAR. 


184 


STATISTICS. 


"pH 

H 

fe 

QQ 

la 

<i 

Dh 

H 

*IB^°X 

COiOCO©a  -HHN 

rep. 

”i 

05  rH  rH  ©a  **> 

5 

3 

1 

7 

4 

6 

1 

5 

1 

4 

•juaui 

-jutodd-B  Xg 

CO^OCOCM  • r-(  r-H  Cvl 

?... 

S^Jl'B 

00  rH  1— < ©a 

lO  CO  rH  e-  CO  CD  rH  lO  • TjH 

•sdjoo 

•say  -J0A  ox 

casu 

: : : 

•pajnjd'BO 

rHHO^OO  • 

©Cl 

©Cl 

No 

rH  rH  *00 

-c^oacooaoirHH^cci^ 
rH  ©a 

•sagpmsea  pjox 

OOCOiOhhCOhOO 

^^c£)»Olb(N05T}(C0r-( 

OOrHi©rH05COn(M05CCI>COt-01C10[riOiO 
CO  00  kOCO^OCriOL'-luOHti^CO 

•passirasiQ 

COCOr- ( 03  -NtOH  • • 

•pauStsag 

■^iCQtHIOiOiCCOiO® 

CO  ©a  CO  GO  CO  1— irH©3©a 

^rH 

LOCO  coo 

©a  ^ 

T^OO(MrrOO©lLC©0 

co©acococo©aco©arHco 

WOUNDED. 

*m°x 

Tjn  ©a  os  t>  co  t— i 

o 

©a 

©Cl 

rti  CO  CO 

COC'OO'X'-^COOXCO© 

HHHJ1HJ1H  rH  rH 

•^p'Bjuappoy 

•uotpu  UJ 

^oaoioocoi—i 

© 

©Q 

1—1 

^COCOrHlO 

©a  co 

CDC'-OOOarjHrtHCOOOrHCS 

HHHClHiMH  rH  rH 

DISCHARGED. 

'M 

HIMiOCDHH 

©Cl  ©ci  i— I 

1—1 

©a  • rHH 

rH  ZD  lO  • lO  'sU 

■ UAVOUJJ 

-un  asn^o 

• (MiO  • • rH i 

©Cl  rH  . 

r— H 

! ." 1-1  1 

-©aco-^co  • • 

•ifjgiqRsip  .tog 

T— 1 • • CD  r— I • 

• r— i t— < 

©a  • • rH 

rH  ©a  rH  • ©a  rH  • rH  • 

DIED. 

•m 

CO  CM  SO  CD  ^ ©a 

©Cl  CO  rH 

COHHTt 

iocococoio©  • a 

•JguiuAAOip  iCg 

•asRastp  jo 

©a  ©a  ^ cd  ©a  i—i 

©Cl  CO  rH 

©a  rH  rH  • 

©arH©aco^©a  • rH  oo  co 

1-H  • 03  • CM  t— i 

• • TjH 

CO  lO  rH  CO  rH  [-  • ©aHTji 

•sputum  jo 


COCOiO 


<MCO 


r-icoca 


©aCgcOiOCr^COCOCOCOCOCa 


*F»ox 


•^gt^uappay 


•uoipu  uj 


15  £ £ % $ 


V 

««  > 

>C  o 


^ 0)  -4^ 

c3±-  C3 

m 

T3 


©a©acO'^C^^UCOOOCOCO©a 


£.3 


Is  3 


o rtSg>^ 

. Si  ol  cd  cd  '—l  rO  rO  rO  ‘ '”' 


|3.S;S.S  gs£ 


£!?§■ 
rt  C'e< 


feOdO  ^ 63 
q^°^oo5j3 

G T3  "t“)  rH  r*  £ "tf  r—H  r— h £—<  ^ ^ G G G '"G 

o 5-*  "S'^rS^S  rG  w o o o h h^5v  *r; 

.S  8-3  a >.bp.a-c-«-St:.fci  § 8 O*;. a gj.SFrS 

P=H  OQ  Eh  fa<^aj  ^ccK^^-<^<!P^a2COCOEHHPM!^CCCOW^HW 


1 ->± 

H—  c 

r-.  C -g  X X O 

•5  o-£  -e  > 
^ > be  « 


Orl  >r£5 


STATISTICS. 


185 


XO  03  03  xO  CO  — • ©3 


xO  ©3  ©3  xO  CO  1-1  ©3 


t*H  03  i— I 03  t— I 


03^1 


-^1-HCO 


xOrH03C-aiC0C0C000C0L-^0SC003O  0500«00003x0^i0t-T-lC-05i0' 

CO  c©'^COCOCOCO'^xO',3’xO''^C©COxOCOxO'^CO''aCO  03  03  i— l 03  03  CO 


03  i— ( 03  i—l  03  03  03  03  03  03  03  i-H  03  03  03  CO  i— l 03  03  nn  03  t— l i— l 


0300x003'^?— ii— ICOJO^OOCO 


03  H CO  • CO  • • 03  CO  03  iO  CO 


0303031— (r— (i— 1-^03  03  CO  • 


X)  CO  xO  CO  CO  03  03  iO  CO  ^ 00  CO  XO  03  C-  03  xO  xO  CO  • xO  C—  CO  CO  03  03 


103 

x-O 


i— l CO  i~H  i—i  03  03  H 


03  03  "shl  CO  CO  r— l 03  03  03  i— I 03 


CO  CO  CO  03  03 1 


03  CO  CO  03  i—l  • CO  03  CO  03  03 


031—1X0  • CO-^i 


CO  xO  03  • xo  rH  1— i ^ 03  C-  • 03 


^ 03CO 


CO 


XOr-Irt  Tfl  03  t— 


bs£b 


>,b§ 


fia-gjis 


b£ 

bs-g  b 

c 5 S3 
3 1*h  cS 


g eS 

.2  £ 


b 2 : : ^ b b .<&  c a ■ 

rS  £►,►*>  3 -U  •_,*  3 ~r3  r1  *3  X-i  -s  XH  Cu  .TO  . R ,TO  H —5  _(_3  Q x«-h  W H o jL.'^  tM  '^’E* 

S r2  i-  _i3  £ 5 3.3=2>-<  ri'S  b£"i=i  3,3  Cc£  6c 

Ss  a o4^  § ^xS5^^'Sc2^eSxS£2^  1=2^  «cS 

►SpScS*!1"-  * 

a C rt  I .^03  r*_  03  -i.Ht— ' ■- 


-3,3 


I S®  o*-,  _ ,. 

— _ --  — _3,3  <13 -S3  033 .13  O.rt'1- 

s £ r-3  ^ CJ  C C ^ M ^ ^ ^ W W d)  h r<  ^ o O ' r , _ _ _ r . 

a>  a>  -£  "3  <o  a>  a>  53  AtLtLtLAAAA  tL+3  ^3  m m a>  On  o 53  -a  ©•)-<  o 

oa’CC-MajovS  .b-b-b-bb*  bb_£>  _b  o ' J ' ' ' • ■ < ' ' S'h'^  w >»  ®n 

^tJ^gS'Ss  « « a « a 3 a c b'^ -b-bb\b.b-bb\b-b-b.2  tk ^ tk ^ >fz 

§ gfai  Si&s  ssessesss 


6C. 


a 3 


S'*' 


— 3 3 _£J  -tx  02  ^ 1 ,-.  3 -+x>  O 


3 3 


I si  3 CD  -3 


«S.a  o-^-§’ 


^,353  a>-3 


X ► 6C-3 


NUMBER  OF  CASUALTIES  AMONG  ENLISTED  MEN  OF  IOWA  REGIMENTS  DURING  THE  WAR. 


186 


STATISTICS. 


transfer’d. 

WX 

coi>i-tMi>iaQOOHcoco 

COCOCOCOrH  Cdrn  ^ 

dOi-HOOt-OdOdC-t^OdHU-^OQ 
1-H  1-H  CO-^I  Od  CO  Od  "3* 

•juara 

-juioddu  £g 

CVJrH  C^OOCOiOiO  • r-H  • r-H 

03  T-H  • • 

ZD  • CO  ^ Od  Od  Od  • C-  «0  • iO> 

•scLioq 

•sag  'jaA  oj. 

ThCO^iC^HMOOCOUJ 

h(M(M(Nh  OdrH 

©IHOCO  • © lO  t—  *D  rH  Tj4 1— 1 
rH  -CO-^I  rH  Od  Od  Hf 

•pamjdBQ 

hCOhO©  • i -rH 

OdC~H*4C5©  ♦ • CO 

H Od  • • Od 

CO  • 00  »0  CO  ZD  00  Od  CO  © 

i-H  • 1-H  00  Od  H$4  Oi  lO  C—  00  Od  1-H 
• CO 

•saugensuD  jujoj, 

COOd©©OdCOOd-<tfOOHt<Oda5r~t-iOCO*Oaoa5e-05aOC005*OiOi-HC005 
rjHOt-05i0010t-OiM®l>H  cOiOCO©Hj40dl>-C5L0  0050r^CO 

OCOOiO-^H-^cqiMH  Hl>  [—  05  CO  00  00 1-  05  C- 

•Suissgy 

NOi-iCO  • • *Od  • • • • 

WOUNDED. 

’TO 

■^rH|>oqoOOOOI>iOC5iOCO 

00  50  O ^ *0)  l—(  t-HdHH 

l>*ClrH(XUO  • Od  Od  lO  i-H  h*4  05  i-H 
<JO  h*  h*4  CO  • Od  00  CO  CO  1-H  iO  50 
1-H  Od  CO  • CO  Od  CO  CO  Od  CO  Od 

•jfgnjuappoy 

WCOM^MCOTHNNiHrHr-l 

•uoijor  uj 

-HOOiOOOC-HC^iOCCOOTtiiO 

00  *0  *0)  1 t>fHC3iHr-l 

1-H  1—1  i—l 

lOOCO  • 05  00  — H 00  o ^ c- 
CO  -cH  h*4  CO  •iHt-COOdiHiCiO 

rH  Od  CO  • CO  Od  CO  CO  Od  CO  Od 

DISCHARGED. 

•pm 

COC5>0>COCOeO©ri4CdH*<©©i-HC~ 
OOOCC  Od  OO  rf  CO  © CO  i— i(MH 

Od  1— 1 CO  Od  Od  Od 

CO  • 00  CO  OO  O i-H  00  tr—  00  00  00  05  Od 

•Od  OdCO  05  CO  *-0  00  © CO  iO> 

•CO  Od  Od  Od  Od  Od  CO  Od  Od 

•UAAOU^ 

-un  asnuQ 

CO  05  *0>  Od  1— ( CO  00  iO  00  05  • CO  • 

H 03  00  00  *0  r-H  r-H  iH  • • 

•Aggqnsip  jog 

l>OOrH(MOOOCJ^iOOCOHl> 
OO'rfiOduOD-C^Od'^iOOJi-HOdH 
rH  rH  Od  1— 1 !— i Od 

CO  •OOd^cOiHOdOd-HOiOCOI> 

• CO  —4  50  iJO  Od  1-H  00  CO 

• rH  1-H  i-H  Od  Od  r-H  Od  Od  i-H 

DIED. 

•Fm 

OdOdiOi— It^OrHTjHlO'^O'^'O 
rH(M-^oC01>OOI>i0MC0 

CO  Od  Cd  Od  l-H  HHH 

MOO^t-OiOOO^Od(MCOO 

HOdrHCqMiHC50diOC-00?OI> 

rH  1-H  Od  i-H  rH  rH  i-H  Od  i-H 

•JgUTUAAOip  S.Q 

CO  Od  nf  Cd  T*  C-  CO  • • 

r-H 

1-H  • • Od  • Od  • *Odi-Hi— 11— l 

•apioms  ig 

•asnasip  jo 

Oi— l h*  CO  l>-  05  Od  i— I Od  i— 1 05  CO  i-O 
00050d000d.00505c0*0>0dc0 

HHCdHH  1-H 

t-i>iHr-aiC5i>O'^ioi>00'^ 
O rH  Od  05  CO  05  Od  CO  CO  O CO 

1-H  Od  1-H  1-H  1— H Od  1-H 

•spimoAA  jo 

000051— iC-*OCd050COiHrH 

Od  Od  1-H  1-H  1-H 

iflt-CO  •OOHHClOiOTft-iO 

1-H  • Od  iO>  Od  CO  CO  rH  iO  CO 

KILLED. 

WX 

CdOCdiHCd05lOI>50C-r-ICO 
^ H ^ Od 

OdOOrH-^kOC-OOOOd-^OOOC- 

1-HiOiH  lOrHiOCOOOSlOt-iO 

1-H 

•^gejuappay 

00  CO  H*I  h*i  CO  CO  00  CO  rH  • • 1-H 

- CO  * CO  • 1-H  i-H  • • tH  Od  i-H 

•uoipn  nj 

H$Hir-ooc~cocor'-''^iOt'-i-HOd 

CO  CO  CO  CO  i— iCOOd 

^H 

0di0n-H-tfi0dc~i>O50dHi4ai<x!co 

HlOH  iO>  1-H  iO  lO  © 05  t-  lO 

REGIMENT  OR  BATTERY. 

First  Cavalry 

Second  Cavalry 

Third  Cavalry 

Fourth  Cavalry 

Fifth  Cavalry 

Sixth  Cavalry 

Seventh  Cavalry 

Eighth  Cavalry 

Ninth  Cavalry 

Artillery,  1st  Battery 

Artillery,  2d  Battery 

Arfillprv  3d  Bn.ffprv 

i - 

Is 

Si 

h 

> a 

1;= 

> 

> 

* 

c 

> 

H- 

’€ 

y 

c 

cc 

> 

*§ 

!J 

3 P 
; a 

Hq- 

;S 

j§ 

1 T 
> P 

4 — 

1* 

“> 

\i 

a 

r- 
>.« 
i § 

\i 

>1- 

> 

: < 

! > 
i§ 

>4  P 

I! 

+ 

■> 

1 

i 

> 

1 

!* 
* a 
(T 
- B 

k 

) c 
-(= 

1 

! 

J 

> 

is 

ij 

3 P 
) l— 
JUi 

\s 

if* 

Second  Infantry 

Second  Veteran  Infantry  . 

Second  and  Third  Consolidated  Infantry 

Third  Infantry 

Third  Veteran  Infantry 

Fourth  Infantry 

Fifth  Infantry 

Sixth  Infantry 

Seventh  Infantry 

Eighth  Infantry 

Ninth  Infantry 

Tenth  Infantry 

STATISTICS. 


187 


t^NOKKMt^t-CCOOOn-^lMCa^O^OSIOCOtrCrfMCOOOO? 

0003C003  03  03  03  i— I i*  CO  *0  •-*  "*  *0  CO  CO  •<*  ■-*  f 


I CO -*  O CO  03  03 


lO  CO  03  0310  50 
CO  03  I— i 1—1  03 


i CO  OOrH^O  00  *0  CO  03  iO  03  t— l CO  00  • *0  © ®H  -COO  • 

< r-i  i— l tH  i—I  -1-1  • i— I • 


-<*©  • ^ CO  CO 


.CC-<COiOt-COCn>OT-.OpCOOJOCOi-iCOOIC-0003 

rH  03  03  03  CO  t* -4*  ^ ,-h  CO  ■**  CO  CO  i*  t- 03  rH  03 


05  03-1*05 

*0  00  00  03 


00  03^*C0^*OO05C003I>-^03  05C005C0C0C0C0 

t>  ->*  CD  CO  © i— l 03  C—  r-HCilCOOOO-HrHOO 

0303  03 


*0  C—  • • CO  03 

rHCO  • • O 

• • 03 


$ 


000  03  CO' 
IHC0  0 03' 
CO  C- 00*0 


^2^-*icb*OCOCOC^COCOCOC005i— i-*!->*OOOOCO 

©00CO4**OC0*OCO*OC~*D*O*OCO*OCO*O*O*O*O 


03  03 


03  -*  • CO  O 1—1  03 


COC5-<*03  • -1*  O *0  -*  1— i CO  O *0  CO  CO  -t*  CO  *0  CO  05  *o  t-  CO  00  CO 

03  0 05  CO  •C5  05  03C~©-'**0-3*03HtlCO-*CO.:*©©I>-COCOi-H I 


03031—1  • CO  03  03  1—1 


ICOCO  • CO  CO  03  CO  CO  -*  03  CO 


0000  03  • 03  05  *0  CO  O CO  r—  *0  CO  O 03  O 03  03  C—  03  C—  03  CO  CO 

03  O 05  CO  •C500Ollr-05'*i'*^*03'*iC0-^C0-*05OI>-C0C0-^ 
0303031—1  • CO  03  03  i— l i— l 03  i— i 03  r- 1 rH  i— I 03  03  t-h  i— l 


) 05  *0  1 
I 1—1  CO  1 


i-H-^03C-t>000503COC-050i— I000-^c0t^05c-c005c0c00503t^c00005c-*0) 
03  03  05  CO  C—  CO  03  03  OO  *0  CO  *0  tr—  O 03  ^ CO  CO  i— I 03  CO  *0  O OO  03  00  03  © GO  i— i i— t 

i— I i—l  i— ( i—1  03  rH  i-H  03  i— I i— I i—I  i—l  i—I  03  rH  t— I i-H  i—I  t-H  i-H  t-H  t-H  i-H  03  i— I i—I  CO  t-H  i— I 


-t*05C005O  0300  O00C005C0OC0C0C^C-C-C0i-hC003C0i— (031— Ii-H'*03-<*O5'*icO-^hC- 

r-H*iHrHCO-T*0000  03iO— <COOO©CO*OC-COCOCO  HOiO*H*C5  1-H1-H03H*  00 

03  03  rH  i—l  i—l  i—i  i—l  i-h  03  03  03  03  rH  03  03  03  03  03  03  03  03  03  t-h  CO  i-H  i-H  00 


03  • T-H  00  CO  C- 03  03  03  CO 


00-<*1 


i— I iHihHtHiO 


00  00  03  03 

■H*  Tfi  00  03 
i— i 03  i—i  H 


-*C^t^C5rHOIT-CDC0lr-05Hti03O0000i— I00C000C0O03CO1— I0050503-*IC-00*0-1*1— i 

051— i05O05CC'*003050505OCD00-^C0C0OCD03  H 00  03  h*  t-h  i— I L—  HHW^  CO 
i— 1 03  rH  hhhhhhiMhh  03  03  03  03  t-h  03  hC3h  CO  i-h  i-h  CO 


03  t—  CO  CO  CO  00  C-“  DO  05  00  05  O C-*  03  05  05  rH  CO  *o  T* 

10*0-^03*0  CO  *0  CO  *0  CO -<*  *0  H CO  HiO  03 


£>§• 

bill 

9 


bl& 


e a 


^ d s g Hail'S  i r^£ 

*-h^^^3  8-jJ 

q -M  -M  _q  --3  33 

-R^^  q q-R^S  ■ • - 

ill  iiss 


b 

>Jbb 

• • ,C3  “tl  -+3 

sis 


rR 

.03 

! bog 

. 43  l-rt 

- C-* 


• a o 

:|d 

. R q 


r q 43  r r 
*'2  c.b*-1 


• c$i— . 

.'CQ-R 

• TJoo 

; 005 

. H bS'a  i 

b.R+=  2 2-R. 


fa  M 

Cm 

r 


eft 


m 

0 

5 

8, 

bb 


cq  j»q3cqcq'M 


sg-sg 

03  03  H 43  -S  ^ M 


|5«S 

H q 


R R 
^43^ 
+2-R  R 

43  R-**  <3 


03  , 


^^-Rcg  R^>^  MhR'“'S3rq  ^ 

q£t<  £Hb.s 

Scq'M  M*S  R rt  ^ £tJh  § § §^M.y  qig-^ 

J J J ' J J R-  t»  -m  «m  Cm  Cm  cq  M to  ® R ri  ^R  O ^q  • m 03  • m Cm 

!>)  >i  W 5,  ki  !>»ir  i • i i.i  i i i i i i R J CmR  m <«  <3^ 

q q q q q q-e-p-p-^  -pfi-w^-HHiHi^.S*  >>  >>  Eo>  >> 

'■  m h !h  >h>^h  h** * 3  q-e-e-t-j-e-tjoo 


•q-q-d-S^  S-fi-fi-e-e- 
. . qqqq  ot,  o o o o _ 


p p p p P P ’_R  |q  )r  ‘jR  13  !r  Ir  *jR  |R  *;R  ’-R  [R  _©  Pq  O _0  _0  _0  _0 . 


188 


STATISTICS. 


TAELE. 

SHOWING  THE  DATE  OP  ORGANIZATION,  AND  THE  POPULATION  OP  THE  SEVERAL  COUNTIES 
OP  IOWA,  FOR  THE  YEARS  NAMED. 


AGGREGATE. 


COUNTIES. 

§ 

ff 

O 

1875. 

1870. 

1860. 

1854 

1853 

7045 

3982 

4614 

984 

1533 

A 3a, ms.  

7832 

A 11a, ma.Ve.fi 

1849 

1846 

19158 

2370 

17868 

16456 

12237 

A ppanoose 

11931 

A ndnbon 

1855 

17405 

1212 

454 

Benton 

1846 

28807 

22454 

8496 

Black  Hawk 

1853 

22913 

21706 

8244 

Boone 

1849 

17251 

14584 

4232 

Bremer 

1853 

1847 

13220 

12528 

4915 

Buchanan 

17315 

17034 

1585 

7906 

Buena  Vista 

1858 

3561 

57 

Butler 

1854 

11734 

9951 

3724 

Cla.lhonn 

1855 

3185 

1602 

147 

Carroll. 

1856 

5760 

2451 

281 

Class 

1853 

1836 

10552 

17879 

5464 

19731 

1612 

Cedar 

12949 

Cerro  Gordo 

1855 

6685 

4722 

940 

Cherokee 

1856 

1853 

4249 

1967 

58 

Chickasaw 

11400 

10180 

4336 

Clarke 

1851 

10118 

8735 

5427 

Clay 

1858 

1838 

3559 

1523 

52 

Clayton 

27184 

27771 

20728 

Clinton 

1840 

34295 

35357 

18938 

Crawford 

1855 

6039 

2530 

383 

Dallas 

1847 

14386 

12019 

5244 

Davis 

1844 

15757 

15565 

13764 

Decatur 

1850 

13249 

12018 

8677 

Delaware 

1840 

16893 

17432 

11024 

Des  Moines 

1834 

1857 

1834 

1859 

1850 

1854 

1855 
1849 

1854 

1856 

1851 

1857 

1858 
1853 
1853 
1836 

1855 

1857 

1858 

1845 

1838 

1846 

1839 

1838 

1839 

35415 

27256 

19611 

Dickinson 

1748 

1389 

180 

Dubuque 

43845 

1436 

38969 

31164 

Emmett 

1392 

105 

Fayette 

20515 

16973 

12073 

Floyd 

13100 

6558 

10768 

3744 

Franklin 

4738 

1309 

Fremont 

13719 

7028 

8134 

9638 

11173 

5074 

Greene 

4627 

1374 

Grundy 

6399 

793 

Guthrie 

7061 

3058 

Hamilton 

7701 

6055 

1699 

Hancock 

1482 

15029 

11818 

21594 

999 

13684 

179 

Hardin 

5440 

Harrison 

8931 

3621 

Henry 

21463 

18701 

Howard 

7875 

3455 

794 

17456 

23061 

24128 

17127 

6282 

3168 

Humboldt 

2596 

226 

332 

Ida 

43 

Iowa 

16644 

8029 

Jackson 

22619 

18493 

Jasper  

22116 

9883 

Jefferson 

17839 

15038 

Johnson 

24654 

19168 

24898 

19731 

17573 

Jones 

13306 

1850. 

1840. 

777 

3131 

672 

135 

735 

517 

3941 

1253 

79 

3873 

2822 

1101 

821 

854 

7264 

965 

1759 

12988 

168 

5577 

10841 

3059 

825 

1244 

8707 

3772 

822 

7210 

1£80 

9904 

4472 

3007 

1411 

2773 

1491 

471 

Voters. 


1616 

1727 

8653 

527 

3679 

4778 

4877 

3515 

2656 

3890 

817 

2598 

681 

1197 

2422 

3934 

1526 

1001 

2392 

2213 

868 

5272 

5569 

1244 

3170 

3448 

2882 

3662 

6654 

394 

8759 

299 

4637 

2884 

1374 

2998 

1622 

1525 

2339 

14-55 

303 

3215 

2658 

4041 

1712 

695 

172 

3576 

4901 

5239 

3721 

5225 

4180 


STATISTICS, 


189 


TABLE 

SHOWING  THE  DATE  OF  ORGANIZATION,  AND  THE  POPULATION  OF  THE  SEVERAL  COUNTIES 
OF  IOWA,  FOR  THE  YEARS  NAMED. 

Continued . 


COUNTIES. 


AGGREGATE. 


1875. 


1870. 


1860. 


1850. 


1840. 


Voters. 


Keokuk 

Kossuth 

Lee 

Linn 

Louisa 

Lucas 

Lyon 

Madison 

Mahaska 

Marion 

Marshall 

Mills 

Mitchell 

Monona 

Monroe 

Montgomery. . . 

Muscatine 

O’Brien. ...... 

Osceola 

Page 

Palo  Alto 

Plymouth 

Pocahontas  . . . 

Polk 

Pottawattamie . 

Poweshiek 

Ringgold 

Sac 

Scott 

Shelby 

Sioux. . 

Story 

Tama 

Taylor 

Union 

Van  Buren 

Wapello 

Warren 

Washington. . . 

Wayne 

Webster 

Winnebago. . . 
Winneshiek. . . 

Woodbury 

Worth 

Wright 


Total. 


1844 

1855 

1837 
1839 
1839 

1849 
1872 

1850 

1844 

1845 

1850 

1851 
1854 

1854 
1851 
1858 

1838 
1860 
1872 
1851 

1857 

1858 

1859 

1846 
1848 

1848 

1855 
1858 

1838 
1853 

1860 

1853 

1854 
1851 
1853 
1837 
1844 

1849 

1839 
1851 
1853 
1857 
1851 
1853 
1857 

1855 


20488 

3765 

33913 

31815 

12499 

11725 

1139 

16030 

23718 

24094 

19629 

10555 

11523 

2267 

12811 

10389 

21623 

2349 

1778 

14274 

2728 

5282 

2249 

31558 

21665 

16482 

7546 

2873 

39763 

5664 

3720 

13111 

18771 

10418 

8827 

17980 

18541 

19269 

23865 

13978 

13114 

24233 

2986 

8568 

4908 

3244 


19434 

3351 

38210 

28852 

12877 

10388 

221 

13884 

22508 

24436 

17576 

8718 

9582 

3654 

12724 

5934 

21688 

715 


9975 

1336 

2199 

1446 

27857 

16893 

15581 

5691 

1411 

38599 

2540 

576 

11651 

16131 

6989 

6986 

17672 

22346 

17980 

18952 

11287 

10484 

1562 

23570 

6172 

2892 

2392 


17081 

14518 

10281 

14235 

6409 

2504 

168 

13942 

1119 

756 

653 


[ 4822 

i 18861 
' 5444 

) 4939 
; 471 

6093 

1373 

1927 

1 il79 

! 5989 

I 5482 
► 338 

l 

> 

! 2884 

; 573i 

1942 

> 551 

► 

j 

► 

* 4513 

» 7828 
i 615 

; 5986 

2140 

i- . . . . 

8 

| 204 

12270 

8471 

961 

4957 

340 

6146 

1594 

546 

43112 


4202 

773 

5709 

7274 

2899 

2464 

287 

2632 

5287 

4988 

4445 

2365 

2338 

1292 

2743 

2485 

6588 

595 

498 

3222 

556 

1136 

464 

6842 

4392 

3634 

1496 

657 

7109 

1084 

637 

2574 

3911 

2282 

1924 

3893 

3923 

4168 

5346 

2947 

3747 

4117 

406 

1776 

763 

694 


1353118 


1191792 


674913 


192214 


284557 


190 


STATISTICS. 


VOTE  FOE  GOVERNOR,  1877,  AND  PRESIDENT,  1876. 


1877. 

GOVERNOR. 

1876. 

PRESIDENT. 

COUNTIES. 

1877. 

GOVERNOR. 

Rep. 

Dem. 

Gr. 

Pro. 

Rep. 

Dem. 

Rep. 

Dem. 

Gr. 

Pro. 

982 

161 

581 

15 

1334 

593 

Johnson  

1884 

2345 

18 

273 

876 

397 

485 

38 

1376 

626 

Jones  

1868 

1218 

14 

68 

1547 

1540 

69 

36 

1709 

1646 

Keokuk 

1772 

1526 

322 

105 

1165 

1049 

729 

32 

1711 

1419 

Kossuth  

463 

236 

13 

89 

410 

352 

26 

427 

352 

Dee 

2157 

2863 

350 

299 

1432 

712 

567 

449 

2901 

1356 

Linn 

2524 

2316 

75 

585 

1780 

1111 

95 

244 

2979 

1592 

Louisa 

1328 

817 

89 

108 

1612 

981 

466 

10 

2018 

1305 

Lucas . 

1203 

804 

103 

12 

1180 

582 

196 

1 

1737 

757 

Lyon 

261 

17 

9 

14 

1290 

769 

725 

223 

2227 

1416 

Madison 

1792 

1077 

616 

56 

747 

192 

161 

20 

770 

200 

Mahaska 

1823 

1086 

1011 

596 

1453 

758 

19 

95 

1828 

780 

Marion  

1976 

1866 

760 

95 

418 

75 

171 

74 

622 

196 

Marshall 

1448 

837 

389 

504 

633 

744 

141 

11 

799 

771 

Mills 

1435 

1102 

98 

28 

1592 

839 

116 

30 

1876 

979 

Mitchell 

1396 

459 

35 

36 

1315 

1093 

206 

446 

2328 

1445 

Monona 

580 

119 

432 

9 

903 

348 

72 

40 

1274 

448 

Monroe . .... 

1034 

928 

247 

26 

662 

74 

383 

86 

864 

175 

Montgomery . . 

1122 

441 

532 

47 

1279 

1107 

37 

94 

1574 

1090 

Muscatine 

1753 

1775 

171 

387 

1054 

267 

813 

19 

1405 

816 

O’Brien 

306 

21 

201 

14 

517 

16 

20 

67 

567 

94 

Osceola 

295 

40 

13 

33 

1873 

1770 

66 

167 

2662 

2621 

Page 

1166 

508 

348 

293 

2444 

2327 

286 

66 

3654 

3398 

Palo  Alto 

311 

357 

3 

898 

651 

19 

111 

1043 

638 

Plymouth . ... 

779 

487 

77 

39 

1541 

215 

1241 

80 

2136 

752 

Pocahontas. . . . 

370 

93 

44 

36 

893 

1231 

803 

12 

1586 

1631 

Polk 

3171 

1885 

1353 

94 

1269 

961 

310 

19 

1647 

1282 

Pattawattamie . 

2223 

2059 

218 

121 

1226 

1143 

32 

525 

2233 

1466 

Poweshiek  . . 

1496 

882 

420 

346 

2315 

1384 

767 

6 

3325 

2917 

Ringgold 

964 

71 

671 

47 

197 

8 

12 

259 

48 

Sac 

656 

128 

177 

13 

1587 

3415 

406 

53 

2798 

4977 

Scott 

3031 

1963 

309 

37 

213 

28 

246 

36 

Shelby 

888 

639 

3 

16 

1933 

1067 

889 

27 

3029 

1709 

Sioux 

436 

132 

49 

1233 

208 

162 

30 

2032 

751 

Story 

1260 

344 

644 

1.87 

1311 

336 

16 

10 

1178 

379 

Tama 

1426 

833 

196 

133 

1250 

1331 

334 

1658 

1682 

Taylor 

1325 

293 

868 

1031 

215 

551 

27 

1310 

510 

Union 

899 

516 

830 

63 

909 

504 

8 

1099 

417 

Van  Buren 

1490 

1305 

301 

130 

1160 

496 

364 

21 

1434 

629 

Wapello 

1710 

1029 

1285 

296 

842 

265 

422 

57 

1187 

425 

Warren 

1726 

944 

742 

101 

340 

95 

29 

2 

281 

99 

Washington. . . 

1687 

1221 

303 

112 

1492 

661 

238 

154 

2152 

980 

Wayne 

1316 

832 

404 

3 

1348 

863 

523 

19 

1557 

1386 

Webster 

850 

127 

1421 

47 

1770 

424 

1041 

140 

2809 

1485 

Winnebago. . . . 

544 

40 

551 

647 

201 

519 

1194 

600 

Winneshiek . . . 

2074 

1009 

279 

238 

382 

149 

115 

64 

523 

183 

Woodbury  . . . 

1109 

867 

226 

9 

321 

54 

104 

212 

57 

Worth 

628 

132 

8 

14 

1132 

1120 

642 

228 

1870 

1348 

Wright 

391 

166 

117 

98 

1619 

1966 

224 

15 

2126 

2485 

1977 

1154 

1018 

268 

3375 

1804 

Totals 

121546 

79353 

34228 

10639 

1396 

753 

576 

109 

2166 

1449 

Majorities... 

42193 

1876. 

PRESIDENT. 


Rep.  Dem. 


Adair 

Adams 

Allamakee 

Appanoose 

Audubon 

Benton 

Black  Hawk . . . 

Boone 

Bremer 

Buchanan 

Buena  Vista. . . 

Butler 

Calhoun 

Carroll 

Cass 

Cedar . 

Cerro  Gordo  . . 

Cherokee 

Chickasaw 

Clarke  

Clay. 

Clayton  

Clinton 

Crawford 

Dallas 

Davis 

Decatur 

Delaware 

Des  Moines  . . 

Dickinson 

Dubuque 

Emmett 

Fayette  ..... 

Floyd 

Franklin 

Fremont 

Greene 

Grundy 

Guthrie 

Hamilton 

Hancock 

Hardin 

Harrison 

Henry 

Howard 

Humboldt.  . . 

Ida 

Iowa 

Jackson 

Jasper  

Jefferson 


2345 

2591 

2364 

638 

3160 

4331 

1923 

1478 

262 

2246 

3221 

2736 

3056 

1452 

1663 

713 

1418 

1749 

2523 

463 

329 

2243 

343 

835 

374 

4321 

2565 

2509 

1246 

661 

3819 

897 

439 

1843 

2337 

1727 

1238 

2113 

2582 

2439 

2467 

1692 

1299 

498 

2759 

1034 

703 

574 


59211 


1763 

1862 

227 

3682 

5917 

1008 

1044 

46 

1538 

1701 

2304 

1189 

1165 

671 

304 

1246 

759 

2075 

110 

59 

861 

333 

502 

141 

2382 

2414 

1083 

422 

166 

2853 

631 

220 

579 

1317 

676 

795 

1661 

2412 

1315 

1508 

1341 

987 

39 

1617 

997 

149 

184 


112121 


Total  vote,  1877,  245,766;  1876  (including  9,001  Greenback),  292,454. 


Centennial  Awards. 


TO  IOWA  EXHIBITORS. 

Under  the  system  of  awards  adopted  at  the  Centennial  Exposition  of  1876* 
every  article  exhibited  was  placed  in  one  of  thirty-six  groups,  numbering 
from  1 to  36.  The  examination  was  not  of  a competitive  character,  but 
upon  the  merit  of  the  article.  Each  article  of  merit  was  entitled  to  receive 
a diploma  and  a bronze  medal  of  uniform  value.  The  following  awards 
were  made  to  Iowa  exhibitors: 

GBOUP  HO.  I. 

Wesley  Redhead  and  Mahaska  Coal  Mining  Company  are  accredited  with 
samples  of  coal.  The  committee  says:  “Commended  as  samples  of  bitum- 
inous coal  of  Iowa.” 

LEAD  ORE. 

John  Harvey,  of  Dubuque. — Report  says  a large  and  instructive  exhibit 
of  Galena  lead  ores  of  Iowa. 

W.  P.  Fox,  of  Des  Moines. — Commended  for  an  instructive  exhibit  of  the 
stratified  deposits  of  the  State  of  Iowa. 

[Note. — In  this  group  were  shown  fifty-five  varieties  from  stone  quarries 
in  Iowa,  prepared  by  Donahue  & McCosh,  of  Burlington,  in  blocks  six  by 
nine  inches  square;  also  were  shown  samples  of  building  and  moulding 
sands,  and  three  specimens  of  glass  sands,  twelve  of  fire  and  potters’  clay, 
six  or  eight  samples  of  mineral  paint,  and  one  sample  of  peat;  also  some 
fine  samples  of  geodes  from  Keokuk.  Judge  Murdock,  of  Clayton  county, 
exhibited  a collection  of  relics  of  the  mound  builders.  The  most  prom- 
inent one  was  his  large  collection  of  mound  builders’  skulls.] 

GROUP  HO.  IY. 

State  of  Iowa. — Commended  as  a very  fine  collection  of  Cereals  in  the 
straw,  beautifully  cleansed;  also  grasses  and  seeds — sixty  varieties — a fine 
collection  beautifully  arranged;  also  a collection  of  Indian  corn,  seventy 
varieties. 

BUTTER. 

Stewart  & McMillen,  of  Manchester,  Delaware  county,  Entry  Ho. 
880. — Commended  for  the  best  samples  of  200  lbs.  and  30  lbs.  respectively, 
made  at  Hewberg  factory,  Edge  wood  and  Hebran. 


192 


CENTENNIAL  AWARDS. 


Stewart  & McMillen,  Entry  No.  895. — Commended  for  clean,  sweet 
flavor,  firm  texture  and  superior  excellency  generally,  comprising  samples 
of  different  creameries. 

[Note. — The  general  report  of  the  committee  on  butter  puts  the  yield  of 
the  United  States  for  1876  at  710,000,000  lbs.  Messrs.  Stewart  & McMil- 
len had  about  ninety  competitors,  among  whom  were  the  best  butter  makers 
of  the  world.  In  addition  to  the  centennial  awards,  they  got  the  golden 
medal  awarded  by  the  national  butter  and  egg  association.  Iowa  creamery 
butter  sells  in  the  Philadelphia  market  readily  with  the  gilt  edged  brand. 
The  butter  crop  in  Iowa  is  an  item  of  interest,  and  the  State  owes  Stewart 
& McMillen  a debt  of  gratitude  for  their  very  active  exertion  at  the  centen- 
nial in  raising  Iowa  butter  to  a level  with  the  gilt  edge  manufacturers  of 
the  eastern  States.  Delaware  county,  Iowa,  is  to  our  State  what  Chester 
county  is  to  Pensyl vania.] 

Bryan  & Curtis’  butter,  Strawberry  Point,  Clayton  county. — Commended 
for  fine  quality  and  superior  skill  in  manufacturing. 

GROUP  NO.  VI. 

Collection  of  woods  by  Prof.  McAfee,  Agricultural  College. — Commended 
as  a good  State  exhibit,  containing  160  specimens  arranged  in  vertical  and 
transverse  sections. 

J.  C.  Arthur,  Charles  City,  No.  185. — Herbarium  of  plants.  The  her- 
barium contains  species  named  and  clasified,  neatly  mounted,  labeled  and 
one  in  duplicate.  The  duplicate  collection  ingeniously  arranged  for  exhi- 
bition on  large  sliding  frames  within  a glass  case.  The  whole  accompan- 
ied with  a printed  catalogue. 

AWARDS  ON  COLLECTIVE  STATE  EXHIBITS. 

State  of  Iowa,  No.  11. — Commended  for  a large  display  of  its  minerals, 
soils,  native  and  cultivated  grasses,  its  pomology  in  large  variety,  and  col- 
lection of  woods  and  a valuable  collection  of  mound  builders’  relics. 


GROUP  NO.  XXVIII. 

EDUCATIONAL. 


Board  of  Education,  Burlington,  No.  76. — Commended  for  a creditable 
display  of  the  work  of  pupils. 

State  Educational  Department,  No.  77. — Report  good  exhibit  of  the  sta- 
tistics of  State  school  system  and  work  of  public  schools. 

Board  of  Education  of  West  Des  Moines,  No.  78. — A creditable  exhibit 
of  work  of  pupils. 


GROUP  XXII. 

PLOWS. 


Skinner  Bros.,  Des  Moines,  No.  63. — Commended  for  excellence  of  ma- 
terial, good  workmanship  and  beauty  of  form. 


OENTENNI AL  AWARDS. 


193 


GROUP  NO.  XXIII. 

BOOK  BINDING  AND  PAPER  INDUSTRY. 

John  D.  Metz,  Dubuque,  Ho.  94. — Blank  books  with  patent  ends  and 
mode  of  stitching.  Keport  an  admirable  made  book  aside  from  the  patent 
improvement  claimed. 

GROUP  XXX. 

HORSES  AND  CATTLE. 

Eli  Elliot,  West  Liberty. — Short  Horn  bull,  Baron  French,  Ho.  8. — Re- 
port in  form,  quality  and  useful  characteristics  he  is  entitled  to  rank  as  a 
superior  specimen  of  the  Short  Horn  breed. 

State  of  Iowa,  Short  Horn  Herd,  Ho.  12. — One  bull  and  four  cows.  The 
animals  composing  this  herd,  in  high  excellence  of  form,  quality  and  useful 
characteristics,  are  entitled  to  be  ranked  as  first-class  specimens  of  the 
Short  Horn  breed. 

J.  W.  Jacobs,  West  Liberty,  Ho.  13. — Two  cows,  Maid  of  Honor  and 
Lucy  Hapier,  commended  for  high  excellence  of  form  and  useful  charac- 
teristics, entitled  to  rank  as  first-class  specimens  of  the  Short  Horn  breed. 

E.  S.  Wilson,  West  Liberty,  Ho.  35. — Heifer,  Louden  Mirvine,  for  high 
excellence  in  form,  quality  and  useful  characteristics  is  entitled  to  rank  as 
a first-class  specimen  of  the  Short  Horn  breed. 

E.  S.  Wilson,  Ho.  36. — Emma  Down  and  heifer  calf  Centennial  Mine. 
In  form  and  useful  characteristics  they  are  entitled  to  be  ranked  as  first- 
class  specimens  of  the  Short  Horn  breed. 

GROUP  XXXYI. 

Henry  Avery,  Burlington. — Commended  for  a collection  of  apples, 
among  which  Grimes’  Golden  Pippin,  an  excellent  kind,  is  especially  mer- 
itorious in  size  and  flavor. 

David  Leonard,  Burlington,  Ho.  16. — Commended  for  a valuable  selec- 
tion of  varieties  very  well  grown,  and  especially  for  a seedling  named 
Robinson,  which  promises  well  for  the  northwest,  both  as  respects  to  tree 
and  fruit. 

Ho.  27. — Polk  County,  by  James  Smith,  Des  Moines.  Commended  for 
160  varieties  of  apples,  and  for  the  very  large  number  of  valuable  varieties 
and  for  the  very  superior  manner  in  which  they  are  grown;  also  for  great 
care  and  correctness  in  naming. 

Ho.  30. — E.  H.  Caulkens  commended  for  twenty  varieties  and  their  val- 
uable characteristics;  also  great  excellence  and  beauty  in  growth. 

R.  S.  Willet,  Malcolm. — Commended  for  40  varieties  of  apples  of  gen- 
eral value  and  the  superior  manner  of  growth. 

Ho.  39,  *L.  Hollingsworth,  Montrose. — Seventy-five  varieties  of  apples, 
commended  for  a large  number  of  useful  sorts  and  for  the  meritorious 
manner  in  which  they  are  grown. 

Ho.  65,  G.  B.  Brackett,  Denmark. — Pears  are  Plate  White  Doyenne. 

13 


194 


CENTENNIAL  AWARDS. 


These  specimens  of  this  old  and  important  variety  reach  the  highest  stan- 
dard of  excellence  of  large  size  and  beautifully  colored. 

No.  81,  Wilson  T.  Smith,  Des  Moines. — Twenty  varieties  of  pears 
commended  for  being  well  grown,  and  handsome  collection.  The  Flemish 
Beauty  and  Beaurae  Clangean  being  superior. 

No.  83,  White  Elk  Vineyard,  Keokuk. — Eighteen  varieties,  creditable 
display  of  pears.  The  Beaurae  Clangean  having  brilliant  coloring. 

Iowa  State  Horticultural  Society  wax  models  of  fruit.  No.  209. — Three 
hundred  varieties  of  apples  in  wax,  of  perfect  accuracy  and  beautifully  dis- 
played— the  work  of  the  Iowa  State  Horticultural  Society. 

[Note. — There  were  in  all  1020  specimens.  The  fruit  furnished  as 
models  was  by  various  members  of  the  State  Horticultural  Society,  crop  of 
1875,  the  greatest  number  of  which  was  by  James  Smith,  of  Des  Moines, 
and  to  whom  the  nomenclature  is  mainly  due;  610  of  the  casts  were  made 
by  Mrs.  Wm.  Greenland,  of  Des  Moines,  and  410  of  them  by  Col.  G.  B. 
Brackett,  of  Denmark.  This  was  the  most  attractive  display  made  by 
Iowa,  and  was  universally  admired;  and  in  this  line  Iowa  can  boast  of  as 
fine  talent  for  accuracy  as  to  model  and  coloring  as  is  found  anywhere. 
Two  hundred  of  these  casts  were  sold  to  and  exchanged  with  the  Japanese 
authorities,  and  are  now  doing  duty  in  the  archives  of  their  government.] 

Iowa  State  Horticultural  Society,  No.  217. — September  collection,  report 
a very  good  collection,  containing  many  varieties. 

[Note. — The  Horticultural  Society  showed  in  May  thirty-five  varieties 
of  apples  of  late  keepers,  also  the  summer  varieties  were  shown  in  their 
season.  The  fall  display  was  very  fine,  covering  seven  tables  35x6,  and 
numbering  about  335  varieties  of  apples,  and  filling  over  2,000  plates.] 

W.  W.  vVinterbotorn,  Fort  Madison,  No.  191. — Timothy  grass  seed.  The 
seed  is  remarkably  clean,  and  every  way  meritorious. 

H.  C.  Gordon,  Davis  county,  No.  204. — His  yellow  corn  was  of  peculiar 
weight  and  good  quality,  one  ear  weighing  one  pound  and  thirteen  ounces. 

L.  T.  Chute,  Manchester,  No.  207. — The  cereals  and  roots  in  the  Iowa 
collection  exhibited  are  a well  grown  collection  of  twenty-five  varieties. 
Potatoes  especially  meritorious. 

State  of  Iowa,  September  exhibits  of  the  crop  of  1876,  No.  208. — They 
make  a collection  of  cereals,  grasses  and  roots,  exhibiting  the  ability  of  the 
State  to  produce  these  articles  in  the  highest  degree. 

The  information  contained  in  the  notes  is  additional  to  that  given  in  the 
official  reports  of  the  Exposition,  and  is  furnished  by  Dr.  Alex.  Shaw,  of 
Des  Moines,  who  held  an  official  position  in  connection  with  Iowa  exhibits 
up  to  August  18,  1876. 


Abstract  of  Iowa  State  Laws. 


BILLS  OF  EXCHANGE  AND  PROMISSORY  NOTES. 

Upon  negotiable  bills,  and  notes  payable  in  this  State,  grace  shall  be  al- 
lowed according  to  the  law  merchant.  All  the  above  mentioned  paper  fall- 
ing due  on  Sunday,  New  Year’s  Day,  the  Fourth  of  July,  Christmas,  or  any 
day  appointed  or  recommended  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  or  the 
Governor  of  the  State,  as  a day  of  fast  or  thanksgiving,  shall  be  deemed  as 
due  on  the  day  previous.  No  defense  can  be  made  against  a negotiable  in- 
strument (assigned  before  due)  in  the  hands  of  the  assignee  without  notice, 
except  fraud  was  used  in  obtaining  the  same.  To  hold  an  indorser,  due  dili- 
gence must  be  used  by  suit  against  the  maker  or  his  representative.  Notes 
payable  to  person  named  or  to  order,  in  order  to  absolutely  transfer  title, 
must  be  indorsed  by  the  payee.  Notes  payable  to  bearer  may  be  transferred 
by  delivery,  and  when  so  payable,  every  indorser  thereon  is  held  as  a guar- 
antor of  payment,  unless  otherwise  expressed. 

In  computing  interest  or  discount  on  negotiable  instruments,  a month 
shall  be  considered  a calendar  month  or  twelfth  of  a year,  and  for  less  than 
a month,  a day  shall  be  figured  a thirtieth  part  of  a month.  Notes  only 
bear  interest  when  so  expressed;  but  after  due,  they  draw  the  legal  interest, 
even  if  not  stated. 

INTEREST. 

The  legal  rate  of  interest  is  six  per  cent.  Parties  may  agree,  in  writing, 
on  a rate  not  exceeding  ten  per  cent.  If  a rate  of  interest  greater  than  ten 
per  cent  is  contracted  for,  it  works  a forfeiture  of  ten  per  cent  to  the  school 
fund,  and  only  the  principal  sum  can  be  recovered. 

DESCENT. 

The  personal  property  of  the  deceased  (except  (1)  that  necessary  for  pay- 
ment of  debts  and  expenses  of  administration;  (2)  property  set  apart  to 
widow,  as  exempt  from  execution ; (3)  allowance  by  court,  if  necessary,  of 
twelve  months’  support  to  widow,  and  to  children  under  fifteen  years  of  age), 
including  life  insurance,  descends  as  does  real  estate. 

One-third  in  value  (absolutely)  of  all  estates  in  real  property,  possessed  by  the 
husband  at  any  time  during  marriage,  which  have  not  been  sold  on  execution 
or  other  judicial  sale,  and  to  which  the  wife  has  made  no  relinquishment 
of  her  right,  shall  be  set  apart  as  her  property,  in  fee  simple,  if  she  survive 
him. 

The  same  share  shall  be  set  apart  to  the  surviving  husband  of  a deceased 
wife. 


196 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


Tlie  widow's  share  cannot  he  affected  by  any  will  of  her  husband’s,  unless 
she  consents,  in  writing  thereto,  within  six  months  after  notice  to  her  of 
provisions  of  the  will. 

The  provisions  of  the  statutes  of  descent  apply  alike  to  surviving  husband 
or  surviving  wife. 

Subject  to  the  above,  the  remaining  estate  of  which  the  decedent  diod 
siezed,  shall  in  absence  of  other  arrangements  by  will,  descend 

First.  To  his  or  her  children  and  their  descendants  in  equal  parts;  the 
descendants  of  the  deceased  child  or  grandchild  taking  the  share  of  their 
deceased  parents  in  equal  shares  among  them. 

Second.  Where  there  is  no  child,  nor  descendant  of  such  child,  and  no 
widow  or  surviving  husband,  then  to  the  parents  of  the  deceased  in  equal 
parts;  the  surviving  parent,  if  either  be  dead,  taking  the  whole ; and  if  there 
is  no  parent  living,  then  to  the  brothers  and  sisters  of  the  intestate  and  their 
descendants. 

Third.  When  there  is  a widow  or  surviving  husband,  and  no  child  or 
children,  or- descendants  of  the  same,  then  one-half  of  the  estate  shall  descend 
to  such  widow  or  surviving  husband,  absolutely;  and  the  other  half  of  the 
estate  shall  descend  as  in  other  cases  where  there  is  no  widow  or  surviving 
husband,  or  child  or  children,  or  descendants  of  the  same. 

Fourth.  If  there  is  no  child,  parent,  brother  or  sister,  or  descendants  of 
either  of  them,  then  to  wife  of  intestate,  or  to  her  heirs,  if  dead,  according 
to  like  rules. 

Fifth.  If  any  intestate  leaves  no  child,  parent,  brother  or  sister,  or  de- 
scendants of  either  of  them,  and  no  widow  or  surviving  husband,  and  no 
child,  parent,  brother  or  sister  (or  descendant  of  either  of  them)  of  such 
widow  or  surviving  husband,  it  shall  escheat  to  the  State. 

WILLS  AND  ESTATES  OF  DECEASED  PERSONS. 

Ho  exact  form  of  words  are  necessary  in  order  to  make  a will  good  at  law. 
Every  male  person  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  and  every  female  of  the  age 
of  eighteen  years,  of  sound  mind  and  memory,  can  make  a valid  will;  it  must 
be  in  writing,  signed  by  the  testator,  or  by  some  one  in  his  or  her  presence, 
and  by  his  or  her  express  direction,  and  attested  by  two  or  more  competent 
witnesses.  Care  should  be  taken  that  the  witnesses  are  not  interested  in  the 
will.  Inventory  to  be  made  by  executor  or  administrator  within  fifteen 
days  from  date  of  letters  testamentary  or  of  administration.  Executors’  and 
administrators’  compensation  on  amount  of  personal  estate  distributed,  and 
for  proceeds  one-half  per  cent  on  overplus  up  to  five  thousand  dollars,  and 
one  per  cent  of  sale  of  real  estate,  five  per  cent  for  first  one  thousand  dol- 
lars, two  and  one-half  on  overplus  above  five  thousand  dollars,  with  such 
additional  allowance  as  shall  be  reasonable  for  extra  services. 

Within  ten  days  after  the  receipt  of  letters  of  administration,  the  executor 
or  administrator  shall  give  such  notice  of  appointment  as  the  court  or  clerk 
shall  direct. 

Claims  (other  than  preferred)  must  be  filed  within  one  year  thereafter,  or  are 
forever  barred,  unless  the  claim  is  pending  in  the  District  or  Supreme  Court, 
or  imless  peculiar  circumstances  entitle  the  claimant  to  equitable  relief. 

Claims  are  classed  and  payable  in  the  following  order: 

1.  Expenses  of  administration. 

2.  Expenses  of  last  sickness  and  funeral. 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


197 


3.  Allowance  to  widow  and  children,  if  made  by  the  court. 

4.  Debts  preferred  under  the  laws  of  the  United  States. 

5.  Public  rates  and  taxes. 

6.  Claims  filed  within  six  months  after  the first  publication  of  the  notice 
given  by  the  executors  of  their  appointment. 

7.  All  other  debts. 

8.  Legacies. 

The  award , or  property  which  must  be  set  ajpart  to  the  widow , in  her  own 
right,  by  the  executor,  includes  all  personal  property  which,  in  the  hands  of 
the  deceased,  as  head  of  the  family,  would  have  been  exempt  from  execution. 

TAXES. 

The  owners  of  personal  property,  on  the  first  day  of  January  of  each  year, 
and  the  owners  of  real  property  on  the  first  day  of  November  of  each  year, 
are  liable  for  the  taxes  thereon. 

The  following  property  is  exempt  from  taxation,  viz.  : 

1.  The  property  of  the  United  States  and  of  this  State,  including  uni- 
versity, agricultural,  college  and  school  lands,  and  all  property  leased  to  the 
State;  property  of  a county,  township,  city,  incorporated  town  or  school  dis- 
trict when  devoted  entirely  to  the  public  use  and  not  held  for  pecuniary 
profit;  public  grounds,  including  all  places  for  the  burial  of  the  dead;  fire 
engines,  and  all  implements  for  extinguishing  fires,  with  the  grounds  used 
exclusively  for  their  buildings  and  for  the  meetings  of  the  fire  companies; 
all  public  libraries,  grounds  and  buildings  of  literary,  scientific,  benevolent, 
agricultural  and  religious  institutions,  and  societies  devoted  solely  to  the 
appropriate  objects  of  these  institutions,  not  exceeding  640  acres  in  extent, 
and  not  leased  or  otherwise  used  with  a view  of  pecuniary  profit;  and  all 
property  leased  to  agricultural,  charitable  institutions  and  benevolent  soci- 
eties, and  so  devoted  during  the  term  of  such  lease;  provided , that  all  deeds, 
by  which  such  property  is  held,  shall  be  duly  filed  for  record  before  the 
property  therein  described  shall  be  omitted  from  the  assessment. 

2.  The  books,  papers  and  apparatus  belonging  to  the  above  institutions; 
used  solely  for  the  purposes  above  contemplated,  and  the  like  property  of 
students  in  any  such  institutions,  used  for  their  education. 

3.  Money  and  credits  belonging  exclusively  to  such  institutions  and  de- 
voted solely  to  sustaining  them,  but  not  exceeding  in  amount  or  income  the 
sum  prescribed  by  their  charter. 

4.  Animals  not  hereafter  specified,  the  wool  shorn  from  sheep,  belonging 
to  the  person  giving  the  list,  his  farm  produce  harvested  within  one  year 
previous  to  the  listing;  private  libraries  not  exceeding  three  hundred  dol- 
lars in  value;  family  pictures,  kitchen  furniture,  beds  and  bedding  requisite 
for  each  family,  all  wearing  apparel  in  actual  use,  and  all  food  provided  for 
the  family;  but  no  person  from  whom  a compensation  for  board  or  lodging 
is  received  or  expected,  is  to  be  considered  a member  of  the  family  within 
the  intent  of  this  clause. 

5.  The  polls  or  estates  or  both  of  persons  who,  'by  reason  of  age  or  in- 
firmity, may,  in  the  opinion  of  the  assessor,  be  unable  to  contribute  to  the 
public  revenue;  such  opinion  and  the  fact  upon  which  it  is  based  being  in 
all  cases  reported  to  the  Board  of  Equalization  by  the  Assessor  or  any  other 
person,  and  subject  to  reversal  by  them. 

6.  The  farming  utensils  of  any  person  who  makes  his  livelihood  by  farm- 


198 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


ing,  and  the  tools  of  any  mechanic,  not  in  either  case  to  exceed  three  hun- 
dred dollars  in  value. 

7.  Government  lands  entered  or  located  or  lands  purchased  from  this 
State,  should  not  he  taxed  for  the  year  in  which  the  entry,  location  or  pur- 
chase is  made. 

There  is  also  a suitable  exemption,  in  amount,  for  planting  fruit  trees  or 
forest  trees  or  hedges. 

Where  buildings  are  destroyed  by  fire,  tornado,  or  other  unavoidable  cas- 
ualty, after  being  assessed  for  the  year,  the  Board  of  Supervisors  may  rebate 
taxes  for  that  year  on  the  property  destroyed,  if  same  has  not  been  sold  for 
taxes , and  if  said  taxes  have  not  been  delinquent  for  thirty  days  at  the 
time  of  destruction  of  the  property,  and  the  rebate  shall  be  allowed  for  such 
loss  only  as  is  not  covered  by  insurance. 

All  other  property  is  subject  to  taxation.  Every  inhabitant  of  full  age 
and  sound  mind  shall  assist  the  Assessor  in  listing  all  taxable  property  of 
which  he  is  the  owner,  or  which  he  controls  or  manages,  either  as  agent, 
guardian,  father,  husband,  trustee,  executor,  accounting  officer,  partner, 
mortagor  or  lessor,  mortgagee  or  lessee. 

Road  beds  of  railway  corporations  shall  not  be  assessed  to  owners  of  ad- 
jacent property,  but  shall  be  considered  the  property  of  the  companies  for 
purposes  of  taxation;  nor  shall  real  estate  used  as  a public  highway  be  as- 
sessed and  taxed  as  part  of  adjacent  lands  whence  the  same  was  taken  for 
such  public  purpose. 

The  property  of  railway,  telegraph  and  express  companies  shall  be  listed 
and  assessed  for  taxation  as  the  property  of  an  individual  would  be  listed 
and  assessed  for  taxation.  Collection  of  taxes  made  as  in  the  case  of  an  in- 
dividual. 

The  Township  Board  of  Equalization  shall  meet  the  first  Monday  in  April 
of  each  year.  Appeal  lies  to  the  Circuit  Court. 

The  County  Board  of  Equalization  (the  Board  of  Supervisors)  meet  at 
their  regular  session  in  June  of  each  year.  Appeal  lies  to  the  Circuit  Court. 

Taxes  become  delinquent  February  1st  of  each  year,  payable,  without  in- 
terest or  penalty,  at  any  time  before  March  1st  of  each  year. 

Tax  sale  is  held  on  first  Monday  of  October  in  each  year. 

Redemption  may  be  made  at  any  time  within  three  years  after  date  of 
sale,  by  paying  to  the  County  Auditor  the  amount  of  sale,  and  twenty  per 
centum  of  such  amount  immediately  added  as  penalty , with  ten  per  cent, 
interest  per  annum  on  the  whole  amount  thus  made  from  the  day  of  sale, 
and  also  all  subsequent  taxes,  interest  and  costs  paid  by  purchaser  after 
March  1st  of  each  year,  and  a similar  penalty  of  twenty  per  centum  added 
as  before,  with  ten  per  cent  interest  as  before. 

If  notice  has  been  given,  by  purchaser,  of  the  date  at  which  the  redemp- 
tion is  limited,  the  cost  of  same  is  added  to  the  redemption  money.  Ninety 
days’  notice  is  required,  by  the  statute,  to  be  published  by  the  purchaser  or 
holder  of  certificate,  to  terminate  the  right  of  redemption. 

JURISDICTION  OF  COURTS. 

District  Courts  have  jurisdiction,  general  and  original,  both  civil  and 
criminal,  except  in  such  cases  where  Circuit  Courts  have  exclusive  jurisdic- 
tion. District  Courts  have  exclusive  supervision  over  courts  of  Justices 
of  the  Peace  and  Magistrates,  in  criminal  matters,  on  appeal  and  writs  of 
error. 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA 


199 


Circuit  Courts  have  jurisdiction,  general  and  original,  with  the  Dis- 
trict Courts,  in  all  civil  actions  and  special  proceedings,  and  exclusive  ju- 
risdiction in  all  appeals  and  writs  of  error  from  inferior  courts,  in  civil 
matters.  And  exclusive  jurisdiction  in  matters  of  estates  and  general 
probate  business. 

Justices  of  the  Peace  have  jurisdiction  in  civil  matters  where  $100 
or  less  is  involved.  By  consent  of  parties,  the  jurisdiction  may  be  ex- 
tended to  an  amount  not  exceeding  $300.  They  have  jurisdiction  to  try 
and  determine  all  public  offense  less  than  felony,  committed  within  their 
respective  counties,  in  which  the  fine , by  law,  does  not  exceed  $ 100  or  the 
imprisonment  thirty  days. 

LIMITATION  OF  ACTIONS. 

Action  for  injuries  to  the  person  or  reputation;  for  a statute  penalty; 
and  to  enforce  a mechanics’  lien,  must  be  brought  in  two  (2)  years. 

Those  against  a public  officer  within  three  (3)  years/ 

Those  founded  on  unwritten  contracts;  for  injuries  to  property;  for 
relief  on  the  ground  of  fraud;  and  all  other  actions  not  provided  for, 
within  five  (5)  years. 

Those  founded  on  written  contracts;  on  judgments  of  any  court  (except 
those  provided  for  in  next  section),  and  for  the  recovery  of  real  property, 
within  ten  (10)  years. 

Those  founded  on  judgment  of  any  court  of  record  in  the  United  States, 
within  twenty  (20)  years. 

All  above  limits,  except  those  for  penalties  and  forfeitures,  are  extended 
in  favor  of  minors  and  insane  persons,  until  one  year  after  the  disability  is 
removed — time  during  which  defendant  is  a non-resident  of  the  State  shall 
not  be  included  in  computing  any  of  the  above  periods. 

Actions  for  the  recovery  of  real  property,  sold  for  non-payment  of  taxes, 
must  be  brought  within  five  years  after  the  Treasurer’s  Deed  is  executed 
and  recorded,  except  where  a minor  or  convict  or  insane  person  is  the 
owner,  and  they  shall  be  allowed  five  years  after  disability  is  removed,  in 
which  to  bring  action. 


JURORS. 

All  qualified  electors  of  the  State,  of  good  moral  character,  sound  judg- 
ment, and  in  full  possession  of  the  senses  of  hearing  and  seeing,  are  compe- 
tent jurors  in  their  respective  counties. 

United  States  officers,  practicing  attorneys,  physicians  and  clergymen, 
acting  professors  or  teachers  in  institutions  of  learning,  and  persons  dis- 
abled by  bodily  infirmity  or  over  sixty-five  years  of  age,  are  exempt  from 
liability  to  act  as  jurors. 

Any  person  may  be  excused  from  serving  on  a jury  when  his  own  inter- 
ests or  the  public’s  will  be  materially  injured  by  his  attendance,  or  when  the 
state  of  his  health  or  the  death,  or  sickness  of  his  family  requires  his  ab- 
sence. 


CAPITAL  PUNISHMENT 

was  restored  by  the  Seventeenth  General  Assembly,  making  it  optional 
with  the  jury  to  inflict  it  or  not. 


200 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


A MARRIED  WOMAN 

may  convey  or  incumber  real  estate,  or  interest  therein,  belonging  to  her ; 
may  control  the  same  or  contract  with  reference  thereto,  as  other  persons 
may  convey,  encumber,  control  or  contract. 

She  may  own,  acquire,  hold,  convey  and  devise  property,  as  her  husband 
may. 

Her  husband  is  not  liable  for  civil  injuries  committed  by  her. 

She  may  convey  property  to  her  husband,  and  he  may  convey  to  her. 

She  may  constitute  her  husband  her  attorney  in  fact. 

EXEMPTIONS  FROM  EXECUTION. 

A resident  of  the  State  and  head  of  a family  may  hold  the  following 
property  exempt  from  execution:  All  wearing  apparel  of  himself  and 
family  kept  for  actual  use  and  suitable  to  the  condition,  and  the  tranks  or 
other  receptacles  necessary  to  contain  the  same;  one  musket  or  rifle  and 
shot-gun;  all  private  libraries,  family  Bibles,  portraits,  pictures,  musical  in- 
struments, and  paintings  not  kept  for  the  purpose  of  sale;  a seat  or  pew 
occupied  by  the  debtor  or  his  family  in  any  house  of  public  worship;  an 
interest  in  a public  or  private  burying  ground  not  exceeding  one  acre;  two 
cows  and  a calf;  one  horse,  unless  a horse  is  exempt  as  hereinafter  pro- 
vided ; fifty  sheep  and  the  wool  therefrom,  and  the  materials  manufactured 
from  said  wool;  six  stands  of  bees;  five  hogs  and  all  pigs  under  six 
months;  the  necessary  food  for  exempted  animals  for  six  months;  all  flax 
raised  from  one  acre  of  ground,  and  manufactures  therefrom ; one  bedstead 
and  necessary  bedding  for  every  two  in  the  family;  all  cloth  manufactured 
by  the  defendant  not  exceeding  one  hundred  yards ; household  and  kitchen 
furniture  not  exceeding  two  hundred  dollars  in  value;  all  spinning  wheels 
and  looms;  one  sewing  machine  and  other  instruments  of  domestic  labor 
kept  for  actual  use;  the  necessary  provisions  and  fuel  for  the  use  of  the 
family  for  six  months;  the  proper  tools,  instruments,  or  books  of  the  debtor, 
if  a farmer,  mechanic,  surveyor,  clergyman,  lawyer,  physician,  teacher  or 
professor;  the  horse  or  the  team,  consisting  of  not  more  than  two  horses  or 
mules,  or  two  yokes  of  cattle,  and  the  wagon  or  other  vehicle,  with  the 
proper  harness  or  tackle,  by  the  use  of  which  the  debtor,  if  a physician, 
public  officer,  farmer,  teamster  or  other  laborer,  habitually  earns  his  living; 
and  to  the  debtor,  if  a printer,  there  shall  also  be  exempt  a printing  press 
and  the  types,  furniture  and  material  necessary  for  the  use  of  such  printing 
press,  and  a newspaper  office  to  the  value  of  twelve  hundred  dollars;  the 
earnings  of  such  debtor,  or  those  of  his  family,  at  any  time  within  ninety 
days  next  preceding  the  levy. 

Persons  unmarried  and  not  the  head  of  a family,  and  non-residents,  have 
exempt  their  own  ordinary  wearing  apparel  and  trunks  to  contain  the  same. 

There  is  also  exempt,  to  a head  of  a family,  a homestead,  not  exceeding 
forty  acres;  or,  if  inside  city  limits,  one-half  acre  with  improvements,  value 
not  limited.  The  homestead  is  liable  for  all  debts  contracted  prior  to  its 
acquisition  as  such,  and  is  subject  to  mechanics’  liens  for  work  or  material 
furnished  for  the  same. 

An  article,  otherwise  exempt,  is  liable,  on  execution,  for  the  purchase 
money  thereof. 

Where  a debtor,  if  a head  of  a family,  has  started  to  leave  the  State,  he 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


201 


shall  have  exempt  only  the  ordinary  wearing  apparel  of  himself  and  family, 
and  other  property  in  addition,  as  he  may  select,  in  all  not  exceeding  seventy- 
five  dollars  in  value. 

A policy  of  life  insurance  shall  inure  to  the  separate  use  of  the  husband 
or  wife  and  children,  entirely  independent  of  his  or  her  creditors. 

WOLF  SCALPS. 

A bounty  of  one  dollar  is  paid  for  wolf  scalps. 

MARKS  AND  BRANDS. 

Any  person  may  adopt  his  own  mark  or  brand  for  his  domestic  animals, 
or  have  a description  thereof  recorded  by  the  township  clerk. 

No  person  shall  adopt  the  recorded  mark  or  brand  of  any  person  residing 
in  his  township. 

DAMAGES  FROM  TRESPASS. 

When  any  person’s  lands  are  enclosed  by  a lawful  fence,  the  owner  of 
any  domestic  animal  injuring  said  lands  is  liable  for  the  damages,  and  the 
damages  may  be  recovered  by  suit  against  the  owner,  or  may  be  made  by 
distraining  the  animals  doing  the  damage;  and  if  the  party  injured  elects 
to  recover  by  action  against  the  owner,  no  appraisement  need  be  made  by 
the  trustees,  as  in  case  of  distraint. 

When  trespassing  animals  are  distrained  within  twenty-four  hours,  Sun- 
day not  included,  the  party  injured  shall  notify  the  owner  of  said  animals, 
if  known;  and  if  the  owner  fails  to  satisfy  the  party  within  twenty-four 
hours  thereafter,  the  party  shall  have  the  township  trustees  assess  the  dam- 
ages, and  notice  shall  be  posted  up  in  three  conspicuous  places  in  the  town- 
ship, that  the  stock,  or  part  thereof,  shall,  on  the  tenth  day  after  posting 
the  notice , between  the  hours  of  1 and  3 p.  m.,  be  sold  to  the  highest  bidder, 
to  satisfy  said  damages,  with  costs. 

Appeal  lies,  within  twenty  days,  from  the  action  of  the  trustees  to  the 
circuit  court. 

Where  stock  is  restrained,  by  police  regulation  or  by  law,  from  running 
at  large,  any  person  injured  in  his  improved  or  cultivated  lands  by  any  do- 
mestic animal,  may,  by  action  against  the  owner  of  such  animal,  or  by  dis- 
training such  animal,  recover  his  damages,  whether  the  lands  whereon  the 
injury  was  done  were  inclosed  by  a lawful  fence  or  not. 

ESTRAYS. 

An  unbroken  animal  shall  not  be  taken  up  as  an  estray  between  May  1st 
and  November  1st,  of  each  year,  unless  the  same  be  found  within  the  law- 
ful enclosure  of  a householder,  who  alone  can  take  up  such  animal,  unless 
some  other  person  gives  him  notice  of  the  fact  of  such  animal  coming  on 
his  place;  and  if  he  fails,  within  five  days  thereafter,  to  take  up  such  estray, 
any  other  householder  of  the  township  may  take  up  such  estray  and  pro- 
ceed with  it  as  if  taken  on  his  own  premises,  provided  he  shall  prove  to  the 
Justice  of  the  Peace  such  notice,  and  shall  make  affidavit  where  such  estray 
was  taken  up. 


202 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


Any  swine,  slieep,  goat,  horse,  neat  cattle  or  other  animal  distrained  (for 
damage  done  to  one’s  enclosure),  when  the  owner  is  not  known,  shall  be 
treated  as  an  estray. 

Within  five  days  after  taking  up  an  estray,  notice  containing  a full  de- 
scription thereof,  shall  be  posted  up  in  three  of  the  most  public  places  in 
the  township;  and  in  ten  days,  the  person  taking  up  such  estray  shall  go 
before  a Justice  of  the  Peace  in  the  township  and  make  oath  as  to  where 
such  estray  was  taken  up,  and  that  the  marks  or  brands  have  not  been  al- 
tered, to  his  knowledge.  The  estray  shall  then  be  appraised,  by  order  of 
the  Justice,  and  the  appraisement,  description  of  the  size,  age,  color,  sex, 
marks  and  brands  of  the  estray  shall  be  entered  by  the  Justice  in  a book 
kept  for  that  purpose,  and  he  shall,  within  ten  days  thereafter,  send  a certi- 
fied copy  thereof  to  the  County  Auditor. 

When  the  appraised  value  of  an  estray  does  not  exceed  five  dollars,  the 
Justice  need  not  proceed  further  than  to  enter  the  description  of  the  estray 
on  his  book,  and  if  no  owner  appears  within  six  months,  the  property  shall 
vest  in  the  finder,  if  he  has  complied  with  the  law  and  paid  all  costs. 

Where  appraised  value  of  estray  exceeds  five  and  is  less  than  ten  dollars, 
if  no  owner  appears  in  nine  mon  ths,  the  finder  has  the  property,  if  he  has 
complied  with  the  law  and  paid  costs. 

An  estray,  legally  taken  up,  may  be  used  or  worked  with  care  and  mod- 
eration. 

If  any  person  unlawfully  take  up  an  estray,  or  take  up  an  estray  and  fail 
to  comply  with  the  law  regarding  estray s,  or  use  or  work  it  contrary  to 
above,  or  work  it  before  having  it  appraised,  or  keep  such  estray  out  of  the 
county  more  than  five  days  atone  time,  before  acquiring  ownership,  such 
offender  shall  forfeit  to  the  county  twenty  dollars,  and  the  owner  may  re- 
cover double  damages  with  costs. 

If  the  owner  of  any  estray  fail  to  claim  and  prove  his  title  for  one  year 
after  the  taking  up,  and  the  finder  shall  have  complied  with  the  law,  a com- 
plete title  vests  in  the  finder. 

But  if  the  owner  appear  within  eighteen  months  from  the  taking  up, 
prove  his  ownership  and  pay  all  costs  and  expenses,  the  finder  shall  pay  him 
the  appraised  value  of  such  estray,  or  may,  at  his  option,  deliver  up  the  es- 
tray. 

FENCES. 

A lawful  fence  is  fifty -four  inches  high,  made  of  rails,  wire  or  boards, 
with  posts  not  more  than  ten  feet  apart  where  rails  are  used,  and  eight  feet 
where  boards  are  used,  substantially  built  and  kept  in  good  repair;  or  any 
other  fence,  in  the  opinion  of  the  fence  viewers,  shall  be  declared  a lawful 
fence — provided  the  lower  rail,  wire  or  board  be  not  more  than  twenty  nor 
less  than  sixteen  inches  from  the  ground. 

The  respective  owners  of  lands  enclosed  with  fences  shall  maintain  parti- 
tion fences  between  their  own  and  next  adjoining  enclosure  so  long  as  they 
improve  them  in  equal  shares,  unless  otherwise  agreed  between  them. 

If  any  party  neglect  to  maintain  such  partition  fence  as  he  should  main- 
tain, the  fence  viewers  (the  township  trustees),  upon  complaint  of  aggrieved 
party,  may,  upon  due  notice  to  both  parties,  examine  the  fence,  and,  if 
found  insufficient,  notify  the  delinquent  party,  in  writing , to  repair  or  re- 
build the  same  within  such  time  as  they  judge  reasonable. 

If  the  fence  be  not  repaired  or  rebuilt  accordingly,  the  complainant  may 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


203 


do  so,  and  the  same  being  adjudged  sufficient  by  the  fence  viewers,  and  the 
value  thereof,  with  their  fees,  being  ascertained  and  certified  under  their 
hands,  the  complainant  may  demand  of  the  delinquent  the  sum  so  ascer- 
tained, and  if  the  same  be  not  paid  in  one  month  after  demand,  may  recover 
it  with  one  per  cent  a month  interest,  by  action. 

In  case  of  disputes,  the  fence  viewers  may  decide  as  to  who  shall  erect  or 
maintain  partition  fences,  and  in  what  time  the  same  shall  be  done;  and  in 
case  any  party  neglect  to  maintain  or  erect  such  part  as  may  be  assigned  to 
him,  the  aggrieved  party  may  erect  and  maintain  the  same,  and  recover 
double  damages. 

Ho  person,  not  wishing  his  land  enlosed,  and  not  using  it  otherwise  than 
in  common,  shall  be  compelled  to  maintain  any  partition  fence;  but  when 
he  uses  or  incloses  his  land  otherwise  than  in  common,  he  shall  contribute 
to  the  partition  fences. 

Where  parties  have  had  their  lands  inclosed  in  common,  and  one  of  the 
owners  desire  to  occupy  his  separate  and  apart  from  the  other,  and  the  other 
refuses  to  divide  the  line  or  build  a sufficient  fence  on  the  line  when  di- 
vided, the  fence  viewers  may  divide  and  assign,  and  upon  neglect  of  the 
other  to  build  as  ordered  by  the  viewers,  the  one  may  build  the  other’s  part 
and  recover  as  above. 

And  when  one  incloses  land  which  has  lain  uninclosed,  he  must  pay  for 
one-half  of  each  partition  fence  between  himself  and  his  neighbors. 

Where  one  desires  to  lay  not  less  than  twenty  feet  of  his  lands,  adjoining 
his  neighbor,  out  to  the  public  to  be  used  in  common,  he  must  give  his 
neighbor  six  months’  notice  thereof. 

Where  a fence  has  been  built  on  the  land  of  another  through  mistake,  the 
owner  may  enter  upon  such  premises  and  remove  his  fence  and  material 
within  six  months  after  the  division  line  has  been  ascertained.  Where  the 
material  to  build  such  a fence  has  been  taken* from  the  land  on  which  it  was 
built,  then,  before  it  can  be  removed,  the  person  claiming  must  first  pay 
for  such  material  to  the  owner  of  the  land  from  which  it  was  taken,  nor 
shall  such  a fence  be  removed  at  a time  when  the  removal  will  throw  open 
or  expose  the  crops  of  the  other  party;  a reasonable  time  must  be  given  be- 
yond the  six  months  to  remove  crops. 

ADOPTION  OF  CHILDREN. 

Any  person  competent  to  make  a will  can  adopt  as  his  owa  the  minor 
child  of  another.  The  consent  of  both  parents,  if  living  and  not  divorced 
or  separated,  and  if  divorced  or  separated,  or  if  unmarried,  the  consent  of 
the  parent  lawfully  having  the  custody  of  the  child ; or  if  either  parent  is 
dead,  then  the  consent  of  the  survivor,  or  if  both  parents  be  dead,  or  the 
child  have  been  and  remain  abandoned  by  them,  then  the  consent  of  the 
Mayor  of  the  city  where  the  child  is  living,  or  if  not  in  the  city,  then  of  the 
Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  the=  county  shall  be  given  to  such 
adoption  by  an  instrument  in  writing,  signed  by  parties  consenting,  and  stat- 
ing the  names  of  the  parties,  if  known,  the  name  of  the  child,  if  known, 
the  name  of  the  person  adopting  such  child,  and  the  residence  of  all,  if 
known,  and  declaring  the  name  by  which  the  child  is  thereafter  to  be  called 
and  known,  and  stating,  also,  that  such  child  is  given  to  the  person  adopting, 
for  the  purpose  of  adoption  as  his  own  child. 

The  person  adopting  shall  also  sign  said  instrument,  and  all  the  parties 


204 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


shall  acknowledge  the  same  in  the  manner  that  deeds  conveying  lands  shall 
be  acknowledged. 

The  instrument  shall  be  recorded  in  the  office  of  the  County  Recorder. 

SURVEYORS  AND  SURVEYS. 

There  is  in  every  county  elected  a Surveyor  known  as  a County  Surveyor, 
who  has  power  to  appoint  deputies,  for  whose  official  acts  he  is  responsible. 
It  is  the  duty  of  the  County  Surveyor,  either  by  himself  or  his  deputy,  to 
make  all  surveys  that  he  may  be  called  upon  to  make  within  his  county  as 
soon  as  may  be  after  application  is  made.  The  necessary  chainmen  and 
other  assistance  must  be  employed  by  the  person  requiring  the  same  to  be 
done,  and  to  be  by  him  paid,  unless  otherwise  agreed;  but  the  chainmen 
must  be  disinterested  persons  and  approved  by  the  Surveyor  and  sworn  by 
him  to  measure  justly  and  impartially.  Previous  to  any  survey,  he  shall 
furnish  himself  with  a copy  of  the  field  notes  of  the  original  survey  of  the 
same  land,  if  there  be  any  in  the  office  of  the  County  Auditor,  and  his  sur- 
vey shall  be  made  in  accordance  therewith. 

Their  fees  are  three  dollars  per  day.  For  certified  copies  of  field  notes, 
twenty-five  cents. 

mechanics’  liens. 

Every  mechanic,  or  other  person  who  shall  do  any  labor  upon,  or  furnish 
any  materials,  machinery  or  fixtures  for  any  building,  erection  or  other  im- 
provement upon  land,  including  those  engaged  in  the  construction  or  repair 
of  any  work  of  internal  improvement,  by  virtue  of  any  contract  with  the 
owner,  his  agent,  trustee,  contractor,  or  sub-con trrctor,  shall  have  a lien,  on 
complying  with  the  forms  of  law,  upon  the  building  or  other  improvement 
for  his  labor  done  or  materials  furnished. 

It  would  take  too  large  a space  to  detail  the  manner  in  which  a sub-con- 
tractor  secures  his  lien.  He  should  file,  within  thirty  days  after  the  last  of  the 
labor  was  performed,  or  the  last  of  the  material  shall  have  been  furnished, 
with  the  clerk  of  the  District  Court  a true  account  of  the  amount  due  him, 
after  allowing  all  credits,  setting  forth  the  time  when  such  material  was  fur- 
nished or  labor  performed,  and  when  completed,  and  containing  a correct 
description  of  the  property  sought  to  be  charged  with  the  lien,  and  the  whole 
verified  by  affidavit. 

A principal  contractor  must  file  such  an  affidavit  within  ninety  days,  as 
above. 

Ordinarily,  there  are  so  many  points  to  be  examined  in  order  to  secure  a 
mechanics’  lien,  that  it  is  much  better,  unless  one  is  acustomed  to  managing 
such  liens,  to  consult  at  once  an  attorney. 

Remember  that  the  proper  time  to  file  the  claim  is  ninety  days  for  a prin- 
cipal contractor,  thirty  days  for  a sub-contractor,  as  above;  and  that  actions 
to  enforce  these  liens  must  be  commenced  within  two  years,  and  the  rest  can 
much  better  be  done  with  an  attorney. 

ROADS  AND  BRIDGES. 

Persons  meeting  each  other  on  the  public  highways,  shall  give  one-half  of 
the  same  by  turning  to  the  right.  All  persons  failing  to  observe  this  rule 
shall  be  liable  to  pay  all  damages  resulting  therefrom,  together  with  a fine, 
not  exceeding  five  dollars. 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


205 


The  prosecution  must  be  instituted  on  the  complaint  of  the  person 
wronged. 

Am7  person  guilty  of  racing  horses,  or  driving  upon  the  public  highway, 
in  a manner  likely  to  endanger  the  persons  or  the  lives  of  others,  shall,  on 
conviction,  be  fined  not  exceeding  one  hundred  dollars  or  imprisoned  not 
exceeding  thirty  days. 

It  is  a misdemeanor,  without  authority  from  the  proper  Road  Supervisor, 
to  break  upon,  plow  or  dig  within,  the  boundary  lines  of  any  public  high- 
way. 

The  money  tax  levied  upon  the  property  in  each  road  district  in  each  town- 
ship (except  the  general  Township  Fund,  set  apart  for  purchasing  tools,  ma- 
chinery and  guide  boards),  whether  collected  by  the  Road  Supervisor  or 
County  Treasurer,  shall  be  expended  for  highway  purposes  in  that  district, 
and  no  part  thereof  shall  be  paid  out  or  expended  for  the  benefit  of  another 
district. 

The  Road  Supervisor  of  each  district,  is  bound  to  keep  the  roads  and 
bridges  therein,  in  as  good  condition  as  the  funds  at  his  disposal  will  permit; 
to  put  guide  boards  at  cross  roads  and  forks  of  highways  in  his  district;  and 
when  notified  in  writing  that  any  portion  of  the  public  highway,  or  any 
bridge  is  unsafe,  must  in  a reasonable  time  repair  the  same,  and  for  this  pur- 
pose may  call  out  any  or  all  the  able  bodied  men  in  the  district,  but  not 
more  than  two  days  at  one  time,  without  their  consent. 

Also,  when  notified  in  writing,  of  the  growth  of  any  Canada  thistles  upon 
vacant  or  non-resident  lands  or  vacant  lots,  within  his  district,  the  owner, 
lessee  or  agent  thereof  being  unknown,  shall  cause  the  same  to  be  destroyed. 

Bridges  when  erected  and  maintained  by  the  public,  are  parts  of  the  high- 
way, and  must  not  be  less  than  sixteen  feet  wide. 

A penalty  is  imposed  upon  any  one  who  rides  or  drives  faster  than  a walk 
across  any  such  bridge. 

The  manner  of  establishing,  vacating  or  altering  roads,  etc.,  is  so  well 
known  to  all  township  officers,  that  it  sufficient  here  to  say  that  the  first  step 
is  by  petition,  filed  in  the  Auditors’  office,  addressed  in  substance  as  follows: 

The  Board  of  Supervisors  of County:  The  undersigned  asks  that 

a highway,  commencing’ fit -and  running  thence and  terminating 

at , be  established,  vacated  or  altered  (as  the  case  may  be). 

When  the  petition  is  filed,  all  necessary  and  succeding  steps  will  be  shown 
and  explained  to  the  petitioners  by  the  Auditor. 

SUPPORT  OF  POOR. 

The  father,  mother  and  children  of  any  poor  person  who  has  applied  for 
aid,  and  who  is  unable  to  maintain  himself  by  work,  shall,  jointly  or  sev- 
erally, maintain  such  poor  person  in  such  manner  as  may  be  approved  by 
the  Township  Trustees. 

In  the  absence  or  inability  of  nearer  relatives,  the  same  liability  shall  ex- 
tend to  the  grandparents,  if  of  ability  without  personal  labor,  and  to  the 
male  grandchildren  who  are  of  ability,  by  personal  labor  or  otherwise. 

The  Township  Trustees  may,  upon  the  failure  of  such  relatives  to  main- 
tain a poor  person,  who  has  made  application  for  relief,  apply  to  the  Circuit 
Court  for  an  order  to  compel  the  same. 

Upon  ten  days’  notice,  in  writing,  to  the  parties  sought  to  be  charged,  a 
hearing  may  be  had,  and  an  order  made  for  entire  or  partial  support  of  the 
poor  person. 


206 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


Appeal  may  be  taken  from  such  judgment  as  from  other  judgments  of 
the  Circuit  Court. 

When  any  person,  having  any  estate,  abandons  either  children,  wife  or 
husband,  leaving  them  chargeable,  or  likely  to  become  chargeable,  upon  the 
public  for  support,  upon  proof  of  above  fact,  an  order  may  be  had  from  the 
Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court,  or  Judge,  authorizing  the  Trustees  or  the  Sheriff 
to  take  into  possession  such  estate. 

The  court  may  direct  such  personal  estate  to  be  sold,  to  be  applied,  as 
well  as  the  rents  and  profits  of  the  real  estate,  if  any,  to  the  support  of 
children,  wife  or  husband. 

If  the  party  against  whom  the  order  is  issued  return  and  support  the  per- 
son abandoned,  or  give  security  for  the  same,  the  order  shall  be  discharged, 
and  the  property  taken  returned. 

The  mode  of  relief  for  the  poor,  through  the  action  of  the  Township 
Trustees,  or  the  action  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors,  is  so  well  known  to 
every  township  officer,  and  the  circumstances  attending  applications  for  re- 
lief are  so  varied,  that  it  need  now  only  be  said  that  it  is  the  duty  of  each 
county  to  provide  for  its  poor,  no  matter  at  what  place  they  may  be. 

LANDLORD  AND  TENANT. 

A tenant  giving  notice  to  quit  demised  premises  at  a time  named,  and 
afterward  holding  over,  and  a tenant  or  his  assignee  willfully  holding  over 
the  premises  after  the  term,  and  after  notice  to  quit,  shall  pay  double  rent. 

Any  person  in  possession  of  real  property,  with  the  assent  of  the  owner, 
is  presumed  to  be  a tenant  at  will  until  the  contrary  is  shown. 

Thirty  days’  notice,  in  writing,  is  necessary  to  be  given  by  either  party 
before  he  can  terminate  a tenancy  at  will ; but  when,  in  any  case,  a rent  is 
reserved  payable  at  intervals  of  less  than  thirty  days,  the  length  of  notice 
need  not  be  greater  than  such  interval  between  the  days  of  payment.  In 
case  of  tenants  occupying  and  cultivating  farms,  the  notice  must  fix  the  ter- 
mination of  the  tenancy  to  take  place  on  the  1st  of  March,  except  in  cases 
of  field  tenants  and  croppers,  whose  leases  shall  be  held  to  expire  when  the 
crop  is  harvested ; provided,  that  in  a case  of  a crop  of  corn,  it  shall  not  be 
later,  than  the  1st  day  of  December,  unless  otherwise  agreed  upon.  But 
when  an  express  agreement  is  made,  whether  the  same  has  been  reduced  to 
writing  or  not,  the  tenancy  shall  cease  at  the  time  agreed  upon,  without 
notice. 

But  where  an  express  agreement  is  made,  whether  reduced  to  writing  or 
not,  the  tanancy  shall  cease  at  the  time  agreed  upon,  without  notice. 

If  such  tenant  cannot  be  found  in  the  county,  the  notices  above  required 
may  be  given  to  any  sub-tenant  or  other  person  in  possession  of  the  prem- 
ises; or  if  the  premises  be  vacant,  by  affixing  the  notice  to  the  principal  door 
of  the  building,  or  on  some  conspicuous  position  on  the  land,  if  there  be  no 
building. 

The  landlord  shall  have  a lien  for  his  rent  upon  all  the  crops  grown  on  the 
premises,  and  upon  any  other  personal  property  of  the  tenant  used  on  the 
premises  during  the  term,  and  not  exempt  from  execution,  for  a period  of 
one  year  after  a year’s  rent  or  the  rent  of  a shorter  period  claimed  falls  due; 
but  such  lien  shall  not  continue  more  than  six  months  after  the  expiration 
of  the  term. 

The  lien  may  be  effected  by  the  commencement  of  an  action,  within  the 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


207 


period  above  described,  for  rent  alone ; and  the  landlord  is  entitled  to  a writ 
of  attachment,  upon  filing  an  affidavit  that  the  action  is  commenced  to  re- 
cover rent  accrued  within  one  year  previous  thereto  upon  the  premises  de- 
scribed in  the  affidavit. 


WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 

Whenever  any  of  the  following  articles  shall  be  contracted  for,  or  sold  or 
delivered,  and  no  special  contract  or  agreement  shall  be  made  to  the  con- 
trary, the  weight  per  bushel  shall  be  as  follows,  to  wit: 


Apples,  Peaches  or  Quinces 48 

Cherries,  Grapes,  Currants  or  Gooseber’s,  40 
Strawberries,  Raspberries  or  Blackber’s,  32 

Osage  Orange  Seed 32 

Millet  Seed 45 

Stone  Coal 80 

Lime 80 

Corn  in  the  ear 70 

Wheat 60 

Potatoes 60 

Beans... 60 

Clover  Seed 60 

Onions 57 

Shelled  Com 56 

Rye 56 

Flax  Seed 56 

Sweet  Potatoes 46 


Sand 130 

Sorgum  Seed 30 

Broom  Com  Seed 30 

Buckwheat 52 

Salt 50 

Barley 48 

Com  Meal 48 

Castor  Beans 46 

Timothy  Seed 45 

Hemp  Seed 44 

Dried  Peaches 33 

Oats 33 

Dried  Apples 24 

Bran 20 

Blue  Grass  Seed 14 

Hungarian  Grass  Seed 45 


Penalty  for  giving  less  than  the  above  standard  is  treble  damages  and 
costs  and  five  dollars  addition  thereto  as  a fine. 


NOTES. 

Form  of  note  is  legal,  worded  in  the  simplest  way,  so  that  the  amount 
and  time  of  payment  are  mentioned: 

$100.  Chicago,  111.,  Sept.  15,  1876. 

Sixty  days  from  date  I promise  to  pay  to  E.  F.  Brown  or  order,  one  hun- 
dred dollars,  for  value  received.  L.  D.  Lowry. 

A note  to  be  payable  in  anything  else  than  money  needs  only  the  facts 
substituted  for  money  in  the  above  form. 


ORDERS. 

Orders  should  be  worded  simply,  thus. 

Mr.  F.  H.  Coats:  Chicago,  Sept.  15, 1876. 

Please  pay  to  H.  Birdsall  twenty -five  dollars,  and  charge  to 

F.  D.  Silva. 


bills  of  purchase. 

W.  N.  Mason,  Salem,  Illinois,  Sept.  18,  1876. 

Bought  of  A.  A.  Graham. 


4 Bushels  of  Seed  Wheat,  at  $1.50 $6  00 

2 Seamless  Sacks  “ SO 60 

Received  payment,  $6  60 


A.  A.  Graham. 


208 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


RECEIPTS. 

Receipts  should  always  state  when  received  and  what  for,  thus: 

$100.  Chicago,  Sept.  15,  1876. 

Received  of  J.  W.  Davis,  one  hundred  dollars,  for  ser- 
vices rendered  in  grading  his  Jot  in  Fort  Madison,  on  account. 

Thomas  Brady. 

If  receipt  is  in  full,  it  should  be  so  stated. 

DEFINITION  OF  COMMERCIAL  TERMS. 

$ means  dollars,  being  a contraction  of  U.  S.,  which  was  formerly 

placed  before  any  denomination  of  money,  and  meant,  as  it  means  now, 
United  States  Currency. 

£ means  pounds,  English  money. 

@ stands  for  at  or  to ; lb  for  pounds,  and  bbl.  for  barrels',  ^ for  per  or 
by  the.  Thus,  Butter  sells  at  20 @ 30c  ft>,  and  Flour  at  $8 @$12  ^ bbl. 

% for  per  cent,  and  for  number. 

May  1.  Wheat  sells  at  $1.20@$1.25,  “ seller  June.”  Seller  June  means 
that  the  person  who  sells  the  wheat  has  the  privilege  of  delivering  it  at  any 
time  during  the  month  of  June. 

Selling  short,  is  contracting  to  deliver  a certain  amount  of  grain  or  stock, 
at  a fixed  price,  within  a certain  length  of  time,  when  the  seller  has  not 
the  stock  on  hand.  It  is  for  the  interest  of  the  person  selling  “ short  ” to 
depress  the  market  as  much  as  possible,  in  order  that  he  may  buy  and  fill 
his  contract  at  a profit.  Hence  the  “shorts  ” are  termed  “ bears.” 

Buying  long,  is  to  contract  to  purchase  a certain  amount  of  grain  or 
shares  of  stock  at  a fixed  price,  deliverable  within  a stipulated  time,  ex- 
pecting to  make  a profit  by  the  rise  in  prices.  The  “ longs  ” are  termed 
“ bulls,”  as  it  is  for  their  interest  to  “ operate  ” so  as  to  “ toss  ” the  prices 
upward  as  much  as  possible. 

CONFESSION  OF  JUDGMENT. 

$ . , Iowa, , 18 — . 

after  date  — promises  to  pay  to  the  order  of , dollars, 

at , for  value  received,  with  interest  at  ten  per  cent  per  annum  after 

until  paid.  Interest  payable , and  on  interest  not  paid  when  due, 

interest  at  same  rate  and  conditions. 

A failure  to  pay  said  interest,  or  any  part  thereof,  within  20  days  after  due,  shall  cause  the 
whole  note  to  become  due  and  collectible  at  once. 

If  this  note  is  sued,  or  judgment  is  confessed  hereon,  $ shall  be  allowed  as  attorney  fees. 

Ho.  — . P.  O. , . 

CONFESSION  OF  JUDGMENT. 

— vs.  — In  Court  of County,  Iowa,  , of 

County,  Iowa,  do  hereby  confess  that justly  indebted  to , in  the 

sum  of dollars,  and  the  further  sum  of  $ as  attorney  fees,  with 

interest  thereon  at  ten  per  cent  from , and  — hereby  confess  judg- 
ment against  — — — as  defendant  in  favor  of  said , for  said  sum  of 

$ , and  $ as  attorney  fees,  hereby  authorizing  the  Clerk  of  the 

Court  of  said  county  to  enter  up  judgment  for  said  sum  against 

with  costs,  and  interest  at  10  per  cent  from , the  interest  to  be  paid — . 

Said  debt  and  judgment  being  for . 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


2(H) 


It  is  especially  agreed,  however,  That  if  this  judgment  is  paid  within 

twenty  days  after  due,  no  attorney  fees  need  be  paid.  And hereby  sell, 

convey  and  release  all  right  of  homestead  we  now  occupy  in  favor  of  said 

so  far  as  this  judgment  is  concerned,  and  agree  that  it  shall  be  liable 

on  execution  for  this  judgment. 

Dated , 18 — . . 


The  State  of  Iowa,  ) 

County.  j 

being  duly  sworn  according  to  law,  depose  and  say  that  the  fore- 
going statement  and  Confession  of  Judgment  was  read  over  to , and 

that  — understood  the  contents  thereof,  and  that  the  statements  contained 
therein  are  true,  and  that  the  sums  therein  mentioned  are  justly  to  become 
due  said as  aforesaid. 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me  and  in  my  presence  by  the  said 
this  day  of , 18 — . , Notary  Public. 

ARTICLES  OF  AGREEMENT. 

An  agreement  is  where  one  party  promises  to  another  to  do  a certain 
thing  in  a certain  time  for  a stipulated  sum.  Good  business  men  always 
reduce  an  agreement  to  writing,  which  nearly  always  saves  misunderstand- 
ings and  trouble.  No  particular  form  is  necessary,  but  the  facts  must  be 
clearly  and  explicitly  stated,  and  there  must,  to  make  it  valid,  be  a reason- 
able consideration. 

General  Form  of  Agreement. — This  agreement,  made  the  second  day  of 
June,  1878,  between  John  Jones,  of  Keokuk,  county  of  Lee,  State  of  Iowa, 
of  the  first  part,  and  Thomas  Whiteside,  of  the  same  place,  of  the  second 
part — 

Witnesseth:  That  the  said  John  Jones,  in  consideration  of  the  agreement 
of  the  party  of  the  second  part,  hereinafter  contained,  contracts  and  agrees 
to  and  with  the  said  Thomas  Whiteside,  that  he  will  deliver  in  good  and 
marketable  condition,  at  the  village  of  Melrose,  Iowa,  during  the  month  of 
November,  of  this  year,  one  hundred  tons  of  prairie  hay,  in  the  following 
lots,  and  at  the  following  specified  times;  namely,  twenty-five  tons  by  the 
seventh  of  November,  twenty-five  tons  additional  by  the  fourteenth  of  the 
month,  twenty-five  tons  more  by  the  twenty-first,  and  the  entire  one  hun- 
dred tons  to  be  all  delivered  by  the  thirtieth  of  November. 

And  the  said  Thomas  Whiteside,  in  consideration  of  the  prompt  fulfill- 
ment of  this  contract,  on  the  part  of  the  party  of  the  first  part,  contracts  to 
and  agrees  with  the  said  John  Jones,  to  pay  for  said  hay  five  dollars  per 
ton,  for  each  ton  as  soon  as  delivered. 

In  case  of  failure  of  agreement  by  either  of  the  parties  hereto,  it  is  hereby 
stipulated  and  agreed  that  the  party  so  failing  shall  pay  to  the  other,  one 
hundred  dollars,  as  fixed  and  settled  damages. 

In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  the  day  and  year  first 
above  written.  John  Jones, 

Thomas  Whiteside. 

Agreement  with  Clerk  for  Services. — This  agreement,  made  the  first  day 
of  May,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-eight,  between  Reuben 
Stone,  of  Dubuque,  county  of  Dubuque,  State  of  Iowa,  party  of  the  first 
14 


210 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


part,  and  George  Barclay,  of  McGregor,  county  of  Clayton,  State  of  Iowa, 
party  of  the  second  part — 

Witnesseth:  That  the  said  George  Barclay  agrees  faithfully  and  diligently 
to  work  as  clerk  and  salesman  for  the  said  Reuben  Stone,  for  and  during  the 
space  of  one  year  from  the  date  hereof,  should  both  lire  such  length  of  time, 
without  absenting  himself  from  his  occupation;  during  which  time  he,  the 
said  Barclay,  in  the  store  of  said  Stone,  of  Dubuque,  will  carefully  and 
honestly  attend,  doing  and  performing  all  duties  as  clerk  and  salesman 
aforesaid,  in  accordance  and  in  all  respects  as  directed  and  desired  by  the 
said  Stone. 

In  consideration  of  which  services,  so  to  be  rendered  by  the  said  Barclay, 
the  said  Stone  agrees  to  pay  to  said  Barclay  the  annual  sum  of  one  thousand 
dollars,  payable  in  twelve  equal  monthly  payments,  each  upon  the  last  day 
of  each  month;  provided  that  all  dues  for  days  of  absence  from  business  by 
said  Barclay,  shall  be  deducted  from  the  sum  otherwise  by  the  agreement 
due  and  payable  by  the  said  Stone  to  the  said  Barclay 

Witness  our  hands.  Reuben  Stone. 

George  Barclay. 

BILLS  OF  SALE. 


A bill  of  sale  is  a written  agreement  to  another  party,  for  a consideration 
to  convey  his  right  and  interest  in  the  personal  property.  The  purchaser 
must  take  actual  possession  of  the  property , or  the  bill  of  sale  must  he  ac- 
knowledged and  recorded. 

Common  Form  of  Bill  of  Sale. — Know  all  men  by  this  instrument,  that 
I,  Louis  Clay,  of  Burlington,  Iowa,  of  the  first  part,  for  and  in  consideration 
of  five  hundred  and  ten  dollars,  to  me  paid  by  John  Floyd,  of  the  same  place, 
of  the  second  part,  the  receipt  whereof  is  hereby  acknowledged,  have  sold, 
and  by  this  instrument  do  convey  unto  the  said  Floyd,  party  of  the  second 
part,  his  executors,  administrators  and  assigns,  my  undivided  half  of  ten 
acres  of  corn,  now  growing  on  the  farm  of  Thomas  Tyrell,  in  the  town  above 
mentioned;  one  pair  of  horses,  sixteen  sheep,  and  five  cows,  belonging  to  me 
and  in  my  possession  at  the  farm  aforesaid ; to  have  and  to  hold  the  same  unto 
the  party  of  the  second  part,  his  executors  and  assigns  forever.  And  I do, 
for  myself  and  legal  representatives,  agree  with  the  said  party  of  the  second 
part,  "and  his  legal  representatatives,  to  warrant  and  defend  the  sale  of  the 
aforementioned  property  and  chattels  unto  the  said  party  of  the  second  part, 
and  his  legal  representatives,  against  all  and  any  person  whomsoever. 

In  witness  whereof,  I have  hereunto  affixed  my  hand,  this  tenth  day  of 
October,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  soventy-six. 

Louis  Clay. 


NOTICE  TO  QUIT. 


To  John  Wontpay  : You  are  hereby  notified  to  quit  the  possession  of 
the  premises  you  now  occupy,  to-wit: 

[Insert  Description.] 

on  or  before  thirty  days  from  the  date  of  this  notice. 

Dated  January  1,  1878.  Landlord. 

[Reversed  for  Notice  to  Landlord.  ] 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


211 


GENERAL  FORM  OF  WILL  FOR  REAL  AND  PERSONAL  PROPERTY. 

I,  Charles  Mansfield,  of  the  town  of  Bellevue,  county  of  Jackson,  State  of 
Iowa,  being  aware  of  the  uncertainty  of  life,  and  in  failing  health,  but  of 
sound  mind  and  memory,  do  make  and  declare  this  to  be  my  last  will  and 
testament,  in  manner  following,  to-wit: 

First . I give,  devise  and  bequeath  unto  to  my  eldest  son,  Sydney  H. 
Mansfield,  the  sum  of  Two  Thousand  Dollars,  of  bank  stock,  now  in  the 
Third  National  Bank,  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  the  farm  owned  by  myself, 
in  the  township  of  Iowa,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  with  all 
the  houses,  tenements  and  improvements  thereunto  belonging;  to  have  and 
to  hold  unto  my  said  son,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever. 

Second.  I give,  devise  and  bequeath  to  each  of  my  two  daughters,  Anna 
Louise  Mansfield  and  Ida  Clara  Mansfield,  each  Two  Thousand  Dollars,  in 
bank  stock,  in  the  Third  National  Bank  of  *Cincinnati,  Ohio;  and  also  each 
one  quarter  section  of  land,  owned  by  myself,  situated  in  the  township  of 
Fairfield,  and  recorded  in  my  name  in  the  recorders  office  in  the  county 
where  such  land  is  located.  The  north  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  said 
half  section  is  devised  to  my  eldest  daughter,  Anna  Louise. 

Third.  I give,  devise  and  bequeath  to  my  son,  Frank  Alfred  Mansfield, 
five  shares  of  railroad  stock  in  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Bailroad,  and  my  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land,  and  saw-mill  thereon,  situated  in  Manistee, 
Michigan,  with  all  the  improvements  and  appurtenances  thereunto  belong- 
ing, which  said  real  estate  is  recorded  in  my  name,  in  the  county  where 
situated. 

Fourth.  I give  to  my  wife,  Victoria  Elizabeth  Mansfield,  all  my  house- 
hold furniture,  goods,  chattels  and  personal  property,  about  my  home,  not 
hitherto  disposed  of,  including  Eight  Thousand  Dollars  of  bank  stock  in 
the  Third  National  Bank  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  fifteen  shares  in  the  Balti- 
more & Ohio  Bailroad,  and  the  free  and  unrestricted  use,  possession  and 
benefit  of  the  home  farm  so  long  as  she  may  live,  in  lieu  of  dower,  to 
which  she  is  entitled  by  law — said  farm  being  my  present  place  of  residence. 

Fifth.  I bequeath  to  my  invalid  father,  Elijah  H.  Mansfield,  the  income 
from  rents  of  my  store  building  at  145  Jackson  street,  Chicago,  Illinois, 
during  the  term  of  his  natural  life.  Said  building  and  land  therewith  to 
revert  to  my  said  sons  and  daughters  in  equal  proportion,  upon  the  demise 
of  my  said  father. 

Sixth.  It  is  also  my  will  and  desire  that,  at  the  death  of  my  wife,  Vic- 
toria Elizabeth  Mansfield,  or  at  any  time  when  she  may  arrange  to  relin- 
quish her  life  interest  in  the  above  mentioned  homestead,  the  same  may  re- 
vert to  my  above  named  children,  or  to  the  lawful  heirs  of  each. 

And  lastly.  I nominate  and  appoint  as  the  executors  of  this,  my  last 
will  and  testament,  my  wife,  Victoria  Elizabeth  Mansfield,  and  my  eldest 
son,  Sidney  H.  Mansfield. 

I further  direct  that  my  debts  and  necessary  funeral  expenses  shall  be 
paid  from  moneys  now  on  deposit  in  the  Savings  Bank  of  Bellevue,  the 
residue  of  such  moneys  to  revert  to  my  wife,  Victoria  Elizabeth  Mansfield, 
for  her  use  forever. 

In  witness  whereof,  I,  Charles  Mansfield,  to  this  my  last  will  and  testa- 
ment, have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal,  this  fourth  day  of  April,  eight- 
een hundred  and  seventy-two. 


Charles  Mansfield. 


212 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 

Signed,  and  declared  by  Charles  Mansfield,  as  and  for  his  last  will  and 
testament,  in  the  presence  of  us,  who,  at  his  request,  and  in  his  presence, 
and  in  the  presence  of  each  other,  have  subscribed  our  names  hereunto  as 
witnesses  thereof. 

Peter  A.  Schenck,  Dubuque,  Iowa. 

Frank  E.  Dent,  Bellevue,  Iowa. 

CODICIL. 

Whereas  I,  Charles  Mansfield,  did,  on  the  fourth  day  of  April,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy- two,  make  my  last  will  and  testament, 
I do  now,  by  this  writing,  add  this  codocil  to  my  said  will,  to  be  taken  as  a 
part  thereof. 

Whereas,  by  the  dispensation  of  Providence,  my  daughter,  Anna  Louise, 
has  deceased,  November  fifth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three;  and 
whereas,  a son  has  been  born  to  me,  which  son  is  now  christened  Bichard 
Albert  Mansfield,  I give  and  bequeath  unto  him  my  gold  watch,  and  all 
right,  interest  and  title  in  lands  and  bank  stock  and  chattels  bequeathed  to 
my  deceased  daughter,  Anna  Louise,  in  the  body  of  this  will. 

In  witness  whereof,  I hereunto  place  my  hand  and  seal,  this  tenth  day  of 
March,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-five. 

Charles  Mansfield, 

Signed,  sealed,  published  and  declared  to  us  by  the  testator,  Charles 
Mansfield,  as  and  for  a codicil  to  be  annexed  to  his  last  will  and  testament. 
And  we,  at  his  request,  and  in  his  presence,  and  in  the  presence  of  each 
other,  have  subscribed  our  names  as  witnesses  thereto,  at  the  date  hereof. 

Frank  E.  Dent,  Bellevue,  Iowa. 

John  C.  Shay,  Bellevue,  Iowa. 

{Form  ISTo.  1 .) 

SATISFACTION  OF  MORTGAGE. 

State  of  Iowa,  ) 

County,  \ SS* 

I, , of  the  county  of -,  State  of  Iowa,  do  hereby  acknowledge 

that  a certain  Indenture  of , bearing  date  the day  of , A.  D. 

18 — , made  and  executed  by and , his  wife,  to  said on 

the  following  described  Beal  Estate,  in  the  county  of , and  State  of 

Iowa,  to-wit:  (here  insert  description)  and  filed  for  record  in  the  office  of 

the  Becorder  of  the  county  of , and  State  of  Iowa,  on  the day  of 

, A.  D.  18 — , at o’clock  . M. ; and  recorded  in  Book  of 

Mortgage  Becords,  on  page , is  redeemed,  paid  off,  satisfied  and  dis- 
charged in  full.  . [seal.] 

State  of  Iowa,  ) 

County,  j S8' 

Be  it  Bemembered,  That  on  this day  of , A.  D.  18 — , before 

me  the  undersigned,  a in  and  for  said  county,  personally  appeared 

, to  me  personally  known  to  be  the  identical  person  who  executed  the 

above  (satisfaction  of  mortgage)  as  grantor,  and  acknowledged 

signature  thereto  to  be voluntary  act  and  deed. 

Witness  my  hand  and seal,  the  day  and  year  last  above 

written.  . 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


213 


ONE  FORM  OF  REAL  ESTATE  MORTGAGE. 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents:  That , of county,  and 

State  of , in  consideration  of — dollars,  in  hand  paid  by of 

county,  and  State  of , do  hereby  sell  and  convey  unto  the  said 

the  following  described  premises,  situated  in  the  county  of , and 

State  of , to-wit:  (here  insert  description)  and  do  hereby  covenant 

with  the  said that lawfully  seized  of  said  premises,  that  they 

are  free  from  incumbrance,  that have  good  right  and  lawful  authority 

to  sell  and  convey  the  same;  and do  hereby  covenant  to  warrant  and 

defend  the  same  against  the  lawful  claims  of  all  persons  whomsoever.  To 

be  void  upon  condition  that  the  said shall  pay  the  full  amount  of 

principal  and  interest  at  the  time  therein  specified,  of * certain  promis- 
sory note  for  the  sum  of dollars. 

One  note  for  $ , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ , due , 18, — with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 

And  the  said  Mortgagee  agrees  to  pay  all  taxes  that  may  be  levied  upon 
the  above  described  premises.  It  is  also  agreed  by  the  Mortgagor  that  if 
it  becomes  necessary  to  foreclose  this  mortgage,  a reasonable  amount  shall 

be  allowed  as  an  attorney’s  fee  for  foreclosing.  And  the  said hereby 

relinquishes  all  her  right  of  dower  and  homestead  in  and  to  the  above  de- 
scribed premises. 

Signed  this day  of , A.  D.  18 — . 


[Acknowledge  as  in  Form  No.  1.] 

SECOND  FORM  OF  REAL  ESTATE  MORTGAGE. 

This  Indenture,  made  and  executed  by  and  between of  the 

county  of and  State  of , part  of  the  first  part,  and of  the 

county  of and  State  of part  of  the  second  part,  Witnesseth , that 

the  said  part  of  the  first  part,  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  

dollars,  paid  by  the  said  part  of  the  second  part,  the  receipt  of  which  is 
hereby  acknowledged,  have  granted  and  sold,  and  do  by  these  presents,  grant, 
bargain,  sell,  convey  and  confirm,  unto  the  said  party  of  the  second  part, 
heirs  and  assigns  forever,  the  certain  tract  or  parcel  of  real  estate,  sit- 
uated in  the  county  of and  State  of , described  as  follows,  to-wit: 

{Here  insert  description .) 

The  said  part  of  the  first  part  represent  to  and  covenant  with  the  part 
of  the  second  part,  that  he  have  good  right  to  sell  and  convey  said  prem- 
ises, that  they  are  free  from  incumbrance,  and  that  he  will  warrant  and  de- 
fend them  against  the  lawful  claims  of  all  persons  whomsoever,  and  do  ex- 
pressly hereby  release  all  rights  of  dower  in  and  to  said  premises,  and  relin- 
quish and  convey  all  rights  of  homestead  therein. 

This  instrument  is  made,  executed  and  delivered  upon  the  following  con- 
ditions, to-wit:  > 

First.  Said  first  part  agree  to  pay  said or  order 

Second.  Said  first  part  further  agree  as  is  stipulated  in  said  note,  that 


214 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


if  he  shall  fail  to  pay  any  of  said  interest  when  due,  it  shall  bear  interest 
sl'c  the  rate  of  ten  per  cent,  per  annum,  from  the  time  the  same  becomes  due, 
and  this  mortgage  shall  stand  security  for  the  same. 

Third.  Said  first  part  further  agree  that  he  will  pay  all  taxes  and 
assessments  levied  upon  said  real  estate  before  the  same  become  delinquent, 
and  if  not  paid  the  holder  of  this  mortgage  may  declare  the  whole  sum  of 
money  herein  secured  due  and  collectable  at  once,  or  he  may  elect  to  pay 
such  taxes  or  assessments,  and  be  entitled  to  interest  on  the  same  at  the 
rate  of  ten  per  cent,  per  qnnum,  and  this  mortgage  shall  stand  as  security 
for  the  amount  so  paid. 

Fourth.  Said  first  part  further  agree  that  if  he  fail  to  pay  any  of 

said  money,  either  principal  or  interest,  within days  after  the  same 

becomes  due;  or  fail  to  conform  or  comply  with  any  of  the  foregoing  con- 
ditions or  agreements,  the  whole  sum  herein  secured  shall  become  due  and 
payable  at  once,  and  this  mortgage  may  thereupon  be  foreclosed  immedi- 
ately for  the  whole  of  said  money,  interest  and  costs. 

Fifth,.  Said  part  further  agree  that  in  the  event  of  the  non-payment 
of  either  principal,  interest  or  taxes  when  due,  and  upon  the  filing  of  a bill 
of  foreclosure  of  this  mortgage,  an  attorney’s  fee  of dollars  shall  be- 

come due  and  payable,  and  shall  be  by  the  court  taxed,  and  this  mortgage 
shall  stand  as  security  therefor,  and  the  same  shall  be  included  in  the  de- 
cree of  foreclosure,  and  shall  be  made  by  the  sheriff  on  general  or  special 
execution  with  the  other  money,  interest  and  costs,  and  the  contract  em- 
bodied in  this  mortgage  and  the  note  described  herein,  shall  in  all  respects 

be  governed,  construed  and  adjudged  by  the  laws  of , where  the 

same  is  made.  The  foregoing  conditions  being  performed,  this  conveyance 
to  be  void,  otherwise  of  full  force  and  virtue. 


[Acknowledge  as  in  form  No.  1.] 

FORM  OF  LEASE. 

This  Article  of  Agreement,  Made  and  entered  into  on  this day  of 

, A.  D.  18T-,  by  and  between , of  the  county  of , and 

State  of  Iowa,  of  the  first  part,  and  — ' , of  the  county  of , 

and  State  of  Iowa,  of  the  second  part,  witnesseth  that  the  said  party  of  the 
first  part  has  this  day  leased  unto  the  party  of  the  second  part  the  following 
described  premises,  to-wit: 

[Here  insert  description .] 

for  the  term  of from  and  after  the  — day  of  , A.  D.  187-,  at 

the rent  of dollars,  to  be  paid  as  follows,  to-wit : 

[Here  insert  terms.~\ 

And  it  is  further  agreed  that  if  any  rent  shall  be  due  and  unpaid,  or  if 
default  be  made  in  any  of  the  covenants  herein  contained,  it  shall  then  be 
lawful  for  the  said  party  of  the  first  part  to  re-enter  said  premises,  or  to 
destrain  for  such  rent;  or  he  may  recover  possession  thereof,  by  action  of 
forcible  entry  and  detainer,  notwithstanding  the  provision  of  Section  3612 
of  the  Code  of  1873;  or  lie  may  use  any  or  all  of  said  remedies. 

And  the  said  party  of  the  second  part  agrees  to  pay  to  the  party  of  the 
first  part  the  rent  as  above  stated,  except  when  said  premises  are  untenable 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


215 


by  reason  of  fire,  or  from  any  other  cause  than  the  carelessness  of  the  party 
of  the  second  part,  or  persons family,  or  in employ,  or  by  supe- 

rior force  and  inevitable  necessity.  And  the  said  party  of  the  second  part 

covenants  that will  use  the  said  premises  as  a , and  for  no  other 

purposes  whatever;  and  that especially  will  not  use  said  premises,  or 

permit  the  same  to  be  used,  for  any  unlawful  business  or  purpose  whatever; 

that will  not  sell,  assign,  underlet  or  relinquish  said  premises  without 

the  written  consent  of  the  lessor,  under  penalty  of  a forfeiture  of  all 

rights  under  this  lease,  at  the  election  of  the  party  of  the  first  part;  and 

that will  use  all  due  care  and  diligence  in  guarding  said  property,  with 

the  buildings,  gates,  fences,  etc.,  in  as  good  repair  as  they  now  are,  or  may 
at  any  time  be  placed  by  the  lessor,  damages  by  superior  force,  inevitable 
necessity,  or  fire  from  any  other  cause  than  from  the  carelessness  of  the 

lessee,  or  persons  of family,  or  in employ  excepted;  and  at  the 

expiration  of  this  lease,  or  upon  a breach  by  said  lessee  of  any  of  the  said 

covenants  herein  contained, will,  without  further  notice  of  any  kind, 

quit  and  surrender  the  possession  and  occupancy  of  said  premises  in  as  good 
condition  as  reasonable  use,  natural  wear  and  decay  thereof  will  permit,  dam- 
ages by  fire  as  aforesaid,  superior  force,  or  inevitable  necessity,  only  excepted. 

In  witness  whereof  the  said  parties  have  subscribed  their  names  on  the 
date  first  above  written. 

In  presence  of 


FORM  OF  NOTE. 

$ , 18—. 

On  or  before  the — day  of , 18 — , for  value  received,  I promise  to 

pay or  order, dollars,  with  intesest  from  date  until  paid, 

at  ten  per  cent  per  annum,  payable  annually,  at . Unpaid  interest 

shall  bear  interest  at  ten  per  cent  per  annum.  On  failure  to  pay  interest 
within days  after  due,  the  whole  sum,  principal  and  interest,  shall  be- 

come due  at  once 


CHATTEL  MORTGAGE. 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents:  That of County,  and 

State  of- in  consideration  of- dollars,  in  hand  paid  by , of 

County  and  State  of , do  hereby  sell  and  convey  unto  the  said the 

following  described  personal  property,  now  in  the  possession  of in  the 

county,  and  State  of , to- wit: 

[Here  insert  Description.] 

And do  hereby  warrant  the  title  of  said  property,  and  that  it  is  free  from 

any  incumbrance  or  lien.  The  only  right  or  interest  retained  by  grantor  in 
and  to  said  property  being  the  right  of  redemption  as  herein  provided.  This 
conveyance  to  be  void  upon  condition  that  the  said  grantor  shall  pay  to  said 
grantee,  or  his  assigns,  the  full  amount  of  principal  and  interest  at  the  time 

therein  specified,  of certain  promissory  notes  of  even  date  herewith,  for 

the  sum  of dollars. 

One  note  for  $ — , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ — , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ — , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ — , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at per  cent. 


216 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


The  grantor  to  pay  all  taxes  on  said  property,  and  if  at  any  time  any  part 
or  portion  of  said  notes  should  be  due  and  unpaid,  said  grantee  may  proceed 
by  sale  or  foreclosure  to  collect  and  pay  himself  the  unpaid  balance  of  said 
notes,  whether  due  or  not,  the  grantor  to  pay  all  necessary  expense  of  such 

foreclosure,  including  $ Attorney’s  fees,  and  whatever  remains  after 

paying  off  said  notes  and  expenses,  to  be  paid  over  to  said  grantor. 

Signed  the day  of , 18 — . . 


[Acknowledged  as  in  Form  No.  1.] 

WARRANTY  DEED. 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents:  That of County  and 

State  of , in  consideration  of  the  sum  of dollars,  in  hand  paid  by 

of County,  and  State  of , do  hereby  sell  and  convey  unto 

the  said and  to  heirs  and  assigns,  the  following  described  premises, 

situated  in  the  County  of , State  of  Iowa,  to-wit: 

[Here  insert  Description.'] 

And  I do  hereby  covenant  with  the  said that — lawfully  seized  in  fee 

simple  of  said  premises,  that  they  are  free  from  incumbrance;  that — ha  good 
right  and  lawful  authority  to  sell  the  same,  and  — do  hereby  covenant  to  war- 
rant and  defend  the  said  premises  and  appurtenances  thereto  belonging, 

against  the  lawful  claims  of  all  persons  whomsoever;  and  the  said 

hereby  relinquishes  all  her  right  of  dower  and  of  homestead  in  and  to  the 
above  described  premises. 

Signed  the day  of , A.  D.  18 — . 

IN  PRESENCE  of 


[Acknowledged  as  in  Form  No.  1.] 

QUIT-CLAIM  DEED. 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents:  That , of County,  State 

of , in  consideration  of  the  sum  of dollars,  to — in  hand  paid  by 

, of County,  State  of , the  receipt  whereof  — do  hereby  ac- 
knowledge, have  bargained,  sold  and  quit-claimed,  and  by  these  presents  do 

bargain,  sell  and  quit-claim  unto  the  said and  to  — heirs  and  assigns 

forever,  all  — right,  title,  interest,  estate,  claim  and  demand,  both  at  law  and 
in  equity,  and  as  well  in  possession  as  in  expectancy,  of,  in  and  to  the  fol- 
lowing described  premises,  to-wit:  [here  insert  description]  with  all  and 
singular  the  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  thereto  belonging. 

Signed  this  — — day  of  , A.  D.  18 — . 

Signed  in  Presence  of 


[Acknowledged  as  in  Form  No.  1.] 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


217 


BOND  FOR  DEED. 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents:  That of County,  and 

State  of am  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  — of County,  and 

State  of , in  the  sum  of dollars,  to  be  paid  to  the  said , his 

executors  or  assigns,  for  which  payment  well  and  truly  to  be  made,  I bind 
myself*  firmly  by  these  presents.  Signed  the day  of *,  A.  D.  18 — . 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the  said  obligee  shall  pay 
to  said  obligor  or  his  assigns,  the  full  amount  of  principal  and  interest  at 
the  time  therein  specified,  of  — promissory  note  of  even  date  herewith,  for 
the  sum  of Dollars. 

One  note  for  $ , due  , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at  — per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ , due — , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at  — per  cent. 

One  note  for  $ , due , 18 — , with  interest  annually  at  — per  cent. 

And  pay  all  taxes  accruing  upon  the  lands  herein  described,  then  said  obli- 
gor shail  convey  to  the  said  obligee,  or  his  assigns,  that  certain  tract  or  par- 
cel of  real  estate,  situated  in  the  County  of , and  State  of  Iowa,  des- 

cribed as  follows,  to-wit:  [here  insert  description]  by  a Warranty  Deed, 
with  the  usual  covenants,  duly  executed  and  acknowledged. 

If  said  obligee  should  fail  to  make  the  payments  as  above  stipulated,  or 
any  part  thereof,  as  the  same  becomes  due,  said  obligor  may  at  his  option, 
by  notice  to  the  obligee,  terminate  his  liability  under  the  bond,  and  resume 
the  possession  and  absolute  control  of  said  premises,  time  being  the  essence 
of  this  agreement. 

On  the  fulfillment  of  the  above  conditions,  this  obligation  to  become 
void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue;  unless  terminated  by 
the  obligor  as  above  stipulated. 

[Acknowledged  as  in  form  No.  1.] 

GAME  LAWS. 

By  the  laws  of  Iowa,  as  amended  by  the  Legislature  of  1878,  it  is  unlaw- 
ful to  do  any  of  the  following  acts: 

BIRDS  AND  QUADRUPEDS. 

1.  To  kill,  trap,  ensnare,  or  in  any  manner  destroy  any  of  the  birds  of 
the  State,  except  birds  of  prey  and  game  birds,  during  the  open  seasons  as 
provided  by  law;  or  to  destroy  the  eggs  of  such  birds  as  are  protected  by 
this  section — except  that  persons  killing  birds  for  scientific  purposes,  or 
preservation  in  museums  and  cabinets,  are  not  liable  under  this  section. 
Penalty,  $5  to  $25. 

2.  To  shoot  or  kill  any  prairie  chicken  from  Dec.  1 to  Sept.  1,  woodcock 
from  Jan.  1 to  July  10,  pheasant,  wild  turkey  or  quail  from  Jan.  1 to  Oct. 
1,  wild  duck,  snipe,  goose  or  brant  from  May  1 to  Aug.  15,  deer  or  elk  from 
Jan.  1 to  Sept.  1,  beaver,  mink,  otter  or  muskrat  from  April  1 to  Novem- 
ber. Penalty,  deer  or  elk,  $25;  the  others,  $10. 

. 3.  To  take  or  attempt  to  take  at  any  time  with  trap,  net  or  snare  any 
bird  or  animal  mentioned  in  Sec.  2,  or  to  willfully  destroy  the  eggs  or  nests 
of  such  birds.  Except  that  beaver,  mink,  otter  or  muskrat  may  be  trapped 


218 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


or  snared  during  the  open  season,  or  at  any  time  for  the  protection  of  pri- 
vate property.  Penalty  the  same  as  in  section  2. 

4.  To  shoot  or  kill  any  wild  duck,  goose  or  brant  with  any  kind  of  gun, 
except  such  as  is  commonly  shot  from  the  shoulder,  or  to  use  medicated  or 
poisoned  food  to  capture  or  kill  any  of  the  birds  mentioned  in  section  2. 
Penalty,  $25,  and  thirty  days  in  jail  unless  sooner  paid. 

5.  To  shoot  or  kill  for  traffic  any  prairie  chicken,  snipe,  woodcock,  quail 
or  pheasant  at  any  time:  for  one  person  to  kill  during  one  day  more  than  25 
of  either  kind  of  said  birds;  to  ship  or  take  out  of  the  State  any  bird 
mentioned  in  section  2,  deer  or  elk;  to  buy,  sell,  or  have  in  possession  any 
such  bird,  deer  or  elk  during  the  close  season,  except  the  first  five  days.  Pen- 
alty, deer  or  elk,  $25 ; others,  $10. 

6.  For  any  person,  firm,  or  corporation  to  have  in  possession,  at  one 
time,  more  than  twenty-five  of  either  prairie  chicken,  snipe,  woodcock,  quail 
or  pheasant,  unless  lawfulty  received  for  transportation;  to  ship  to  any  per- 
son in  the  State  in  one  day  more  than  one  dozen  of  the  birds  mentioned  in 
section  2;  and  in  case  of  shipment  an  affidavit  must  be  made  that  the  birds 
have  not  been  unlawfully  killed,  bought,  sold,  or  had  in  possession,  and  are 
not  shipped  for  sale  or  profit,  and  giving  name  and  address  of  consignee 
and  number  of  birds  shipped,  and  a copy  of  the  affidavit  shall  accompany 
the  birds,  etc.  Penalty,  same  as  in  section  2.  The  making  of  a false  affi- 
davit is  perjury. 

7.  For  any  common  carrier,  its  agent  or  servant,  to  knowingly  receive 
for  transportation  any  bird  or  animal  mentioned  in  section  two,  during  the 
close  season  (except  the  first  five  days),  or  at  any  other  time,  except  in  the 
manner  provided  by  law.  Penalty,  $100  to  $300,  or  30  days  in  jail,  or 
both. 

8.  The  having  in  possession  during  the  close  season,  except  the  first  five 
days,  of  any  bird  mentioned  in  section  2,  deer  or  elk,  is  prima  facie  evidence 
of  a violation  of  the  law. 

9.  Prosecutions,  except  under  section  1,  may  be  brought  in  any  county 
where  the  game  is  found,  and  the  court  shall  appoint  an  attorney  to  prose- 
cute, who  shall  be  entitled  to  a fee  of  $10;  and  the  person  filing  the  infor- 
mation to  a fee  equal  to  half  the  fine  imposed  on  the  defendant;  both  fees 
to  be  taxed  as  costs.  The  county  is,  however,  in  no  event  liable  for  either. 

FISH  AND  FISH  WAYS. 

10.  To  catch  or  kill  bass  or  wall-eyed  pike  from  April  1 to  June  1;  sal- 
mon or  trout  from  November  1 to  February  1.  Penalty,  $5  to  $25. 

11.  To  use  any  seine  or  net  for  the  purpose  of  catching  fish,  except 
native  minnows,  and  except  by  the  fish  commissioner  for  propagation  and 
exchange.  Penalty,  $5  to  $50  for  first  offense;  $20  to  $50  for  second. 

12.  To  place  across  any  river,  creek,  pond  or  lake,  any  trot  line,  dam, 
seine,  weir,  fish-dam,  or  other  obstruction,  in  such  manner  as  to  prevent  the 
free  passage  of  fish,  except  under  the  direction  of  the  fish  commissioner,  and 
except  dams  for  manufacturing  purposes  provided  with  fish-ways.  Penalty, 
$25  to  $100,  or  10  to  30  days  in  jail. 

13.  To  continue  any  dam  or  obstruction  heretofore  erected,  for  an  unrea- 
sonable length  of  time,  after  the  6th  day  of  April,  1878,  without  having 
fish-ways  provided  therein.  Penalty,  $5  to  $50  for  first  offense;  $20  to  $50 
for  the  second,  and  the  dam  abated  as  a nuisance. 


ABSTRACT  OF  THE  LAWS  OF  IOWA. 


219 


14.  Persons  raising  or  propagating  fish  on  their  own  premises,  or  own- 
ing premises  on  which  there  are  waters  having  no  natural  outlet,  supplied 
with  fish,  shall  absolutely  own  said  fish.  No  person  shall  take,  or  attempt 
to  take,  fish  therefrom  without  consent  of  the  owner.  Penalty,  $5  to  $25, 
or  30  days  in  jail. 

The  “ close ” season  is  when  killing  is  forbidden;  the  “open”  season  is 
when  it  is  not. 


PURCHASING  BOOKS  BY  SUBSCRIPTION. 

The  business  of  publishing  books  by  subscription , having  so  often  been 
brought  into  disrepute  by  agents  making  representations  and  declarations 
not  authorized  by  the  publisher,  in  order  to  prevent  that  as  much  as  possi- 
ble, and  that  there  may  be  more  general  knowledge  of  the  relation  such 
agents  bear  to  their  principal,  and  the  law  governing  such  cases,  the  follow- 
ing statement  is  made: 

' A subscription  is  in  the  nature  of  a contract  of  mutual  promises,  by 
which  the  subscriber  agrees  to  pay  a certain  sum  for  the  work  described; 
the  consideration  is  concurrent  that  the  publisher  shall  publish  the  book 
named,  and  deliver  the  same,  for  which  the  subscriber  is  to  pay  the  price 
named.  The  nature  and  character  of  the  work  is  described  by  the  pro- 
spectus and  sample  shown.  These  should  be  carefully  examined  before 
subscribing,  as  they  are  the  basis  and  consideration  of  the  promise  to  pay, 
and  not  the  too  often  exaggerated  statements  of  the  agent,  who  is  merely 
employed  to  solicit  subscriptions,  for  which  he  is  usually  paid  a commis- 
sion for  each  subscriber,  and  has  no  authority  to  change  or  alter  the  con- 
ditions upon  which  the  subscriptions  are  authorized  to  be  made  by  the 
publisher.  Should  the  agent  assume  to  agree  to  make  the  subscription 
conditional,  or  modify  or  change  the  agreement  of  the  publisher,  as  set  out 
by  the  prospectus  and  sample,  in  order  to  bind  the  principal,  the  sub- 
scriber should  see  that  such  condition  or  changes  are  stated  over  or  in  con- 
nection with  his  signature,  so  that  the  publisher  may  have  notice  of  the  same. 

All  persons  making  contracts  in  reference  to  matters  of  this  kind,  or  any 
other  business,  should  remember  that  the  law  as  written  is,  that  they  can 
not  be  altered,  varied  or  rescinded  verbally,  but  if  done  at  all,  must  be 
done  in  writing.  It  is  therefore  important  that  all  persons  contemplating 
subscribing  should  distinctly  understand  that  all  talk  before  or  after  the 
subscription  is  made,  is  not  admissible  as  evidence , and  is  no  part  of  the 
contract. 

Persons  employed  to  solicit  subscriptions  are  known  to  the  trade  as 
canvassers.  They  are  agents  appointed  to  do  a particular  business  in  a 
prescribed  mode  and  have  no  authority  to  do  it  any  other  way  to  the  pre- 
judice of  their  principal,  nor  can  they  bind  their  principal  in  any  other 
matter.  They  can  not  collect  money,  or  agree  that  payment  may  be  made 
in  anything  else  but  money.  They  can  not  extend  the  time  of  payment 
beyond  the  time  of  delivery  nor  bind  their  principal  for  the  payment  of 
expenses  incurred  in  their  business. 

It  would  save  a great  deal  of  trouble,  and  often  serious  loss,  if  persons, 
before  signing  their  names  to  any  subscription  book,  or  any  written  instru- 
ment, would  examine  carefully  what  it  is/  and  if  they  cannot  read  them- 
selves call  on  some  one  disinterested  who  can. 


Constitution  of  State  of  Iowa. 


We,  the  People  of  the  State  of  Iowa,  grateful  to  the  Supreme  Being  for  the 
blessings  hitherto  enjoyed , and  feeling  our  dependence  on  Him f or  a con- 
tinuation of  those  blessings,  do  ordain  and  establish  a free  and  independ- 
ent government,  by  the  name  of  the  State  of  Iowa,  the  boundaries  whereof 
shall  be  as  follows: 

Beginning  in  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
at  a point  due  east  of  the  middle  of  the  mouth  of  the  main  channel  of  the 
Des  Moines  river;  thence  up  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  said 
Des  Moines  river,  to  a point  on  said  river  where  the  northern  boundary 
line  of  the  State  of  Missouri — as  established  by  the  Constitution  of  that 
State,  adopted  June  12,  1820 — crosses  the  said  middle  of  the  main  channel 
of  the  said  Des  Moines  river;  thence  westwardly  along  the  said  northern 
boundary  line  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  as  established  at  the  time  aforesaid, 
until  an  extension  of  said  line  intersects  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of 
the  Missouri  river;  thence  up  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  said 
Missouri  river,  to  a point  opposite  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  Big 
Sioux  river,  according  to  Nicollett’s  map;  thence  up  the  main  channel  of 
the  said  Big  Sioux  river,  according  to  said  map,  until  it  is  intersected  by  the 
parallel  of  forty-three  degrees  and  thirty  minutes  north  latitude;  thence  east 
along  said  parallel  of  forty-three  degrees  and  thirty  minutes,  until  said  par- 
allel intersects  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  Mississippi  river;  thence 
down  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  said  Mississippi  river,  to  the  place 
of  beginning. 

Article  1.— Bill  of  Bights. 

Section  1.  All  men  are,  by  nature,  free  and  equal,  and  have  certain  in- 
alienable rights,  among  which  are  those  of  enjoying  and  defending  life  and 
liberty,  acquiring,  possessing,  and  protecting  property,  and  pursuing  and 
obtaining  safety  and  happiness. 

Sec.  2.  All  political  power  is  inherent  in  the  people.  Government  is 
instituted  for  the  protection,  security,  and  benefit  of  the  people,  and  they 
have  the  right,  at  all  times,  to  alter  or  reform  the  same,  whenever  the  pub- 
lic good  may  require  it. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Assembly  shall  make  no  law  respecting  an  estab- 
ment  of  religion,  or  prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof;  nor  shall  any  per- 
son be  compelled  to  attend  any  place  of  worship,  pay  tithes,  taxes,  or  other 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA.  221 

rates,  for  building  or  repairing  places  of  worship,  or  the  maintenance  of  any 
minister  or  ministry. 

Sec.  4.  N o religious  test  shall  be  required  as  a qualification  for  any 
office  of  public  trust,  and  no  person  shall  be  deprived  of  any  of  his  rights, 
privileges,  or  capacities,  or  disqualified  from  the  performance  of  any  of  his 
public  or  private  duties,  or  rendered  incompetent  to  give  evidence  in  any 
court  of  law  or  equity,  in  consequence  of  his  opinions  on  the  subject  of  re- 
ligion; and  any  party  to  any  judicial  proceeding  shall  have  the  right  to  use 
as  a witness,  or  take  the  testimony  of  any  other  person,  not  disqualified  on 
account  of  interest,  who  may  be  cognizant  of  any  fact  material  to  the  case; 
and  parties  to  suits  may  be  witnesses,  as  provided  by  law. 

Sec.  5.  Any  citizen  of  this  State  who  may  hereafter  be  engaged  either 
directly  or  indirectly,  in  a duel,  either  as  principal  or  accessory  before  the 
fact,  shall  forever  be  disqualified  from  holding  any  office  under  the  Consti- 
tution of  this  State. 

Sec.  6.  All  laws  of  a general  nature  shall  have  a uniform  operation ; the 
General  Assembly  shall  not  grant  to  any  citizen,  or  class  of  citizens,  privi- 
leges or  immunities,  which  upon  the  same  terms  shall  not  equally  belong 
to  all  citizens. 

Sec.  7.  Every  person  may  speak,  write  and  publish  his  sentiments  on 
all  subjects,  being  responsible  for  the  abuse  of  that  right.  No  law  shall  be 
passed*  to  restrain  or  abridge  the  liberty  of  speech,  or  of  the  press.  In  all 
prosecutions  or  indictments  for  libel,  the  truth  may  be  given  in  evidence  to 
the  jury,  and  if  it  appear  to  the  jury  that  the  matter  charged  as  libelous 
was  true,  and  was  published  with  good  motives  and  for  justifiable  ends,  the 
party  shall  be  acquitted. 

Sec.  8.  The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons,  houses, 
papers,  and  effects,  against  unreasonable  seizures  and  searches  shall  not  be 
violated;  and  no  warrant  shall  issue  but  on  probable  cause,  supported  by 
oath  or  affirmation,  particularly  describing  the  place  to  be  searched,  and 
the  persons  and  things  to  be  seized. 

Sec.  9.  The  right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  remain  inviolate;  but  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  may  authorize  trial  by  a jury  of  a less  number  than  twelve 
men  in  inferior  courts;  but  no  person  shall  be  deprived  of  life,  liberty,  or 
property,  without  due  process  of  law. 

Sec.  10.  In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  and  in  cases  involving  the  life  or 
liberty  of  an  individual,  the  accused  shall  have  a right  to  a speedy  and  pub- 
lic trial  by  an  impartial  jury;  to  be  informed  of  the  accusation  against  him; 
to  have  a copy  of  the  same  when  demanded;  to  be  confronted  with  the  wit- 
nesses against  him;  to  have  compulsory  process  for  his  own  witnesses;  and  to 
have  the  assistance  of  counsel. 

Sec.  11.  All  offenses  less  than  felony,  and  in  which  the  punishment 
does  not  exceed  a fine  of  one  hundred  dollars,  or  imprisonment  for  thirty 
days,  shall  be  tried  summarily  before  a justice  of  the  peace,  or  other  officer 
authorized  by  law,  on  information  under  oath,  without  indictment,  or  the 
intervention  of  a grand  jury,  saving  to  the  defendant  the  right  of  appeal; 
and  no  person  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  a higher  criminal  offense,  unless 
on  presentment  or  indictment  by  a grand  jury,  except  in  cases  arising  in 
the  army  or  navy,  or  in  the  militia,  when  in  actual  service,  in  time  of  war 
or  public  danger. 

Sec.  12.  No  person  shall,  after  acquittal,  be  tried  for  the  same  offense. 


222 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  10  Wi  . 


All  persons  shall,  before  conviction,  be  bailable  by  sufficient  sureties,  except 
for  capital  offenses,  where  the  proof  is  evident,  or  the  presumption  great. 

Sec.  13.  The  writ  of  habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  suspended,  or  refused 
when  application  is  made  as  required  by  law,  unless  in  the  case  of  rebellion 
or  invasion,  the  public  safety  may  require  it. 

Sec.  14.  The  military  shall  be  subordinate  to  the  civil  power.  No 
standing  army  shall  be  kept  up  by  the  State  in  time  of  peace;  and  in  time 
of  war  no  appropriation  for  a standing  army  shall  be  for  a longer  time  than 
two  years. 

Sec.  15.  No  soldier  shall,  in  time  of  peace,  be  quartered  in  any  house 
without  the  consent  of  the  owner,  nor  in  time  of  war  except  in  the  manner 
prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  16.  Treason  against  the  State  shall  consist  only  in  levying  war 
against  it,  adhering  to  its  enemies,  or  giving  them  aid  and  comfort.  No 
person  shall  be  convicted  of  treason  unless  on  the  evidence  of  two  witnesses 
to  the  same  overt  act,  or  confession  in  open  court. 

Sec.  17.  Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  required;  excessive  tines  shall  not  be 
imposed,  and  cruel  and  unusual  punishments  shall  not  be  inflicted. 

Sec.  18.  Private  property  shall  not  be  taken  for  public  use  without  just 
compensation  first  being  made,  or  secured  to  be  made,  to  the  owner  thereof, 
as  soon  as  the  damages  shall  be  assessed  by  a jury,  who  shall  not  take  into 
consideration  any  advantages  that  may  result  to  said  owner  on  account  of 
the  improvement  for  which  it  is  taken. 

Sec.  19.  No  person  shall  be  imprisoned  for  debt  in  any  civil  action,  on 
mesne  or  final  process,  unless  in  case  of  fraud;  and  no  person  shall  be  im- 
prisoned for  a military  fine  in  time  of  peace. 

Sec.  20.  The  people  have  the  right  freely  to  assemble  together  to  coun- 
sel for  the  common  good;  to  make  known  their  opinions  to  their  represen- 
tatives, and  to  petition  for  a redress  of  grievances. 

Sec.  21.  No  bill  of  attainder,  ex-post  facto  law,  or  law  impairing  the 
obligation  of  contracts,  shall  ever  be  passed. 

Sec.  22.  Foreigners  who  are,  or  may  hereafter  become  residents  of  this 
State,  shall  enjoy  the  same  rights  in  respect  to  the  possession,  enjoyment, 
and  descent  of  property,  as  native  born  citizens. 

Sec.  23.  There  shall  be  no  slavery  in  this  State;  nor  shall  there  be  in- 
voluntary servitude,  unless  for  the  punishment  of  crime. 

Sec.  24.  No  lease  ot  grant  of  agricultural  lands,  reserving  any  rent  or 
service  of  any  kind,  shall  be  valid  for  a longer  period  than  twenty  years. 

Sec.  25.  This  enumeration  of  rights  shall  not  be  construed  to  impair  or 
deny  others,  retained  by  the  people. 


Article  2. — Right  of  Suffrage. 

Section  1.  Every  male  citizen  of  the  United  States,  of  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  years,  who  shall  have  been  a resident  of  this  State  six  months  next  pre- 
ceding the  election,  and  in  the  county  in  which  he  claims  his  vote  sixty 
days,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  at  all  elections  which  are  now  or  hereafter 
may  be  authorized  by  law. 

Sec.  2.  Electors  shall,  in  all  cases  except  treason,  felony,  or  breach  of 
the  peace,  be  privileged  from  arrest  on  the  days  of  election,  during  their 
attendance  at  such  elections,  going  to  and  returning  therefrom. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IO^V  223 

Sec.  3.  No  elector  shall  be  obliged  to  perform  military  duty  on  the  day 
of  election,  except  in  time  of  war  or  public  danger. 

Sec.  4.  No  person  in  the  military,  naval,  or  marine  service  of  the  United 
States  shall  be  considered  a resident  of  this  State  by  being  stationed  in  any 
garrison,  barrack,  or  military  or  naval  place  or  station  within  this  State. 

Sec.  5.  No  idiot  or  insane  person,  or  person  convicted  of  any  infamous 
crime,  shall  be  entitled  to  the  privilege  of  an  elector. 

Sec.  6.  All  elections  by  the  people  shall  be  by  ballot. 


Article  3. — Of  the  Distribution  of  Powers. 

Section  1.  The  powers  of  the  government  of  Iowa  shall  be  divided  into 
three  separate  departments:  the  legislative,  the  executive,  and  the  judicial; 
and  no  person  charged  with  the  exercise  of  powers  properly  belonging  to  one 
of  these  departments  shall  exercise  any  function  appertaining  to  either  of 
the  others,  except  in  cases  hereinafter  expressly  directed  or  permitted. 


Legislative  Department. 

Section  1.  The  legislative  authority  of  this  State  shall  be  vested  in  a 
General  Assembly,  which  shall  consist  of  a Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives; and  the  style  of  every  law  shall  be — “ Be  it  enacted  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  State  of  Iowa” 

Sec.  2.  The  sessions  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  be  biennial,  and 
shall  commence  on  the  second  Monday  in  January  next  ensuing  the  election 
of  its  members;  unless  the  Governor  of  the  State  shall,  in  the  meantime, 
convene  the  General  Assembly  by  proclamation. 

Sec.  3.  The  members  of  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  be  chosen 
every  second  year,  by  the  qualified  electors  of  their  respective  districts,  on 
the  second  Tuesday  in  October,  except  the  years  of  the  Presidential  elec- 
tion, when  the  election  shall  be  on  the  Tuesday  next  after  the  first  Monday 
in  November;  and  their  term  of  office  shall  commence  on  the  first  day  of 
January  next  after  their  election,  and  continue  two  years,  and  until  their 
successors  are  elected  and  qualified. 

Sec.  4.  No  person  shall  be  a member  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
who  shall  not  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty-one  years;  be  a free  white 
male  citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  shall  have  been  an  inhabitant  of  this 
State  one  year  next  preceding  his  election,  and  at  the  time  of  his  election 
shall  have  had  an  actual  residence  of  sixty  days  in  the  county  or  district  he 
may  have  been  chosen  to  represent. 

Sec.  5.  Senators  shall  be  chosen  for  the  term  of  four  years,  at  the  same 
time  and  place  as  Representatives;  they  shall  be  twenty-five  years  of  age, 
and  possess  the  qualifications  of  Representatives,  as  to  residence  and  citi- 
zenship. 

Sec.  6.  The  number  of  Senators  shall  not  be  less  than  one-third,  nor 
more  than  one-half  the  representative  body;  and  shall  be  so  classified  by 
lot,  that  one  class  being  as  nearly  one-half  as  possible,  shall  be  elected  every 
two  years.  When  the  number  of  Senators  is  increased,  they  shall  be  an- 
nexed by  lot  to  one  or  the  other  of  the  two  classes,  so  as  to  keep  them  as 
nearly  equal  in  numbers  as  practicable. 


224 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


Sec.  7.  Eacli  House  shall  choose  its  own  officers,  and  judge  of  the  quali- 
fication, election  and  return  of  its  own  members.  A contested  election 
shall  be  determined  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  directed  by  law. 

Sec.  8.  A majority  of  each  house  shall  constitute  a quorum  to  transact 
business;  but  a smaller  number  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and  may 
compel  the  attendance  of  absent  members  in  such  manner  and  under  such 
penalties  as  each  house  may  provide. 

Sec.  9.  Each  house  shall  sit  upon  its  own  adjournments,  keep  a journal 
of  its  proceedings,  and  publish  the  same;  determine  its  rules  of  proceed- 
ings, punish  members  for  disorderly  behavior,  and  with  the  consent  of 
two-thirds,  expel  a member,  but  not  a second  time  for  the  same  offense;  and 
shall  have  all  other  powers  necessary  for  a branch  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  a free  and  independent  State. 

Sec.  10.  Every  member  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  have  the  liberty 
to  dissent  from  or  protest  against  any  act  or  resolution  which  he  may  think 
injurious  to  the  public  or  an  individual,  and  have  the  reasons  for  his  dissent 
entered  on  the  journals;  and  the  yeas  and  nays  of  the  members  of  either 
house,  on  any  question,  shall,  at  the  desire  of  any  two  members  present,  be 
entered  on  the  journals. 

Sec.  11.  Senators  and  Representatives,  in  all  cases  except  treason,  felony, 
or  breach  of  the  peace,  shall  be  privileged  from  arrest  during  the  session 
of  the  General  Assembly,  and  in  going  to  and  returning  from  the  same. 

Sec.  12.  When  vacancies  occur  in  either  house,  the  governor,  or  the  per- 
son exercising  the  functions  of  governor,  shall  issue  writs  of  election  to  fill 
such  vacancies. 

Sec.  13.  The  doors  of  each  house  shall  be  open,  except  on  such  occas- 
sions  as,  in  the  opinion  of  the  house,  may  require  secrecy. 

Sec.  14.  Neither  house  shall,  without  the  consent  of  the  other,  adjourn 
for  more  than  three  days,  nor  to  any  other  place  than  that  in  which  they 
may  be  sitting. 

Sec.  15.  Bills  may  originate  in  either  house,  and  may  be  amended,  al- 
tered, or  rejected  by  the  other;  and  every  bill  having  passed  both  houses, 
shall  be  signed  by  the  Speaker  and  President  of  their  respective  houses. 

Sec.  16.  Every  bill  which  shall  have  passed  the  General  Assembly,  shall, 
before  it  becomes  a law,  be  presented  to  the  Governor.  If  he  approve,  he 
shall  sign  it;  but  if  not,  he  shall  return  it  with  his  objections,  to  the 
house  in  which  it  originated,  which  shall  enter  the  same  upon  their  journal, 
and  proceed  to  reconsider  it;  if,  after  such  reconsideration,  it  again  pass 
both  houses,  by  yeas  and  nays,  by  a majority  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
of  each  house,  it  shall  become  a law,  notwithstanding  the  Governor’s  objec- 
tions. If  any  bill  shall  not  be  returned  within  three  days  after  it  shall 
have  been  presented  to  him  (Sunday  excepted),  the  same  shall  be  a law  in 
like  manner  as  if  he  had  signed  it,  unless  the  General  Assembly,  by  ad- 
journment, prevent  such  return.  Any  bill  submitted  to  the  Governor  for 
his  approval  during  the  last  three  days  of  a session  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, shall  be  deposited  by  him  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  within 
thirty  days  after  the  adjournment,  with  his  approval  if  approved  by  him, 
and  with  his  objections,  if  he  disapproves  thereof. 

Sec.  17.  No  bill  shall  be  passed  unless  by  the  assent  of  a majority  of 
all  the  members  elected  to  each  branch  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  the 
question  upon  the  final  passage  shall  be  taken  immediately  upon  its  last 
reading,  and  the  yeas  and  nays  entered  upon  the  journal. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


225 


Sec.  18.  An  accurate  statement  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the 
public  money  shall  be  attached  to  and  and  published  with  the  laws  at  every 
regular  session  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  19.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall  have  the  sole  power  of 
impeachment,  and  all  impeachments  shall  be  tried  by  the  Senate.  When 
sitting  for  that  purpose,  the  senators  shall  be  upon  oath  or  affirmation;  and 
no  person  shall  be  convicted  without  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  the 
members  present. 

Sec.  20.  The  Governor,  Judges  of  the  Supreme  and  District  Courts, 
and  other  State  officers,  shall  be  liable  to  impeachment  for  any  misdemeanor 
or  malfeasance  in  office;  but  judgment  in  such  cases  shall  extend  only  to 
removal  from  office,  and  disqualification  to  hold  any  office  of  honor,  trust  or 
profit  under  this  State;  but  the  party  convicted  or  acquitted  shall  neverthe- 
less be  liable  to  indictment,  trial,  and  punishment  according  to  law.  All 
other  civil  officers  shall  be  tried  for  misdemeanors  and  malfeasance  in  office, 
in  such  manner  as  the  General  Assembly  may  provide. 

Sec.  21.  Ho  Senrtor  or  Representative  shall,  during  the  time  for  which 
he  shall  have  been  elected,  be  appointed  to  any  civil  office  of  profit  under 
this  State,  which  shall  have  been  created,  or  the  emoluments  of  which  shall 
have  been  increased  during  such  term,  except  such  offices  as  may  be  filled 
by  elections  by  the  people. 

Sec.  22.  Ho  person  holding  any  lucrative  office  under  the  United  States, 
or  this  State,  or  any  other  power,  shall  be  eligible  to  hold  a seat  in  the 
General  Assembly.  But  offices  in  the  militia,  to  which  there  is  attached 
no  annual  salary,  or  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  or  postmaster,  whose 
compensation  does  not  exceed  one  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  or  notary 
public,  shall  not  be  deemed  lucrative. 

Sec.  23.  Ho  person  who  may  hereafter  be  a collector  or  holder  of  pub- 
lic moneys,  shall  have  a seat  in  either  house  of  the  General  Assembly,  or 
be  eligible  to  hold  any  office  of  trust  or  profit  in  this  State,  until  he  shall 
have  accounted  for  and  paid  into  the  treasury  all  sums  for  which  he  may 
be  liable. 

Sec.  24.  Ho  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  treasury  but  in  consequence 
of  appropriations  made  by  law. 

Sec.  25.  Each  member  of  the  first  General  Assembly  under  this  consti- 
tution shall  receive  three  dollars  per  diem  while  in  session ; and  the  further 
sum  of  three  dollars  for  every  twenty  miles  traveled  in  going  to  and  return- 
ing from  the  place  where  such  session  is  held,  by  the  nearest  traveled  route; 
after  which  they  shall  receive  such  compensation  as  shall  be  fixed  by  law; 
but  no  General  Assembly  shall  have  the  power  to  increase  the  compensa- 
tion of  its  members.  And  when  convened  in  extra  session  they  shall  re- 
ceive the  same  mileage  and  per  diem  compensation  as  fixed  by  law  for  the 
regular  session,  and  none  other. 

Sec.  26.  Ho  law  of  the  General  Assembly,  passed  at  a regular  session, 
of  a public  nature,  shall  take  effect  until  the  Fourth  day  of  July  next,  after 
the  passage  thereof.  Laws  passed  at  a special  session  shall  take  effect 
ninety  days  after  the  adjournment  of  the  General  Assembly,  by  which  they 
were  passed.  If  the  General  Assembly  shall  deem  any  law  of  immediate 
importance,  they  may  provide  that  the  same  shall  take  effect  by  publication 
in  newspapers  in  the  State. 

Sec.  27.  Ho  divorce  shall  be  granted  by  the  General  Assembly. 

. 15 


226 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


Sec.  28.  No  lottery  shall  be  authorized  by  this  State;  nor  shall  the  sale 
of  lottery  tickets  be  allowed. 

Sec.  29.  Every  act  shall  embrace  but  one  subject,  and  matters  properly 
connected  therewith;  which  subject  shall  be  expressed  in  the  title.  But  if 
any  subject  shall  be  embraced  in  an  act  which  shall  not  be  expressed  in  the 
title,  such  act  shall  be  void  only  as  to  so  much  thereof  as  shall  not  be  ex- 
pressed in  the  title. 

Sec.  30.  The  General  Assembly  shall  not  pass  local  or  special  laws  in 
the  following  cases : 

For  the  assessment  and  collection  of  taxes  for  State,  county,  or  road  pur- 
poses ; 

For  laying  out,  opening,  and  working  roads  or  highways; 

For  changing  the  names  of  persons; 

For  the  incorporation  of  cities  and  towns; 

For  vacating,  roads,  town  plats,  streets,  alleys,  or  public  squares; 

For  locating  or  changing  county  seats. 

In  all  the  cases  above  enumerated,  and  in  all  other  cases  where  a general 
law  can  be  made  applicable,  all  laws  shall  be  general,  and  of  uniform  ope- 
ration throughout  the  State;  and  no  law  changing  the  boundary  lines  of 
any  county  shall  have  effect  until  upon  being  submitted  to  the  people  of 
the  counties  affected  by  the  change,  at  a general  election,  it  shall  be  ap- 
proved by  a majority  of  the  votes  in  each  county,  cast  for  and  against  it. 

Sec.  31.  No  extra  compensation  shall  be  made  to  any  officer,  public 
agent,  or  contractor,  after  the  service  shall  have  been  rendered,  or  the  con- 
tract entered  into;  nor  shall  any  money  be  paid  on  any  claim,  the  subject 
matter  of  which  shall  not  have  been  provided  for  by  pre-existing  laws,  and 
no  public  money  or  property  shall  be  appropriated  for  local  or  private  pur- 
poses, unless  such  appropriation,  compensation  or  claim,  be  allowed  by  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  elected  to  each  branch  of  the  General  Assembly. 

&ec.  32.  Members  of  the  General  Assembly  shall,  before  they  enter 
upon  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices,  take  and  subscribe  the  following 
oath  or  affirmation:  “ I do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm,  as  the  case  may  be), 
that  I will  support  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  State  of  Iowa,  and  that  I will  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of 
Senator  (or  Representative,  as  the  case  may  be),  according  to  the  best  of 
my  ability.”  And  members  of  the  General  Assembly  are  hereby  empow- 
ered to  administer  to  each  other  the  said  oath  or  affirmation. 

Sec.  33.  The  General  Assembly  shall,  in  the  years  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  fifty-nine,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-three,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-five,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-seven,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-nine,  and  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  seventy -five,  and  every  ten  years  thereafter,  cause  an 
enumeration  to  be  made  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  State. 

Sec.  34.  The  number  of  Senators  shall,  at  the  next  session  following 
each  period  of  making  such  enumeration,  and  the  next  session  following 
each  United  States  Census,  be  fixed  by  law,  and  apportioned  among  the 
several  counties  according  to  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  each. 

Sec.  35.  The  Senate  shall  not  consist  of  more  than  fifty  members,  nor 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  more  than  one  hundred;  and  they  shall 
be  apportioned  among  the  several  counties  and  representative  districts  of 
the  State  according  to  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  each,  upon  ratios  to  be 
fixed  by  law;  but  no  representative  district  shall  contain  more  than  four 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


227 


organized  counties  and  each  district  shall  be  entitled  to  at  least  one  Repre- 
sentative. Every  county  and  district  which  shall  have  a number  ot  inhabi- 
tants equal  to  one-half  the  ratio  fixed  by  law,  shall  be  entitled  to  one  Rep- 
resentative; and  any  one  county  containing  in  addition  to  the  ratio  fixed 
by  law  one-half  of  that  number,  or  more,  shall  be  entitled  to  one  additional 
Representative.  No  floating  district  shall  hereafter  be  formed. 

Sec.  36.  At  its  first  session  under  this  Constitution,  and  at  every  subse- 
quent regular  session,  the  General  Assembly  shall  fix  the  ratio  of  repre- 
sentation, and  also,  form  into  repsesentative  districts  those  counties  which 
will  not  be  entitled  singly  to  a Representative. 

Sec.  37.  When  a Congressional,  Senatorial,  or  Representative  district 
shall  be  composed  of  two  or  more  counties,  it  shall  not  be  entirely  sepa- 
rated by  any  county  belonging  to  another  district;  and  no  county  shall  be 
divided  in  forming  a Congressional,  Senatorial,  or  Representative  district. 

Sec.  38.  In  all  elections  by  the  General  Assembly,  the  members  thereof 
shall  vote  viva-voce;  and  the  votes  shall  be  entered  on  the  journal. 


Article  4. — Executive  Department. 

Section  1.  The  supreme  executive  power  of  this  State  shall  be  vested 
in  a chief  magistrate,  who  shall  be  styled  the  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Iowa. 

Sec.  2.  The  Governor  shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  electors  at  the 
time  and  place  of  voting  for  members  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  shall 
hold  his  office  two  years,  from  the  time  of  his  installation,  and  until  his  suc- 
cessor is  elected  and  qualified. 

Sec.  3.  There  shall  be  a Lieutenant-Governor,  who  shall  hold  his  office 
two  years,  and  be  elected  at  the  same  time  as  the  Governor.  In  voting  for 
Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor,  the  electors  shall  designate  for  whom 
they  vote  as  Governor,  and  for  whom  as  Lieutenant-Governor.  The  returns 
of  every  election  for  Governor,  and  Lieutenant-Governor,  shall  be  sealed  up 
and  transmitted  to  the  seat  of  government  of  the  State,  directed  to  the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  who  shall  open  and  publish  them 
in  the  presence  of  both  houses  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  4.  The  persons  respectively  having  the  highest  number  of  votes,  for 
Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor,  shall  be  declared  duly  elected;  but  in 
case  two  or  more  persons  shall  have  an  equal,  and  the  highest  number  of 
votes  for  either  office,  the  General  Assembly  shall,  by  joint  vote,  forthwith 
proceed  to  elect  one  of  said  persons  Governor,  or  Lieutenant-Governor,  as 
the  case  may  be. 

Sec.  5.  Contested  elections  for  Governor,  or  Lieutenant-Governor,  shall 
be  determined  by  the  General  Assembly  in  such  manner  as  may  be  prescribed 
by  law. 

Sec.  6.  No  person  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  Governor,  or  Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, who  shall  not  have  been  a citizen  of  the  United  States; 
and  a citizen  of  the  State  two  years  next  preceding  the  election,  and 
attained  the  age  of  thirty  years  at  the  time  of  said  election. 

Sec.  7.  The  Governor  shall  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  militia,  the 
army,  and  navy  of  this  State. 

Sec.  8.  He  shall  transact  all  executive  business  with  the  officers  of  gov- 
ernment, civil  and  military,  and  may  require  information  in  writing  from 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


the  officers  of  the  executive  department  upon  any  subject  relating  to  the 
dnties  of  their  respective  offices. 

Sec.  9.  He  shall  take  care  that  the  laws  are  faithfully  executed. 

Sec.  10.  When  any  office  shall,  from  any  cause,  become  vacant,  and  no 
mode  is  provided  by  the  Constitution  and  laws  for  filling  such  vacancy,  the 
Governor  shall  have  power  to  fill  such  vacancy,  by  granting  a commission, 
which  shall  expire  at  the  end  of  the  next  session  of  the  General  Assembly, 
or  at  the  next  election  by  the  people. 

SeC.  11.  He  may,  on  extraordinary  occasions,  convene  the  General  As- 
sembly by  proclamation,  and  shall  state  to  both  houses,  when  assembled,  the 
purpose  for  which  they  shall  have  been  convened. 

Sec.  12.  He  shall  communicate,  by  message,  to  the  General  Assembly, 
at  every  regular  session,  the  condition  of  the  State,  and  recommend  such 
matters  as  he  shall  deem  expedient. 

Sec.  13.  In  case  of  disagreement  between  the  two  houses  with  respect  to 
the  time  of  adjournment,  the  Governor  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  the 
General  Assembly  to  such  time  as  he  may  think  proper;  but  no  such  ad- 
journment shall  be  beyond  the  time  fixed  for  the  regular  meeting  of  the  next 
General  Assembly. 

Sec.  14.  Ho  person  shall,  while  holding  any  office  under  the  authority  of 
the  United  States,  or  this  State,  execute  the  office  of  Governor,  or  Lieuten- 
ant-Governor, except  as  hereinafter  expressly  provided. 

Sec.  15.  The  official  term  of  the  Governor,  and  Lieutenant-Governor, 
shall  commence  on  the  second  Monday  of  January  next  after  their  election, 
and  continue  for  two  years,  and  until  their  successors  are  elected  and  quali- 
fied. The  Lieutenant-Governor,  while  acting  as  Governor,  shall  receive  the 
same  pay  as  provided  for  Governor;  and  while  presiding  in  the  Senate  shall 
receive  as  compensation  therefor,  the  same  mileage  and  double  the  per  diem 
pay  provided  for  a Senator,  and  none  other. 

Sec.  16.  The  Governor  shall  have  power  to  grant  reprieves,  commuta- 
tions and  pardons,  after  conviction,  for  all  offenses  except  treason  and  cases 
of  impeachment,  subject  to  such  regulations  as  may  be  provided  by  Taw. 
Upon  conviction  for  treason,  he  shall  have  power  to  suspend  the  execution 
of  sentence  until  the  case  shall  be  reported  to  the  General  Assembly  at  its 
next  meeting,  when  the  General  Assembly  shall  either  grant  a pardon,  com- 
mute the  sentence,  or  grant  a further  reprieve.  He  shall  have  power  to  re- 
mit fines  and  forfeitures,  under  such  regulations  as  may  be  prescribed  by 
law;  and  shall  report  to  the  General  Assembly,  at  its  next  meeting,  each 
case  of  reprieve,  commutation,  or  pardon  granted,  and  the  reason  therefor; 
and  also  all  persons  in  whose  favor  remission  of  fines  and  forfeitures  shall 
have  been  made,  and  the  several  amounts  remitted. 

Sec.  17.  In  case  of  the  death,  impeachment,  resignation,  removal  from 
office,  or  other  disability  of  the  governor,  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  office 
for  the  residue  of  the  term,  or  until  he  shall  be  acquitted,  or  the  disability 
removed,  shall  devolve  upon  the  Lieutenant-Governor. 

Sec.  18.  The  Lieutenant-Governor  shall  be  president  of  the  Senate,  but 
shall  only  vote  when  the  Senate  is  equally  divided;  and  in  case  of  his  ab- 
sence, or  impeachment,  or  when  he  shall  exercise  the  office  of  Governor,  the 
Senate  shall  choose  a president  pro  tempore. 

Sec.  19.  If  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  while  acting  as  Governor,  shall 
be  impeached,  displaced,  resign,  or  die,  or  otherwise  become  incapable  of 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


229 


performing  the  duties  of  the  office,  the  president  pro  tempore  of  the  Senate 
shall  act  as  Governor  until  the  vacancy  is  filled,  or  the  disability  removed; 
and  if  the  president  of  the  Senate,  for  any  of  the  above  causes,  shall  be  ren- 
dered incapable  of  performing  the  duties  pertaining  to  the  office  of  Gover- 
nor, the  same  shall  devolve  upon  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives. 

Sec.  20.  There  shall  be  a seal  of  this  State,  which  shall  be  kept  by  the 
Governor,  and  used  by  him  officially,  and  shall  be  called  the  Great  Seal  of 
the  State  of  Iowa. 

Sec.  21.  All  grants  and  commissions  shall  be  in  the  name  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  Iowa,  sealed  with  the  Great  Seal  of 
the  State,  signed  by  the  Governor,  and  countersigned  by  the  Secretary  of 
State. 

Sec.  22.  A Secretary  of  State,  Auditor  of  State,  and  Treasurer  of  State, 
shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  electors,  who  shall  continue  in  office  two 
years,  and  until  their  successors  are  elected  and  qualified ; and  perform  such 
duties  as  may  be  required  by  law. 


Article  5. — Judicial  Department. 

Section  1.  The  judicial  power  shall  be  vested  in  a Supreme  Court, 
District  Court,  and  such  other  courts,  inferior  to  the  Supreme  Court,  as  the 
General  Assembly  may,  from  time  to  time,  establish. 

Sec.  2.  The  Supreme  Court  shall  consist  of  three  judges,  two  of  whom 
shall  constitute  a quorum  to  hold  court. 

Sec.  3.  The  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  shall  be  elected  by  the  quali- 
fied electors  of  the  State,  and  shall  hold  their  court  at  such  time  and  place  as 
the  General  Assembly  may  prescribe.  The  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court  so 
elected,  shall  be  classified  so  that  one  judge  shall  go  out  every  two  years; 
and  the  jndge  holding  the  shortest  term  of  office  under  such  classification, 
shall  be  Chief  Justice  of  the  court  during  his  term,  and  so  on  in  rotation. 
After  the  expiration  of  their  terms  of  office,  under  such  classification,  the 
term  of  each  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  shall  be  six  years,  and  until  his 
successor  shall  have  been  elected  and  qualified.  The  judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court  shall  be  ineligible  to  any  other  office  in  the  State,  during  the  term 
for  which  they  have  been  elected. 

Sec.  4.  The  Supreme  Court  shall  have  appellate  jurisdiction  only  in 
cases  in  chancery,  and  shall  constitute  a court  for  the  correction  of  errors  at 
law,  under  such  restrictions  as  the  General  Assembly  may  by  law  prescribe ; 
and  shall  have  power  to  issue  all  writs  and  process  necessary  to  secure  jus- 
tice to  parties,  and  exercise  a supervisory  control  over  all  inferior  judicial 
tribunals  throughout  the  State. 

Sec.  5.  The  District  Court  shall  consist  of  a single  judge,  who  shall  be 
elected  by  the  qualified  electors  of  the  district  in  which  he  resides.  The 
judge  of  the  District  Court  shall  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  four  years, 
and  until  his  successor  shall  have  been  elected  and  qualified;  and  shall  be 
ineligible  to  any  other  office,  except  that  of  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
during  the  term  for  which  he  was  elected. 

Sec.  6.  The  district  Court  shall  be  a court  of  law  and  equity,  which  shall 
be  distinct  and  separate  jurisdictions,  and  have  jurisdiction  in  civil  and 


230 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


criminal  matters  arising  in  their  respective  districts, r in  such  manner  as  shall 
be  prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  7.  The  judges  of  the  Supreme  and  District  Courts  shall  be  conser- 
vators of  the  peace  throughout  the  State. 

Sec.  8.  The  style  of  all  process  shall  be  “ The  State  of  Iowa,”  and  all 
prosecutions  shali  be  conducted  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
same. 

Sec.  9.  The  salary  of  each  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  shall  be  two 
thousand  dollars  per  annum;  and  that  of  each  District  Judge  one  thousand 
six  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  until  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty; 
after  which  time  they  shall  severally  receive  such  compensation  as  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  may,  by  law,  prescribe ; which  compensation  shall  not  be 
increased  or  diminished  during  the  term  for  which  they  have  been  elected. 

Sec.  10.  The  State  shall  be  divided  into  eleven  judicial  districts;  and 
after  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty,  the  General  Assembly  may  re-or- 
ganize the  judicial  districts,  and  increase  or  diminish  the  number  of  districts, 
or  the  number  of  judges  of  the  said  court,  and  may  increase  the  number  of 
judges  of  the  Supreme  Court;  but  such  increase  or  diminution  shall  not  be 
more  than  one  district,  or  one  judge  of  either  court,  at  any  one  session;  and 
no  re-organization  of  the  districts,  or  diminution  of  the  judges  shall  have 
the  effect  of  removing  a judge  from  office.  Such  re-organization  of  the  dis- 
tricts, or  any  change  in  the  boundaries  thereof,  or  any  increase  or  diminution 
of  the  number  of  judges  shall  take  place  every  four  years  thereafter,  if  nec- 
essary, and  at  no  other  time. 

Sec.  11.  The  judges  of  the  Supreme  and  District  Courts  shall  be  chosen 
at  the  general  election;  and  the  term  of  office  of  each  judge  shall  com- 
mence on  the  first  day  of  January  next  after  his  election. 

Sec.  12.  The  General  Assembly  shall  provide,  by  law,  for  the  election 
of  an  Attorney-General  by  the  people,  whose  term  of  office  shall  be  two 
years,  and  until  his  successor  shall  have  been  elected  and  qualified. 

Sec.  13.  The  qualified  electors  of  each  judicial  district  shall,  at  the  time 
of  the  election  of  District  Judge,  elect  a District  Attorney,  who  shall  be  a 
resident  of  the  district  for  which  he  is  elected,  and  who  shall  hold  his  office 
for  the  term  of  four  years,  and  until  his  successor  shall  have  been  elected 
and  qualified. 

Sec.  14.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Assembly  to  provide  for  the 
carrying  into  effect  of  this  article,  and  to  provide  for  a general  system  of 
practice  in  all  the  courts  of  this  State. 


Article  6. — Militia. 

Section  1.  The  militia  of  this  State  shall  be  composed  of  all  able-bodied 
male  citizens,  between  the  ages  of  eighteen  and  forty-five  years,  except  such 
as  are  or  may  hereafter  be  exempt  by  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  of 
this  State;  and  shall  be  armed,  equipped,  and  trained,  as  the  General  Assem- 
bly may  provide  by  law. 

Sec.  2.  Ho  person  or  persons  conscientiously  scrupulous  of  bearing  arms 
shall  be  compelled  to  do  military  duty  in  time  of  peace:  provided,  that  such 
person  or  persons  shall  pay  an  equivalent  for  such  exemption  in  the  same 
manner  as  other  citizens. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


231 


Sec.  3.  All  commissioned  officers  of  the  militia  (staff  officers  excepted) 
shall  be  elected  by  the  persons  liable  to  perform  military  duty,  and  shall  be 
commissioned  by  the  Governor. 


Article  7. — -State  Debts. 


Section  1 The  credit  of  the  State  shall  not,  in  any  maimer,  be  given  or 
loaned  to,  or  in  aid  of,  any  individual,  association,  or  corporation;  and  the 
State  shall  never  assume,  or  become  responsible  for,  the  debts  or  liabilities 
of  any  individual,  association,  or  corporation,  unless  incurred  in  time  of  war 
for  the  benefit  of  the  State. 

Sec.  2.  The  State  may  contract  debts  to  supply  casual  deficits  or  failures 
in  revenues,  or  to  meet  expenses  not  otherwise  provided  for;  but  the  aggre- 
gate amount  of  such  debts,  direct  and  contingent,  whether  contracted  by  one 
or  more  acts  of  the  General  Assembly,  or  at  different  periods  of  time,  shall 
never  exceed  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars;  and  the 
money  arising  from  the  creation  of  such  debts,  shall  be  applied  to  the  pur- 
pose for  which  it  was  obtained,  or  to  repay  the  debts  so  contracted,  and  to  no 
other  purpose  whatever. 

Sec.  3.  All  losses  to  the  permanent,  school,  or  university  fund  of  this 
State,  which  shall  have  been  occasioned  by  the  defalcation,  mismanagement, 
or  fraud  of  officers  controlling  or  managing  the  same,  shall  be  audited  by 
the  proper  authorities  of  the  State.  The  amount  so  audited  shall  be  a per- 
manent funded  debt  against  the  State,  in  favor  of  the  respective  fund  sus- 
taining the  loss,  upon  which  not  less  than  six  per  cent  annual  interest  shall 
be  paid.  The  amount  of  liability  so  created  shall  not  be  counted  as  a part 
of  the  indebtedness  authorized  by  the  second  section  of  this  article. 

Sec.  4.  In  addition  to  the  above  limited  power  to  contract  debts,  the 
State  may  contract  debts  to  repel  invasion,  suppress  insurrection,  or  defend 
the  State  in  war;  but  the  money  arising  from  the  debts  so  contracted  shall 
be  applied  to  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  raised,  or  to  repay  such  debts, 
and  to  no  other  purpose  whatever. 

Sec.  5.  Except  the  debts  hereinbefore  specified  in  this  article,  no  debt 
shall  hereafter  be  contracted  by,  or  on  behalf  of  this  State,  unless  such  debt 
shall  be  authorized  by  some  law  for  some  single  work  or  object,  to  be  dis- 
tinctly specified  therein ; and  such  law  shall  impose  and  provide  for  the 
collection  of  a direct  annual  tax,  sufficient  to  pay  the  interest  on  such  debt, 
as  it  falls  due,  and  also  to  pay  and  discharge  the  principal  of  such  debt, 
within  twenty  years  from  the  time  of  the  contracting  thereof;  but  no  such 
law  shall  take  effect  until  at  a general  election  it  shall  have  been  submitted 
to  the  people,  and  have  received  a majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  for  and 
against  it  at  such  election ; and  all  money  raised  by  authority  of  such  law, 
shall  be  applied  only  to  the  specific  object  therein  stated,  or  the  payment  of 
the  debt  created  thereby;  and  such  law  shall  be  published  in  at  least  one 
newspaper  in  each  county,  if  one  is  published  therein,  throughout  the  State, 
for  three  months  preceding  the  election  at  which  it  is  submitted  to  the  peo- 
ple. 

Sec.  6.  The  Legislature  may,  at  any  time,  after  the  approval  of  such 
law  by  the  people,  if  no  debt  shall  have  been  contracted  in  pursuance 


thereof,  repeal  the  same;  and 


may, 


at 


any  time,  forbid  the  contracting  of 


232 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


any  further  debt,  or  liability  under  such  law;  but  the  tax  imposed  by  such 
law,  in  proportion  to  the  debt  or  liability,  which  may  have  been  contracted 
in  pursuance  thereof,  shall  remain  in  force  and  be  irrepealable,  and  be  an- 
nually collected,  until  the  principal  and  interest  are  fully  paid. 

Sec.  7.  Every  law  which  imposes,  continues,  or  revives  a tax,  shall  dis- 
tinctly state  the  tax,  and  the  object  to  which  it  is  to  be  applied;  and  it  shall 
not  be  sufficient  to  refer  to  any  other  law  to  fix  such  tax  or  object. 


Article  8. — Corporations. 

Section  1.  No  corporation  shall  be  created  by  special  laws;  but  the 
General  Assembly  shall  provide,  by  general  laws,  for  the  organization  of  all 
corporations  hereafter  to  be  created,  except  as  hereinafter  provided. 

Sec.  2.  The  property  of  all  corporations  for  pecuniary  profit,  shall  be 
subject  to  taxation,  the  same  as  that  of  individuals. 

Sec.  3.  The  State  shall  not  become  a stockholder  in  any  corporation, 
nor  shall  it  assume  or  pay  the  debt  or  liability  of  any  corporation,  unless 
incurred  in  time  of  war  for  the  benefit  of  the  State. 

Sec.  4.  No  political  or  municipal  corporation  shall  become  a stock- 
holder in  any  banking  corporation,  directly  or  indirectly. 

Sec.  5.  No  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  authorizing  or  creating  corpo- 
rations or  associations  with  banking  powers,  nor  amendments  thereto  shall 
take  effect,  nor  in  any  manner  be  in  force,  until  the  same  shall  have  been 
submitted  separately,  to  the  people,  at  a general  or  special  election,  as  pro- 
vided by  law,  to  be  held  not  less  than  three  months  after  the  passage  of  the 
act,  and  shall  have  been  approved  by  a majority  of  all  the  electors  voting 
for  and  against  it  at  such  election. 

Sec.  6.  Subject  to  the  provisions  of  the  foregoing  section,  the  General 
Assembly  may  also  provide  for  the  establishment  of  a State  Bank  with 
branches. 

Sec.  7.  If  a State  Bank  be  established,  it  shall  be  founded  on  an  actual 
specie  basis,  and  the  branches  shall  be  mutually  responsible  for  each  others’ 
liabilities  upon  all  notes,  bills,  and  other  issues  intended  for  circulation  as 
money. 

Sec.  8.  If  a general  banking  law  shall  be  enacted,  it  shall  provide  for 
the  registry  and  countersigning,  by  an  officer  of  State,  of  all  bills,  or  paper 
credit  designed  to  circulate  as  money,  and  require  security  to  the  full 
amount  thereof,  to  be  deposited  with  the  State  Treasurer,  in  United  States 
stocks,  or  in  interest  paying  stocks  of  States  in  good  credit  and  standing,  to 
be  rated  at  ten  per  cent  below  their  average  value  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
for  the  thirty  days  next  preceding  their  dejjosit;  and  in  case  of  a deprecia- 
tion of  any  portion  of  said  stocks,  to  the  amount  of  ten  per  cent  on  the 
dollar,  the  bank  or  banks  owning  said  stocks  shall  be  required  to  make  up 
said  deficiency  by  depositing  additional  stocks;  and  said  law  shall  also  pro- 
vide for  the  recording  of  the  names  of  all  stockholders  in  such  corporations, 
the  amount  of  stock  held  by  each,  the  time  of  any  transfer,  and  to  whom. 

Sec.  9.  Every  stockholder  in  a banking  corporation  or  institution  shall 
be  individually  responsible  and  liable  to  its  creditors,  over  and  above  the 
amount  of  stock  by  him  or  her  held,  to  an  amount  equal  to  his  or  her  re- 
spective shares  so  held,  for  all  its  liabilities,  accruing  while  he  or  she  re- 
mains such  stockholder. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


233 


Sec.  10.  In  case  of  tlie  insolvency  of  any  banking  institution,  the  hill- 
holders  shall  have  a preference  over  its  other  creditors. 

Sec.  11.  The  suspension  of  specie  payments  by  banking  institutions 
shall  never  be  permitted  or  sanctioned. 

Sec.  12.  Subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  article,  the  General  Assembly 
shall  have  power  to  amend  or  repeal  all  laws  for  the  organization  or  creation 
of  corporations,  or  granting  of  special  or  exclusive  privileges  or  immunities, 
by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  each  branch  of  the  General  Assembly;  and  no 
exclusive  privileges,  except  as  in  this  article  provided,  shall  ever  be  granted. 


Article  9. — Education  and  School  Lands 
1. — Education . 

Section  1.  The  educational  interest  of  the  State,  including  common 
schools  and  other  educational  institutions,  shall  be  under  the  management 
of  a board  of  education,  which  shall  consist  of  the  Lieutenant  Governor, 
who  shall  be  the  presiding  officer  of  the  board,  and  have  the  casting  vote  in 
case  of  a tie,  and  one  member  to  be  elected  from  each  judicial  district  in 
the  State. 

Sec.  2.  No  person  shall  be  eligible  as  a member  of  said  board  who  shall 
not  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty-five  years,  and  shall  have  been  one  year 
a citizen  of  the  State. 

Sec.  3.  One  member  of  said  board  shall  be  chosen  by  the  qualified  elec- 
tors of  each  district,  and  shall  hold  the  office  for  the  term  of  four  years,  and 
until  his  successor  is  elected  and  qualified.  After  the  first  election  under 
this  constitution,  the  board  shall  be  divided,  as  nearly  as  practicable,  into 
two  equal  classes,  and  the  seats  of  the  first  class  shall  be  vacated  after  the 
expiration  of  two  years;  and  one-half  of  the  board  shall  be  chosen  every 
two  years  thereafter. 

Sec.  4.  The  first  session  of  the  board  of  education  shall  be  held  at  the 
seat  of  government,  on  the  first  Monday  of  December,  after  their  election; 
after  which  the  General  Assembly  may  fix  the  time  and  place  of  meeting. 

Sec.  5.  The  session  of  the  board  shall  be  limited  to  twenty  days,  and 
but  one  session  shall  be  held  in  any  one  year,  except  upon  extraordinary  oc- 
casions, when,  upon  the  recommendation  of  two-thirds  of  the  board,  the 
Governor  may  order  a special  session. 

Sec.  6.  The  board  of  education  shall  appoint  a secretary,  who  shall  be 
the  executive  officer  of  the  board,  and  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  im- 
posed upon  him  by  the  board,  and  the  laws  of  the  State.  They  shall  keep 
a journal  of  their  proceedings,  which  shall  be  published  and  distributed  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  journals  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  7.  All  rules  and  regulations  made  by  the  board  shall  be  published 
and  distributed  to  the  several  counties,  townships,  and  school  districts,  as 
may  be  provided  for  by  the  board,  and  when  so  made,  published,  and  dis- 
tributed, they  shall  have  the  force  and  effect  of  law. 

Sec.  8.  The  board  of  education  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to 
legislate  and  make  all  needful  rules  and  regulations  in  relation  to  common 
schools,  and  other  educational  institutions,  that  are  instituted  to  receive  aid 
from  the  school  or  university  fund  of  this  State;  but  all  acts,  rules  and 


234 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


regulations  of  said  board  may  be  altered,  amended,  or  repealed  by  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly;  and  when  so  altered,  amended,  or  repealed,  they  shall  not 
be  re-enacted  by  the  board  of  education. 

Sec.  9.  The  Governor  of  the  State  shall  be,  ex-officio , a member  of  said 
board. 

Sec.  10.  The  board  shall  have  no  power  to  levy  taxes,  or  make  appro- 
priations of  money.  Their  contingent  expenses  shall  be  provided  for  by  the 
General  Assembly. 

Sec.  11.  The  State  University  shall  be  established  at  one  place,  without 
branches  at  any  other  place,  and  the  university  fund  shall  be  applied  to  that 
institution,  and  no  other. 

Sec.  12.  The  board  of  education  shall  provide  for  the  education  of  all 
the  youths  of  the  State,  through  a system  of  common  schools;  and  such 
schools  shall  be  organized  and  kept  in  each  school  district  at  least  three 
months  in  each  year.  Any  district  failing,  for  two  consecutive  years,  to  or- 
ganize and  keep  up  a school,  may  be  deprived  of  their  portion  of  the 
school  fund. 

Sec.  13.  The  members  of  the  board  of  education  shall  each  receive  the 
same  per  diem  during  the  time  of  their  session,  and  mileage  going  to  and 
returning  therefrom,  as  members  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  14.  A majority  of  the  board  shall  constitute  a quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business,  but  no  rule,  regulation  or  law,  for  the  regulation 
and  government  of  common  schools  or  other  educational  institutions,  shall 
pass  without  the  concurrence  of  a majority  of  all  the  members  of  the 
board,  which  shall  be  expressed  by  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  final  passage. 
The  style  of  all  acts  of  the  board  shall  be,  “ Be  it  enacted  by  the  board  of 
education  of  the  State  of  Iowa.” 

Sec.  15.  At  any  time  after  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-three,  the  General  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  abolish  or  re-organize 
said  board  of  education,  and  provide  for  the  educational  interest  of  the  State 
in  any  other  manner  that  to  them  shall  seem  best  and  proper. 


2. — School  Funds  and  School  Lands. 

Section  1.  The  educational  and  school  funds  and  lands,  shall  be  under 
the  control  and  management  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State. 

Sec.  2.  The  university  lands,  and  the  proceeds  thereof,  and  all  moneys 
belonging  to  said  fund  shall  be  a permanent  fund  for  the  sole  use  of  the 
State  University.  The  interest  arising  from  the  same  shall  be  annually  ap- 
propriated for  the  support  and  benefit  of  said  university. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Assembly  shall  encourage,  by  all  suitable  means, 
the  promotion  of  intellectual,  scientific,  moral  and  agricultural  improve- 
ment. The  proceeds  of  all  lands  that  have  been,  or  hereafter  may  be, 
granted  by  the  United  States  to  this  State,  for  the  support  of  schools,  which 
may  have  been,  or  shall  hereafter  be,  sold  or  disposed  of,  and  the  five  hun- 
dred thousand  acres  of  land  granted  to  the  new  States,  under  an  act  of 
Congress,  distributing  the  proceeds  of  the  public  lands  among  the  several 
States  of  the  Union,  approved  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  forty-one,  and  all  estates  of  deceased  persons  who  may  have 
died  without  leaving  a will  or  heir,  and  also  such  per  cent  as  has  been,  or 
may  hereafter  be,  granted  by  Congress,  on  the  sale  of  lands  in  this  State, 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


235 


shall  be,  and  remain  a perpetual  fund,  the  interest  of  which,  together  with 
all  rents  of  the  unsold  lands,  and  such  other  means  as  the  General  As- 
sembly may  provide,  shall  he  inviolably  appropriated  to  the  support  of 
common  schools  throughout  the  State. 

Sec.  4.  The  money  which  may  have  been,  or  shall  be,  paid  by  persons 
as  an  equivalent  for  exemption  from  military  duty,  and  the  clear  proceeds 
of  all  fines  collected  in  the  several  counties  for  any  breach  of  the  penal 
laws,  shall  be  exclusively  applied,  in  the  several  counties  in  which  such 
money  is  paid,  or  fine  collected,  among  the  several  school  districts  of  said 
counties,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  youths  subject  to  enumeration  in 
such  districts,  to  the  support  of  commen  schools,  or  the  establishment  of 
libraries,  as  the  board  of  education  shall,  from  time  to  time,  provide. 

Sec.  5.  The  General  Assembly  shall  take  measures  for  the  protection, 
improvement,  or  other  disposition  of  such  lands  as  have  been,  or  may  here- 
after be  reserved,  or  granted  by  the  United  States,  or  any  person  or  persons, 
to  this  State,  for  the  use  of  a university,  and  the  funds  accruing  from  the 
rents  or  sale  of  such  lands,  or  from  any  other  source  for  the  purpose  afore- 
said, shall  be,  and  remain,  a permanent  fund,  the  interest  of  which  shall  be 
applied  to  the  support  of  said  university,  for  the  promotion  of  literature, 
the  arts  and  sciences,  as  may  be  authorized  by  the  terms  of  such  grant. 
And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Assembly,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  pro- 
vide effectual  means  for  the  improvement  and  permanent  security  of  the 
funds  of  said  university. 

Sec.  6.  The  financial  agents  of  the  school  funds  shall  be  the  same,  that 
by  law,  receive  and  control  the  State  and  county  revenue,  for  other  civil  pur- 
poses, under  such  regulations  as  may  be  provided  by  law. 

Sec.  7.  The  money  subject  to  the  support  and  maintenance  of  common 
schools  shall  be  distributed  to  the  districts  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
youths,  between  the  ages  of  five  and  twenty-one  years,  in  such  manner  as 
may  be  provided  by  the  General  Assembly. 


Article  IO.-t-Amendments  to  the  Constitution. 

Section  1.  Any  amendment  or  amendments  to  this  constitution  may  be 
proposed  in  either  House  of  the  General  Assembly;  and  if  the  same  shall 
be  agreed  to  by  a majority  of  the  members  elected  to  each  of  the  two 
houses,  such  proposed  amendment  shall  be  entered  on  their  journals,  with 
the  yeas  and  nays  taken  thereon,  and  referred  to  the  Legislature  to  be  cho- 
sen at  the  next  general  election,  and  shall  be  published,  as  provded  by  law, 
for  three  months  previous  to  the  time  of  making  such  choice;  and  if,  in  the 
General  Assembly  so  next  chosen  as  aforesaid,  such  proposed  amendment  or 
amendments  shall  be  agreed  to,  by  a majority  of  all  the  members  elected  to 
each  house,  then  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Assembly  to  snbmit 
such  proposed  amendment  or  amendments  to  the  people  in  such  manner, 
and  at  such  time  as  the  General  Assembly  shall  provide;  and  if  the  people 
shall  approve  and  ratify  such  amendment  or  amendments  by  a majority  of 
the  electors  qualified  to  vote  for  members  of  the  General  Assembly,  voting 
thereon,  such  amendment  or  amendments  shall  become  a part  of  the  Consti- 
tution of  this  State. 

Sec.  2.  If  two  or  more  amendments  shall  be  submitted  at  the  same 


236 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


time,  they  shall  he  submitted  in  such  manner  that  the  electors  shall  vote  for 
or  against  each  of  such  amendments  separately. 

Sec.  3.  At  the  general  election  to  be  held  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  seventy,  and  in  each  tenth  year  thereafter,  aud  also  at  such 
time  as  the  General  Assembly,  may,  by  law,  provide,  the  question : “ Shall 

there  be  a Convention  to  revise  the  Constitution  and  amend  the  same?”  shall 
be  decided  by  the  electors  qualified  to  vote  for  members  of  the  General  As- 
sembly ; and  in  case  a majority  of  the  electors  so  qualified,  voting  at  such 
election  for  and  against  such  proposition,  shall  decide  in  favor  of  a Conven- 
tion for  such  purpose,  the  General  Assembly,  at  its  next  session,  shall  pro- 
vide by  law  for  the  election  of  delegates  to  such  Convention. 


Article  11. — Miscellaneous. 

Section  1.  The  jurisdiction  of  justices  of  the  peace  shall  extend  in  all 
cases  (except  cases  in  chancery,  and  cases  where  the  question  of  title  to 
real  estate  may  arise),  where  the  amount  in  controversy  does  not  exceed  one 
hundred  dollars,  and  by  the  consent  of  parties  may  be  extended  to  any 
amount  not  exceeding  three  hundred  dollars. 

Sec.  2.  No  new  county  shall  be  hereafter  created  containing  less  than 
four  hundred  and  thirty-two  square  miles;  nor  shall  the  territory  of  any  or- 
ganized county  be  reduced  below  that  area,  except  the  county  of  Worth,  and 
the  counties  west  of  it,  along  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State,  may  be  or- 
ganized without  additional  territory. 

Sec.  3.  No  county,  or  other  political  or  municipal  corporation  shall  be 
allowed  to  become  indebted  in  any  manner,  or  for  any  purpose,  to  an  amount 
in  the  aggregate  exceeding  five  per  centum  on  the  value  of  the  taxable  prop- 
arty within  such  county  or  corporation — to  be  ascertained  by  the  last  State 
and  county  tax  lists,  previous  to  the  incurring  of  such  indebtedness. 

Sec.  4.  The  boundaries  of  the  State  may  be  enlarged,  with  the  consent 
of  Congress  and  the  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  5.  Every  person  elected  or  appointed  to  any  office  shall,  before  en- 
tering upon  the  duties  thereof,  take  an  oath  or  affirmation  to  support  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  of  this  State,  and  also  an  oath  of 
office. 

Sec.  6.  In  all  cases  of  elections  to  fill  vacancies  in  office  occurring  be- 
fore the  expiration  of  a full  term,  the  person  so  elected  shall  hold  for  the 
residue  of  the  unexpired  term ; and  all  persons  appointed  to  fill  vacancies  in 
office,  shall  hold  until  the  next  general  election,  and  until  their  successors 
are  elected  and  qualified. 

Sec.  7.  The  General  Assembly  shall  not  locate  any  of  the  public  lands, 
which  have  been,  or  may  be  granted  by  Congress  to  this  State,  and  the  lo- 
cation of  which  may  be  given  to  the  General  Assembly,  upon  lands  actually 
settled,  without  the  consent  of  the  occupant.  The  extent  of  the  claim  of 
such  occupant  so  exempted,  shall  not  exceed  three  hundred  and  twenty 
acres. 

Sec.  8.  The  seat  of  government  is  hereby  permanently  established,  as 
now  fixed  by  law,  at  the  City  of  Des  Moines,  in  the  county  of  Polk,  and  the 
State  University  at  Iowa  City,  in  the  county  of  Johnson. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


237 


Article  12.— Schedule. 

Section  1.  This  Constitution  shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  State,  and 
any  law  inconsistent  therewith  shall  be  void.  The  General  Assembly  shall 
pass  all  laws  necessary  to  carry  this  Constitution  into  effect. 

Sec.  2.  All  laws  now  in  force,  and  not  inconsistent  with  this  Constitu- 
tion, shall  remain  in  force  until  they  shall  expire  or  be  repealed. 

Sec.  3.  All  indictments,  prosecutions,  suits,  pleas,  plaints,  process,  and 
other  proceedings  pending  in  any  of  the  courts,  shall  be  prosecuted  to  final 
judgment  and  execution;  and  all  appeals,  writs  of  errors,  certiorari,  and 
injunctions,  shall  be  carried  on  in  the  several  courts,  in  the  same  manner  as 
now  provided  by  law;  and  all  offenses,  misdemeanors  and  crimes  that  may 
have  been  committed  before  the  taking  effect  of  this  Constitution,  shall  be 
subject  to  indictment,  trial  and  punishment,  in  the  same  manner  as  they 
would  have  been  had  not  this  constitution  been  made. 

Sec.  4.  All  fines,  penalties,  or  forfeitures  due,  or  to  become  due,  or  ac- 
cruing to  the  State,  or  to  any  county  therein,  or  to  the  school  fund,  shall 
inure  so  the  State,  county,  or  school  fund,  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  5.  All  bonds  executed  to  the  State,  or  to  any  officer  in  his  official 
capacity,  shall  remain  in  force  and  inure  to  the  use  of  those  concerned. 

Sec.  6.  The  first  election  under  this  constitution  shall  be  held  on  the 
second  Tuesday  in  October,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
fifty-seven,  at  which  time  the  electors  of  the  State  shall  elect  the  Governor 
and  Lieutenant  Governor.  There  shall  also  be  elected  at  such  election,  the 
successors  of  such  State  Senators  as  were  elected  at  the  August  election,  in 
the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-four,  and  members  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  wrho  shall  be  elected  in  accordance  with  the  act 
of  apportionment,  enacted  at  the  session  of  the  General  Assembly  which 
commenced  on  the  first  Monday  of  December,  one  thouasnd  eight  hundred 
and  fifty-six. 

Sec.  7.  The  first  election  for  Secretary,  Auditor,  and  Treasurer  of  State, 
Attorney-General,  District  Judges,  Members  of  the  Board  of  Education, 
District  Attorneys,  members  of  Congress,  and  such  State  officers  as  shall 
be  elected  at  the  April  election,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
fifty-seven  (except  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction),  and  such 
county  officers  as  were  elected  at  the  August  election,  in  the  year  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  fifty-six,  except  Prosecuting  Attorney,  shall  be  held 
on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty- 
eight;  Provided,  that  the  time  for  which  any  District  Judge,  oh  any  other 
State  or  county  officer,  elected  at  the  April  election  in  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  fifty-eight,  shall  not  extend  beyond  the  time  fixed  for  ^filling 
like  offices  at  the  October  election  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  fifty-eight. 

Sec.  8.  The  first  election  for  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  such 
county  officers  as  shall  be  elected  at  the  August  election,  in  the  year  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-seven,  shall  be  held  on  the  second  Tuesday 
of  October,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-nine. 

Sec.  9.  The  first  regular  session  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  be  held 
in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-eight,  commencing  on  the 
second  Monday  of  January  of  said  year. 

Sec.  10.  Senators  elected  at  the  August  election,  in  the  year  one  thou- 


238 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


sand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-six,  shall  continue  in  office  until  the  second 
Tuesday  of  October,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty -nine, 
at  which  time  their  successors  shall  be  elected  as  may  be  prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  11.  Every  person  elected  by  popular  vote,  by  a vote  of  the  General 
Assembly,  or  who  may  hold  office  by  Executive  appointment,  whicli  office 
is  continued  by  this  constitution,  and  every  person  who  shall  be  so  elected 
or  appointed,  to  any  such  office,  before  the  taking  effect  of  this  constitution, 
(except  as  in  this  constitution  otherwise  provided)  shall  continue  in  office 
until  the  term  for  wdiich  such  person  has  been  or  may  be  elected  or  ap- 
pointed shall  expire;  but  no  such  person  shall  continue  in  office  after  the 
taking  effect  of  this,  constitution,  for  a longer  period  than  the  term  of  such 
office,  in  this  constitution  prescribed. 

Sec.  12.  The  General  Assembly,  at  the  first  session  under  this  constitu- 
tion, shall  district  the  State  into  eleven  judicial  districts,  for  District  Court 
purposes;  and  shall  also  provide  for  the  apportionment  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  constitution. 

Sec.  13.  The  foregoing  constitution  shall  be  submitted  to  the  electors  ot 
the  State  at  the  August  election,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
fifty-seven,  in  the  several  election  districts  in  this  State.  The  ballots  at  such 
election  shall  be  written  or  printed  as  follows : Those  in  favor  of  the  constitu- 
tion— “New  Constitution — Yes.”  Those  against  the  constitution,  “New  Con- 
stitution— No.”  The  election  shall  be  conducted  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
general  elections  of  the  State,  and  the  poll-books  shall  be  returned  and  can- 
vassed as  provided  in  the  twenty-fifth  chapter  of  the  Code;  and  abstracts 
shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  which  abstracts  shall  be  can- 
vassed in  the  manner  provided  for  the  canvass  of  State  officers.  And  if  it 
shall  appear  that  a majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  at  such  election  for  and 
against  this  constitution  are  in  favor  of  the  same,  the  Governor  shall  imme- 
diately issue  his  proclamation  stating  that  fact,  and  such  constitution  shall 
be  tile  constitution  of  the  State  of  Iowa,  and  shall  take  effect  from  and  after 
the  publication  of  said  proclamation. 

Sec.  14.  At  the  same  election  that  this  constitution  is  submitted  to  the 
people  for  its  adoption  or  rejection,  a proposition  to  amend  the  same  by 
striking  out  the  word  “ white,”  from  the  article  on  the  “ Right  of  Suffrage,” 
shall  be  separately  submitted  to  the  electors  of  this  State  for  adoption  or 
rejection,  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

A separate  ballot  may  be  given  by  every  person  having  a right  to  vote  at 
said  election,  to  be  deposited  in  a separate  box;  and  those  given  for  the 
adoption  of  such  proposition  shall  have  the  words,  “ Shall  the  word  4 white ’ 
be  stricken  out  of  the  article  on  the  ‘Right  of  Suffrage?’ — Yes.”  And 
those  given  against  the  proposition  shall  have  the  words,  “ Shall  the  word 
‘white’  be  stricken  out  of  the  article  on  the  ‘Right  of  Suffrage?’ — No.” 
And  if  at  said  election  the  number  of  ballots  cast  in  favor  of  said  proposi- 
tion, shall  be  equal  to  a majority  of  those  cast  for  and  against  this  constitu- 
tion, then  said  word  “ white  ” shall  be  stricken  from  said  article  and  be  no 
part  thereof. 

Sec.  15.  Until  otherwise  directed  by  law,  the  county  of  Mills  shall  be  in 
and  a part  of  the  Sixth  J udicial  District  of  this  State. 

Done  in  convention  at  Iowa  City,  this  fifth  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our 

Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-seven,  and  of  the  independence 

of  the  United  States  of  America,  the  eighty-first. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  IOWA. 


239 


In  testimony  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names: 


Timothy  Day, 

S.  G.  Winchester, 
David  Bunker, 

D.  P.  Palmer, 
Geo.  W.  Ells, 

J.  C.  Hall, 

John  H.  Peters, 
Wm.  H.  Warren, 
H.  W.  Gray, 
Bobt.  Gower, 

H.  D.  Gibson, 
Thomas  Seeley, 

A.  H.  Marvin, 

J.  H.  Emerson, 

B.  L.  B.  Clarke, 
James  A.  Young, 
D.  H.  Solomon, 


M.  W.  Bobinson, 
Lewis  Todhunter, 
John  Edwards, 

J.  C.  Traer, 

James  F.  Wilson, 
Amos  Harris, 

Jno.  T.  Clark, 

S.  Ayres, 

Harvey  J.  Skiff, 

J.  A.  Parvin, 

W.  Penn  Clarke, 
Jere.  Hollingworth, 
Wm.  Patterson, 

D.  W.  Price, 

Alpheus  Scott, 
George  Gillaspy, 
Edward  Johnston. 


Francis  Springer,  President . 


Attest  : 

Th.  J.  Saunders,  Secretary . 

E.  N.  Bates,  Assistant  Secretary. 


Constitution  of  United  States. 


We,  the  people  of  the  United  States,  in  order  to  form  a more  perfect  union, 
establish  justice,  insure  domestic  tranquility,  provide  for  the  common 
defence,  promote  the  general  welfare,  and  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty 
to  ourselves  and  our  posterity,  do  ordain  and  establish  this  Constitution 
for  the  United  States  of  America. 

Article  I. 

Section  1.  All  legislative  powers  herein  granted  shall  be  vested  in  a 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  consist  of  a Senate  and  House  of 
Represen  tati  ves . 

Sec.  2.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall  be  composed  of  members 
chosen  every  second  year  by  the  people  of  the  several  States,  and  the  electors 
in  each  State  shall  have  the  qualifications  requisite  for  electors  of  the  most 
numerous  branch  of  the  State  Legislature. 

Ho  person  shall  be  a representative  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age 
of  twenty-five  years,  and  been  seven  years  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and 
who  shall  not,  when  elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that  state  in  which  he  shall 
be  chosen. 

Representatives  and  direct  taxes  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  several 
States  which  may  be  included  within  this  Union,  according  to  their  respective 
numbers,  which  shall  be  determined  by  adding  to  the  whole  number  of  free 
persons,  including  those  bound  to  service  for  a term  of  years,  and  exclud- 
ing Indians  not  taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other  persons.  The  actual  enumer- 
tion  shall  be  made  within  three  years  after  the  first  meeting  of  the  Congress 
of  the  United  States,  and  within  every  subsequent  term  of  ten  years,  in  such 
manner  as  they  shall  by  law  direct. 

The  number  of  representatives  shall  not  exceed  one  for  every  thirty  thou- 
sand, but  each  state  shall  have  at  least  one  representative,  and  until  such 
enumeration  shall  be  made,  the  State  of  Hew  Hampshire  shall  be  entitled  to 
choose  three,  Massachusetts  eight,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations 
one,  Connecticut  five,  Hew  York  six,  Hew  Jersey  four,  Pennsylvania  eight, 
Delaware  one,  Maryland  six,  Virginia  ten,  Hortli  Carolina  five,  South  Caro- 
lina five,  and  Georgia  three. 

When  vacancies  happen  in  the  representation  from  any  State,  the  execu- 
tive authority  thereof  shall  issue  writs  of  election  to  fill  such  vacancies. 

The  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  their  speaker,  and  other  officers 
and  shall  have  the  sole  power  of  impeachment. 

Sec.  3.  The  Senate  of  the  United  States  shall  be  composed  of  two  Sen- 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


241 


ators  from  each  State,  chosen  by  the  Legislature  thereof  for  six  years ; and 
each  Senator  shall  have  one  vote. 

Immediately  after  they  shall  be  assembled,  in  consequence  of  the  first 
election,  they  shall  be  divided  as  equally  as  may  be,  into  three  classes.  The 
seats  of  the  Senators  of  the  first  class  shall  be  vacated  at  the  expiration  of 
the  second  year;  of  the  second  class,  at  the  expiration  of  the  fourth  year; 
and  of  the  third  class,  at  the  expiration  of  the  sixth  year;  so  that  one-third 
may  be  chosen  every  second  year;  and  if  vacancies  happen,  by  resignation 
or  otherwise,  during  the  recess  of  the  Legislature  of  any  State,  the  Executive 
thereof  may  make  temporary  appointments  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Legislature,  which  shall  then  fill  such  vacancies. 

No  person  shall  be  a Senator  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age  of  thirty 
years,  and  been  nine  years  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  who  shall  not, 
when  elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that  State  for  which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

The  Yice-President  of  the  United  States  shall  be  president  of  the  Senate; 
but  shall  have  no  vote,  unless  they  be  equally  divided. 

The  Senate  shall  choose  their  other  officers,  and  also  a president  pro  tem- 
pore, in  the  absence  of  the  Yice-President,  or  when  he  shall  exercise  the  of- 
fice of  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  Senate  shall  have  the  sole  power  to  try  all  impeachments.  When  sit- 
ting for  that  purpose,  they  shall  be  on  oath  or  affirmation.  When  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States  is  tried,  the  Chief  Justice  shall  preside;  and  no 
person  shall  be  convicted  without  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  the  mem- 
bers present. 

Judgment,  in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  not  extend  further  than  to 
removal  from  office,  and  disqualification  to  hold  and  enjoy  any  office  of  honor, 
trust  or  profit,  under  the  United  States;  but  the  party  convicted  shall,  never- 
theless, be  liable  and  subject  to  indictment,  trial,  judgment  and  punishment 
according  to  law. 

Sec.  4.  The  times,  places,  and  manner  of  holding  elections  for  Senators 
and  Representatives,  shall  be  prescribed,  in  each  state,  by  the  Legislature 
thereof;  but  the  Congress  may,  at  any  time,  by  law,  make  or  alter  such  reg- 
ulations, except  as  to  the  places  of  choosing  Senators. 

The  Congress  shall  assemble  at  least  once  in  every  year,  and  such  meeting 
shall  be  on  the  first  Monday  in  December,  unless  they  shall,  by  law,  appoint 
a different  day. 

Sec.  5.  Each  house  shall  be  the  judge  of  the  elections  returns,  and  quali- 
fications of  its  own  members,  and  a majority  of  each  shall  constitute  a quorum 
to  do  business;  but  a smaller  number  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and 
may  be  authorized  to  compel  the  attendance  of  absent  members  in  such 
manner,  and  under  such  penalties,  as  each  house  may  provide. 

Each  house  may  determine  the  rules  of  its  proceedings,  punish  its  mem- 
bers for  disorderly  behavior,  and  with  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds,  expel 
a member. 

Each  house  shall  keep  a journal  of  its  proceedings,  and,  from  time  to  time, 
publish  the  same,  excepting  such  parts  as  may,  in  their  judgment,  require 
secrecy ; and  the  yeas  and  nays  of  the  members  of  either  house,  on  any  ques- 
tion, shall,  at  the  desire  of  one-fifth  of  those  present,  be  entered  on  the 

journal. 

Neither  house,  during  the  session  of  Congress,  shall,  without  the  consent 
of  the  other,  adjourn  for  more  than  three  days,  nor  to  any  other  place  than 
that  in  which  the  two  houses  shall  be  sitting. 

16 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


24Z 


Sec.  6.  The  Senators  and  Representatives  shall  receive  a compensation 
for  their  services,  to  be  ascertained  by  law,  and  paid  ont  of  the  Treasury  of 
the  United  States.  They  shall,  in  all  cases,  except  treason,  felony  and  breach 
of  the  peace,  be  privileged  from  arrest  during  their  attendance  at  the  session 
of  their  respective  houses,  and  in  going  to  and  returning  from  the  same ; and, 
for  any  speech  or  debate,  in  either  house,  they  shall  not  be  questioned  in  any 
other  place. 

Ho  Senator  or  Representative  shall,  during  the  time  for  which  he  was 
elected,  be  appointed  to  any  civil  office,  under  the  authority  of  the  United 
States,  which  shall  have  been  created,  or  the  emoluments  whereof  shall  have 
been  increased  during  such  time;  and  no  person,  holding  any  office  under 
the  United  States  shall  be  a member  of  either  house,  during  his  continuance 
in  office. 

Sec.  7.  All  bills  for  raising  revenue  shall  originate  in  the  House  of 
Representatives;  but  the  Senate  may  propose  or  concur  with  amendments, 
as  on  other  bills. 

Every  bill  which  shall  have  passed  the  House  of  Representaties  and  the 
Senate  shall,  before  it  becomes  a law,  be  presented  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States;  if  he  approve,  he  shall  sign  it,  but  if  not,  he  shall  return  it, 
with  his  objections,  to  that  house  in  which  it  shall  have  originated,  who 
shall  enter  the  objections  at  large  on  their  journal,  and  proceed  to  reconsider 
it.  If  after  such  reconsideration,  two-thirds  of  that  house  shall  agree  to  pass 
the  bill,  it  shall  be  sent,  together  with  the  objections,  to  the  other  house,  by 
which  it  shall  likewise  be  reconsidered,  and  if  approved  by  two-thirds  of 
that  house,  it  shall  become  a law.  But  in  all  such  cases  the  votes  of  both 
houses  shall  be  determined  by  yeas  and  nays,  and  the  names  of  the  persons 
voting  for  and  against  the  bill  shall  be  entered  on  the  journal  of  each  house 
respectively.  If  any  bill  shall  not  be  returned  by  the  President  within  ten 
days  (Sundays  excepted)  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to  him,  the  same 
shall  be  a law,  in  like  manner  as  if  he  had  signed  it,  unless  the  Congress,  by 
their  adjournment,  prevent  its  return,  in  which  case  it  shall  not  be  a law. 

Every  order,  resolution,  or  vote,  to  which  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives  may  be  necessary  (except  on  a question  of  adjourn- 
ment), shall  be  presented  to  the  President  of  the  United  States;  and  before 
the  same  shall  take  effect,  shall  be  approved  by  him ; or,  being  disapproved  by 
him  shall  be  repassed  by  two-thirds  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives, according  to  the  rules  and  limitations  prescribed  in  the  case  of  a 
bill. 

Sec.  8.  The  Congress  shall  have  power — 

To  lay  and  collect  taxes,  duties,  imposts,  and  excises;  to  pay  the  debts,  and 
provide  for  the  common  defense  and  general  welfare  of  the  United  States; 
but  all  duties,  imposts,  and  excises,  shall  be  uniform  throughout  the  United 
States ; 

To  borrow  money  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States; 

To  regulate  commerce  with  foreign  nations,  and  among  the  several  States, 
and  with  the  Indian  tribes; 

To  establish  a uniform  rule  of  naturalization,  and  uniform  laws  on  the 
subject  of  bankruptcies  throughout  the  United  States ; 

To  coin  money,  regulate  the  value  thereof,  and  of  foreign  coin,  and  fix  the 
standard  of  weights  and  measures; 

To  provide  for  the  punishment  of  counterfeiting  the  securities  and  current 
coin  of  the  United  States; 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


243 


To  establish  post-offices  and  post-roads ; 

To  promote  the  progress  of  science  and  useful  arts,  by  securing,  for  limited 
times,  to  authors  and  inventors,  the  exclusive  right  to  their  respective  writings 
and  discoveries; 

To  constitute  tribunals  inferior  to  the  Supreme  Court; 

To  define  and  punish  piracies  and  felonies  committed  on  the  high  seas, 
and  offenses  against  the  law  of  nations; 

To  declare  war,  grant  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  and  make  rules  con- 
cerning captures  on  land  and  water; 

To  raise  and  support  armies;  but  no  appropriation  of  money  to  that  use 
shall  be  for  a longer  term  than  two  years ; 

To  provide  and  maintain  a navy; 

To  make  rules  for  the  government  and  regulation  of  the  land  and  naval 
forces ; 

To  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the  laws  of  the  Union, 
suppress  insurrections,  and  repel  invasions; 

To  j)rovide  for  organizing,  arming,  and  disciplining  the  militia,  and  for 
governing  such  part  of  them  as  may  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  reserving  to  the  States,  respectively,  the  appointment  of  the 
officers,  and  the  authority  of  training  the  militia,  according  to  the  discipline 
prescribed  by  Congress ; 

To  exercise  exclusive  legislation,  in  all  cases  whatsoever,  over  such  district 
(not  exceeding  ten  miles  square),  as  may,  by  cession  of  particular  States,  and 
the  acceptance  of  Congress,  become  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  exercise  like  authority  over  all  places  purchased  by  the  consent 
of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  in  which  the  same  shall  be,  for  the  erection  of 
forts,  magazines,  arsenals,  dock-yards,  and  other  needful  buildings;  and 

To  make  all  laws  which  shall  be  necessary  and  proper  for  carrying  into 
execution  the  foregoing  powers,  and  all  other  powers  vested  by  this  Consti- 
tution in  the  government  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  department,  or 
officer  thereof. 

Sec.  9.  The  migration  or  importation  of  such  persons  as  any  of  the  States 
now  existing  shall  think  proper  to  admit,  shall  not  be  prohibited  by  the 
Congress,  prior  to  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight,  but  a tax 
or  duty  may  be  imposed  on  such  importation,  not  exceeding  ten  dollars  for 
each  person. 

The  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  suspended,  unless 
when,  in  cases  of  rebellion  or  invasion,  the  public  safety  may  require  it. 

No  bill  of  attainder,  or  ex  post  facto  law,  shall  be  passed. 

No  capitation  or  other  direct  tax  shall  be  laid,  unless  in  proportion  to  the 
census,  or  enumeration,  hereinbefore  directed  to  be  taken. 

No  tax  or  duty  shall  be  laid  on  articles  exported  from  any  State.  No 
preference  shall  be  given,  by  any  regulation  of  commerce  or  revenue,  to  the 
ports  of  one  State  over  those  of  another;  nor  shall  vessels,  bound  to  or  from 
one  State,  be  obliged  to  enter,  clear,  or  pay  duties  in  another. 

No  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  treasury,  but  in  consequence  of  appro- 
priations made  by  law;  and  a regular  statement  and  account  of  the  receipts 
and  expenditures  of  all  public  money  shall  be  published  from  time  to  time. 

No  title  of  nobility  shall  be  granted  by  the  United  States;  and  no  person 
holding  any  office  of  profit  or  trust  under  them,  shall,  without  the  consent 
of  the  Congress,  accept  of  any  present,  emolument,  office,  or  title  of  any  kind 
whatever,  from  any  king,  prince,  or  foreign  state. 


244 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


Sec.  10.  No  State  shall  enter  into  any  treaty,  alliance,  or  confederation ; 
grant  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal ; coin  money ; emit  bills  of  credit ; make 
anything  bnt  gold  and  silver  coin  a tender  in  payment  of  debts;  pass  any 
bill  of  attainder,  ex-post  facto  law,  or  law  impairing  the  obligation  of  con- 
tracts, or  grant  any  title  of  nobility. 

No  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  imposts  or  duties 
on  imports  or  exports,  except  what  may  be  absolutely  necessary  for  executing 
its  inspection  laws ; and  the  net  produce  of  all  duties  and  imposts,  laid  by 
any  State  on  imports  and  exports,  shall  be  for  the  use  of  the  treasury  of  the 
United  States,  and  all  such  laws  shall  be  subject  to  the  revision  and  control  of 
the  Congress.  No  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  duty 
of  tonnage,  keep  troops,  or  ships  of  war,  in  time  of  peace,  enter  into  any 
agreement  or  compact  with  another  State,  or  with  a foreign  power,  or 
engage  in  war,  unless  actually  invaded,  or  in  such  imminent  danger  as  will 
not  admit  of  delay. 

Article  II. 

Section  1.  The  executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  a President  of  the 
United  States  of  America.  He  shall  hold  his  office  during  the  term  of  four 
years,  and,  together  with  the  Vice-President,  chosen  for  the  same  term,  be 
elected  as  follows: 

Each  State  shall  appoint,  in  such  manner  as  the  Legislature  thereof  may 
direct,  a number  of  electors,  equal  to  the  whole  number  of  Senators  and 
Representatives  to  which  the  State  may  be  entitled  in  the  Congress ; but  no 
Senator  or  Representative,  or  person  holding  an  office  of  trust  or  profit 
under  the  United  States,  shall  be  appointed  an  elector. 

The  electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  States,  and  vote  by  ballot  for 
two  persons,  of  whom  one  at  least  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  same 
State  with  themselves.  And  they  shall  make  a list  of  all  the  persons  voted 
for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each ; which  list  they  shall  sign  and  cer- 
tify, and  transmit,  sealed,  to  the  seat  of  government  of  the  United  States, 
directed  to  the  President  of  the  Senate.  The  President  of  the  Senate  shall, 
in  the  presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  open  all  the 
certificates,  and  the  votes  shall  then  be  counted.  The  person  having  the 
greatest  number  of  votes  shall  be  the  President,  if  such  number  be  a major- 
ity of  the  wdiole  number  of  electors  appointed;  and  if  there  be  more  than 
one  who  have  such  majority,  and  have  an  equal  number  of  votes,  then  the 
House  of  Representatives  shall  immediately  choose,  by  ballot,  one  of  them 
for  President  ; and  if  no  person  have  a majority,  then  from  the  five  highest 
on  the  list,  the  said  house  shall,  in  like  manner,  choose  the  President.  But 
in  choosing  the  President,  the  votes  shall  be  taken  by  States,  the  representa- 
tion from  each  State  having  one  vote ; a quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  con- 
sist of  a member  or  members  from  two-thirds  of  the  States,  and  a majority 
of  all  the  States  shall  be  necessary  to  a choice.  In  every  case,  after  the 
choice  of  a President,  the  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  of  the 
electors,  shall  be  the  Vice-President.  But  if  there  should  remain  two  or 
more  who  have  equal  votes,  the  Senate  shall  choose  from  them,  by  ballot,  the 
Vice-President. 

The  Congress  may  determine  the  time  of  choosing  the  electors,  and  the 
day  on  which  they  shall  give  their  votes;  which  day  shall  be  the  same 
throughout  the  United  States. 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


245 


No  person,  except  a natural- born  citizen,  or  a citizen  of  the  United  States 
at  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  this  Constitution,  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office 
of  President ; neither  shall  any  person  be  eligible  to  that  office  who  shall  not 
have  attained  to  the  age  of  thirty- five  years,  and  been  fourteen  years  a resident 
within  the  United  States. 

In  case  of  the  removal  of  the  President  from  office,  or  of  his  death,  resig- 
nation, or  inability  to  discharge  the  powers  and  duties  of  said  office,  the 
same  shall  devolve  on  the  Yice-President;  and  the  Congress  may,  by  law, 
provide  for  the  case  of  removal,  death,  resignation,  or  inability,  both  of  the 
President  and  Yice-President,  declaring  what  officer  shall  then  act  as  Presi- 
dent, and  such  officer  shall  act  accordingly,  until  the  disability  be  removed, 
or  a President  shall  be  elected. 

The  President  shall,  at  stated  times,  receive  for  his  services,  a compensa- 
tion, which  shall  neither  be  increased  nor  diminished  during  the  period  for 
which  he  shall  have  been  elected,  and  he  shall  not  receive  within  that  period, 
any  other  emolument  from  the  United  States,  or  any  of  them. 

Before  he  enters  on  the  execution  of  his  office,  he  shall  take  the  following 
oath,  or  affirmation: 

“ I do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I will  faithfully  execute  the  office  of 
President  of  the  United  States,  and  will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  preserve, 
protect,  and  defend  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.” 

Sec.  2.  The  President  shall  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  and  navy 
of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  militia  of  the  several  States,  when  called 
into  the  actual  service  of  the  United  States;  he  may  require  the  opinion,  in 
writing,  of  the  principal  officer  in  each  of  the  executive  departments,  upon 
any  subject  relating  to  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices,  and  he  shall 
have  power  to  grant  reprieves  and  pardons  for  offenses  against  the  United 
States,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment. 

lie  shall  have  power,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  to 
make  treaties,  provided  two-thirds  of  the  Senators  present  concur;  and  he 
shall  nominate,  and  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  shall 
appoint  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers,  and  consuls,  judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  and  all  other  officers  of  the  United  States,  whose  appoint- 
ments are  not  herein  otherwise  provided  for,  and  which  shall  be  established 
by  law;  but  the  Congress  may,  by  law,  vest  the  appointment  of  such  inferior 
officers  as  they  think  proper  in  the  President  alone,  in  the  courts  of  law,  or 
in  the  heads  of  departments. 

The  President  shall  have  power  to  fill  up  all  vacancies  that  may  happen  dur- 
ing the  recess  of  the  Senate,  by  granting  commissions,  which  shall  expire  at 
the  end  of  their  next  session. 

Sec.  3.  ITe  shall,  from  time  to  time,  give  to  the  Congress  information  of 
the  state  of  the  Union,  and  recommend  to  their  consideration  such  measures 
as  he  shall  judge  necessary  and  expedient;  he  may,  on  extraordinay  occasions, 
convene  both  houses,  or  either  of  them,  and  in  case  of  disagreement  between 
them,  witli  respect  to  the  time  of  adjournment,  he  may  adjourn  them*  to  such 
time  as  he  shall  think  proper;  he  shall  receive  ambassadors  and  other  public 
ministers;  he  shall  take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed,  and  shall 
commission  all  the  officers  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  4.  The  President,  Yice-President,  and  all  civil  officers  of  the  United 
States,  shall  be  removed  from  office  on  impeachment  for,  and  conviction  of 
treason,  bribery,  or  other  high  crimes  and  misdemeanors. 


246 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


Article  III. 

Section  1.  The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  be  vested  in 
one  Supreme  Court,  and  in  such  inferior  courts  as  the  Congress  may,  from 
time  to  time,  ordain  and  establish.  The  judges,  both  of  the  Supreme  and 
inferior  courts,  shall  hold  their  offices  during  good  behavior,  and  shall,  at 
stated  times,  receive  for  their  services  a compensation,  which  shall  not  be 
diminished  during  their  continuance  in  office. 

Sec.  2.  The  judicial  power  shall  extend  to  all  cases,  in  law  and  equity,  aris- 
ing under  this  Constitution,  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  treaties  made, 
or  which  shall  be  made,  under  their  authority;  to  all  cases  affecting  ambas- 
sadors, other  public  ministers  and  consuls;  to  all  cases  of  admiralty  and 
maritime  jurisdiction;  to  controversies  to  which  the  United  States  shall  be  a 
party ; to  controversies  between  two  or  more  States,  between  a State  and  citi- 
zens of  another  State,  between  citizens  of  different  States,  between  citizens 
of  the  same  State  claiming  lands  under  grants  of  different  States,  and  between 
a State,  or  the  citizens  thereof,  and  foreign  states,  citizens,  or  subjects. 

In  all  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers  and  consuls,  and 
those  in  which  a State  shall  be  party,  the  Supreme  Court  shall  have  orig- 
inal jurisdiction.  In  all  other  cases  before  mentioned,  the  Supreme  Court 
shall  have  appellate  jurisdiction,  both  as  to  law  and  fact,  with  such  exceptions 
and  under  such  regulations  as  the  Congress  shall  make. 

The  trial  of  all  crimes,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  be  by  jury; 
and  such  trials  shall  be  held  in  the  State  where  the  said  crime  shall  have 
been  committed;  but  when  not  committed  within  any  State,  the  trial  shall 
be  at  such  place  or  places  as  the  Congress  may,  by  law,  have  directed. 

Sec.  3.  Treason  against  the  United  States  shall  consist  only  in  levying 
war  against  them,  or  in  adhering  to  their  enemies,  giving  them  aid  and  com- 
fort. No  person  shall  be  convicted  of  treason,  unless  on  the  testimony  of 
two  witnesses  to  the  same  overt  act,  or  on  confession  in  open  court. 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  declare  the  punishment  of  treason,  but 
no  attainder  of  treason  shall  work  corruption  of  blood,  or  forfeiture,  except 
during  the  life  of  the  person  attainted. 


Article  IY. 

Section  1.  Full  faith  and  credit  shall  be  given  in  each  State,  to  the  pub- 
lic acts,  records  and  judicial  proceedings  of  every  other  State.  And  the  Con- 
gress may,  by  general  laws,  prescribe  the  manner  in  which  such  acts,  records 
and  proceedings  shall  be  proved,  and  the  effect  thereof. 

Sec.  2.  The  citizens  of  each  State  shall  be  entitled  to  all  privileges  and 
immunities  of  citizens  in  the  several  States. 

A person  charged,  in  any  State,  with  treason,  felony,  or  other  crime,  who 
shall  flee  from  justice,  and  be  found  in  another  State,  shall,  on  demand  of 
the  Executive  authority  of  the  State  from  which  he  fled,  be  delivered  up, 
to  be  removed  to  the  State  having  jurisdiction  of  the  crime. 

No  person  held  to  service  or  labor  in  one  State,  under  the  laws  thereof, 
escaping  into  another,  shall,  in  consequence  of  any  law  or  regulation  therein, 
be  discharged  from  such  service  or  labor,  but  shall  be  delivered  up,  on  claim 
of  the  party  to  whom  such  service  or  labor  may  be  due. 

Sec.  3.  New  States  may  be  admitted,  by  the  Congress,  into  this  Union; 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


247 


but  no  new  State  shall  be  formed  or  erected  within  the  jurisdiction  of  any 
other  State,  nor  any  State  be  formed  by  the  junction  of  two  or  more  States, 
or  parts  of  States,  without  the  consent  of  the  Legislatures  of  the  States  con- 
cerned, as  wrell  as  of  the  Congress. 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  dispose  of  and  make  all  needful  rules 
and  regulations  respecting  the  territory  or  other  property  belonging  to  the 
United  States;  and  nothing  in  this  Constitution  shall  be  so  construed 
as  to  prejudice  any  claims  of  the  United  States,  or  of  any  particular  State. 

Sec.  4.  The  United  States  shall  guarantee  to  every  State  in  this  Union, 
a republican  form  of  government,  and  shall  protect  each  of  them  against 
invasion;  and  on  application  of  the  legislature,  or  of  the  executive  (when 
the  legislature  cannot  be  convened),  against  domestic  violence. 

Article  Y. 

The  Congress,  whenever  two-thirds  of  both  houses  shall  deem  it  necessary, 
shall  propose  amendments  to  this  constitution,  or,  on  the  application  of  the 
Legislatures  of  two-thirds  of  the  several  States,  shall  call  a convention  for  pro- 
posing amendments,  which  in  either  case  shall  be  valid  to  all  intents  and 
purposes,  as  part  of  this  Constitution,  when  ratified  by  the  Legislatures  of 
three-fourths  of  the  several  States,  or  by  conventions  in  three-fourths  thereof, 
as  the  one  or  the  other  mode  of  ratification  may  be  proposed  by  the  Con- 
gress; provided  that  no  amendment,  which  may  be  made  prior  to  the  year 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight,  shall  in  any  manner  affect  the  first 
and  fourth  clauses  in  the  ninth  section  of  the  first  article;  and  that  no  State, 
without  its  consent,  shall  be  deprived  of  its  equal  suffrage  in  the  Senate. 


Article  YI. 

All  debts  contracted,  and  engagements  entered  into,  before  the  adoption 
of  this  Constitution,  shall  be  as  valid  against  the  United  States,  under  this 
Constitution,  as  under  the  Confederation. 

This  Constitution,  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States  which  shall  be  made 
in  pursuance  thereof,  and  all  treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be  made,  under  the 
authority  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  land;  and  the 
judges  in  every  State  shall  be  bound  thereby,  anything  in  the  Constitution 
or  laws  of  any  State  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

The  Senators  and  Representatives  before  mentioned,  and  the  members  of 
the  several  State  Legislatures,  and  all  executive  and  judicial  officers,  both  of 
the  United  States  and  of  the  several  States,  shall  be  bound  by  oath,  or  affirm- 
ation, to  support  this  Constitution;  but  no  religious  test  shall  ever  be  re- 
quired, as  a qualification  to  any  office  or  public  trust  under  the  United 
States. 


Article  YII. 

The  ratification  of  the  conventions  of  nine  states  shall  be  sufficient  for  the 
establishment  of  this  Constitution  between  the  States  so  ratifying  the  same. 

Done  in  convention  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  States  present,  the 
seventeenth  day  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 


24:8 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


hundred  and  eighty-seven,  and  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States 
of  America  the  twelfth.  In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  subscribed 
our  names. 

GEO.  WASHINGTON, 
President  and  Deputy  from  Virginia. 


New  Hampshire. 
John  Langdon, 
Nicholas  Gilman. 

Massachusetts. 
Nathaniel  Gorham, 
Rufus  King. 

Connecticut. 

Wm.  Sam’l  Johnson, 
Roger  Sherman. 

New  York. 

Alexander  Hamilton. 

New  Jersey. 

Wil.  Livingston, 

Wm.  Paterson, 

David  Brearley, 
Jona.  Dayton. 

Pennsylvania. 

B.  Franklin, 

Robt.  Morris, 

Thos.  Fitzsimons, 
James  Wilson, 

Thos.  Mifflin, 

Geo.  Clymer, 

Jared  Ingersoll. 
Gouv.  Morris. 


Delaware. 

Geo.  Read, 

John  Dickinson, 

Jaco.  Broom, 

Gunning  Bedford,  Jr., 
Richard  Bassett. 

Maryland. 

James  M’Henry, 

Danl.  Carroll, 

Dan.  of  St.  Thos,  J enifer. 

Virginia. 

John  Blair. 

James  Madison,  Jr. 

North  Carolina. 

Wm.  Blount, 

Hu.  Williamson, 

Rich’d  Dobbs  Spaight. 

South  Carolina. 

J.  Rutledge, 

Charles  Pinckney, 

Chas.  Coteswortii  Pinckney, 
Pierce  Butler. 

Georgia. 

William  Few, 

Abr.  Baldwin. 

WILLIAM  JACKSON,  Secretary . 


AMENDMENTS 

To  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States , ratified  according  to  the  provis- 
ions of  the  Fifth  Article  of  the  foregoing  Constitution. 


Article  I. 

Congress  shall  make  no  law  respecting  an  establishment  of  religion,  or 
prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof ; or  abridging  the  freedom  of  speech, 
or  of  the  press  ; or  the  right  of  the  people  peaceably  to  assemble,  and  to  pe- 
tition the  government  for  a redresss  of  grievances. 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


249 


Article  II. 

A well-regulated  militia  being  necessary  to  the  security  of  a free  State, 
the  right  of  the  people  to  keep  and  bear  arms,  shall  not  be  infringed. 

Article  III. 

No  soldier  shall,  in  time  of  peace,  be  quartered  in  any  house  without  the 
consent  of  the  owner,  nor  in  time  of  war,  but  in  a manner  to  be  prescribed 
by  law. 

Article  IY. 

The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons,  houses,  papers,  and 
effects,  against  unreasonable  searches  and  seizures,  shall  not  be  violated  ; 
and  no  warrant  shall  issue,  but  upon  probable  cause,  supported  by  oath  or 
affirmation,  and  particularly  describing  the  place  to  be  searched,  and  the  per- 
sons or  things  to  be  seized. 


Article  Y. 

No  person  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  a capital,  or  otherwise  infamous 
crime,  unless  on  a presentment  or  indictment  of  a grand  jury,  except  in 
cases  arising  in  the  land  or  naval  forces,  or  in  the  militia,  when  in  actual 
service,  in  time  of  war,  or  public  danger ; nor  shall  any  person  be  subject 
for  the  same  offense  to  be  twice  put  in  jeapordy  of  life  or  limb;  nor  shall 
be  compelled,  in  any  criminal  case,  to  be  a witness  against  himself,  nor  be 
deprived  of  life,  liberty,  or  property,  without  due  process  of  law;  nor  shall 
private  property  be  taken  for  public  use  without  just  compensation. 

Article  YI. 

In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the  accused  shall  enjoy  the  right  to  a speedy 
and  public  trial,  by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  State  and  district  wherein  the 
crime  shall  have  been  committed,  which  district  shall  have  been  previously 
ascertained  by  law,  and  to  be  informed  of  the  nature  and  cause  of  the  accu- 
sation; to  be  confronted  with  the  witnesses  against  him;  to  have  compul- 
sory process  for  obtaining  witnesses  in  his  favor,  and  to  have  the  assistance 
of  counsel  for  his  defence. 


Article  YII. 

In  suits  at  common  law,  where  the  value  in  controversy  shall  exceed 
twenty  dollars,  the  right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  be  preserved,  and  no  fact, 
tried  by  jury,  shall  be  otherwise  re-examined  in  any  court  of  the  United 
States,  than  according  to  the  rules  of  common  law. 

Article  YIII. 

Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  required,  nor  excessive  fines  imposed,  nor  cruel 
and  unusual  punishments  inflicted. 


250 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


Article  IX. 

The  enumeration  in  the  Constitution,  of  certain  rights,  shall  not  be  con- 
strued to  deny  or  disparage  others  retained  by  the  people. 

Article  X. 

The  powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by  the  Constitution,  nor 
prohibited  by  it  to  the  States,  are  reserved  to  the  States  respectively,  or  to 
the  people. 

Article  XI. 

The  judicial  power  of  the  United  shall  not  be  construed  to  extend  to  any 
suit  in  law  or  equity,  commenced  or  prosecuted  against  one  of  the  United 
States,  by  citizens  of  another  State,  or  by  citizens  or  subjects  of  any  foreign 
State. 

Article  XII. 

The  electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  States,  and  vote  by  ballot,  for 
President  and  Vice-President,  one  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  not  be  an  inhab- 
itant of  the  same  State  with  themselves;  they  shall  name,  in  their  ballots, 
the  person  voted  for  as  President,  and,  in  distinct  ballots,  the  person  voted 
for  as  Vice-President;  and  they  shall  make  distinct  lists  of  all  persons  voted 
for  as  President  and  of  all  persons  voted  for  as  Vice-President,  and  of  the 
number  of  votes  for  each,  which  lists  they  shall  sign  and  certify,  and  trans- 
mit, sealed,  to  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  directed  to 
the  President  of  the  Senate.  The  President  of  the  Senate  shall,  in  pres- 
ence of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  open  all  the  certificates, 
and  the  votes  shall  then  be  counted.  The  person  having  the  greatest  num- 
ber of  votes  for  President,  shall  be  the  President,  if  such  number  be  a ma- 
jority of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed;  and  if  no  person  have 
such  majority,  then  from  the  persons  having  the  highest  numbers,  not  ex- 
ceeding three  on  the  list  of  those  voted  for  as  President,  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives shall  choose  immediately  by  ballot,  the  President.  But,  in 
choosing  the  President,  the  votes  shall  be  taken  by  States,  the  representation 
from  each  State  having  one  vote;  a quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of 
a member  or  members  from  two-thirds  of  the  States,  and  a majority  of  all 
the  States  shall  be  necessary  to  a choice.  And  if  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives shall  not  choose  a President,  whenever  the  right  of  choice  shall  devolve 
upon  them,  before  the  fourth  day  of  March  next  following,  then  the  Vice- 
President  shall  act  as  President,  as  in  the  case  of  the  death,  or  other  consti- 
tutional disability  of  the  President. 

The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  as  Vice-President,  shall 
be  the  Vice-President,  if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number 
of  electors  appointed;  and  if  no  person  have  a majority,  then,  from  the  two 
highest  numbers  on  the  list,  the  Senate  shall  choose  the  Vice-President ; a 
quorum  for  the  purpose  shall  consist  of  two- thirds  of  the  whole  number  of 
Senators,  and  a majority  of  the  whole  number  shall  be  necessary  to  a choice. 

But  no  person,  constitutionally  ineligible  to  the  office  of  President,  shall 
be  eligible  to  that  of  Vice-President  of  the  United  States. 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


251 


Article  XIII. 

1.  Neither  slavery,  nor  involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a punishment  for 
crime,  whereof  the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted,  shall  exist  within 
the  United  States,  or  any  place  subject  to  their  jurisdiction. 

2.  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appropriate  legis- 
lation. 

Article  XIY. 

1.  All  persons  born,  or  naturalized,  in  the  United  States,  and  subject  to 
the  jurisdiction  thereof,  are  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  States 
wherein  they  reside.  No  State  shall  make  or  enforce  any  law  which  shall 
abridge  the  privileges  or  immunities  of  citizens  of  the  United  States;  nor 
shall  any  State  deprive  any  person  of  life  liberty,  or  property,  without  due 
process  of  law,  nor  deny  to  any  person  within  its  jurisdiction  the  equal 
protection  of  the  laws. 

2.  Representatives  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  several  States,  ac- 
cording to  their  respective  numbers,  counting  the  whole  number  of  persons 
in  each  State,  excluding  Indians  not  taxed;  but  whenever  the  right  to  vote 
at  any  election  for  the  choice  of  electors  for  President  and  Yice-President 
of  the  United  States,  Representatives  in  Congress,  the  executive  and  judicial 
officers  of  the  State,  or  members  of  the  legislature  thereof,  is  denied  to  any 
of  the  male  inhabitants  of  such  State,  being  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and 
citizens  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  way  abridge,  except  for  participation 
in  rebellion  or  other  crimes,  the  basis  of  representation  shall  be  reduced  in 
the  proportion  which  the  whole  number  of  such  male  citizens  shall  bear  to 
the  whole  number  of  male  citizens,  twenty-one  years  of  age  in  such  State. 

3.  No  person  shall  be  Senator  or  Representative  in  Congress,  or  elec- 
tor of  President  and  Yice-President,  or  hold  any  office,  civil  or  military, 
under  the  United  States,  or  under  any  State,  who,  having  previously  taken 
an  oath  as  a member  of  Congress,  or  as  an  officer  of  the  United  States,  or 
as  a member  of  any  state  legislature,  or  as  an  executive  or  judicial  officer 
of  any  State,  to  support  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  shall  have 
engaged  in  insurrection  or  rebellion,  against  the  same,  or  given  aid  and  com- 
fort to  the  enemies  thereof ; but  Congress  may  by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of 
each  house,  remove  such  disability. 

4.  The  validity  of  the  public  debt  of  the  United  States  authorized  by 
law,  including  debts  incurred  for  the  payment  of  pensions  and  bounties  for 
suppressing  insurrection  or  rebellion,  shall  not  be  questioned.  But  neither 
the  United  States  nor  any  State  shall  assume  or  pay  any  debt  or  obligation 
incurred  in  aid  of  insurrection  or  rebellion  against  the  United  States,  or  any 
claim  for  the  loss  or  emancipation  of  any  slave ; but  such  debts,  obliga- 
tions, and  claims  shall  be  held  illegal  and  void. 

5.  The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce,  by  appropriate  legislation, 
the  provisions  ot  this  article. 

Article  XY. 

The  rights  of  citizens  of  the  United  States  to  vote  shall  not  be  denied  or 
abridged  by  the  United  States,  or  by  any  State,  on  account  of  race,  color,  or 
previous  condition  of  servitude. 

2.  The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appropriate 
legislation. 


Miscellaneous. 


PRACTICAL  RULES  FOR  EVERY  DAY  USE. 

How  to  find  the  gain  or  loss  per  cent,  when  the  cost  and  selling  price  are 
given. 

Rule. — Find  the  difference  between  the  cost  and  selling  price,  which  will 
be  the  gain  or  loss. 

Annex  two  ciphers  to  the  gain  or  loss,  and  divide  it  by  the  cost  price; 
the  result  will  be  the  gain  or  loss  per  cent. 

How  to  change  gold  into  currency. 

Rule — Multiply  the  given  sum  of  gold,  by  the  price  of  gold. 

How  to  change  currency  into  gold: 

Rule. — Divide  the  amount  in  currency  by  the  price  of  gold. 

How  to  find  each  partner* s share  of  the  gain  or  loss  in  a copartnership 
business. 

Rule. — Divide  the  whole  gain  or  loss  by  the  entire  stock,  the  quotient 
will  be  the  gain  or  loss  per  cent. 

Multiply  each  partner’s  stock  by  this  per  cent,  the  result  will  be  each 
one’s  share  of  the  gain  or  loss. 

How  to  find  gross  and  net  weight  and  price  of  hogs. 

A short  and  simple  method  for  finding  the  net  weight , or  price  of  hogs, 
when  the  gross  weight  or  price  is  given , and  vice  versa. 

Note.— It  is  generally  assumed  that  the  gross  weight  of  Hogs  diminished  by  1-5  or  20 
per  cent,  of  itself  gives  the  net  weight,  and  the  net  weight  increased  by  % or  25  per  cent, 
of  itself  equals  the  gross  weight. 

To  fine  the  net  weight  or  gross  price. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  given  number  by  .8  (tenths.) 

To  find  the  gross  weight  or  net  price. 

Rule. — Divide  the  given  number  by  .8  (tenths.) 

How  to  find  the  capacity  of  a granary,  bin , or  wagon-bed. 

Rule. — Multiply  (by  short  method)  the  number  of  cupic  feet  by  6308, 
and  point  off  one  decimal  place — the  result  will  be  the  correct  answer  in 
bushels  and  tenths  of  a bushel. 

For  only  an  approximate  answer , multiply  the  cubic  feet  by  8,  and 
point  off  one  decimal  place. 

How  to  find  the  contents  of  a corn-crib. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  number  of  cubic  feet  by  54,  short  method,  or  by  4^ 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


253 


ordinary  method,  and  point  off  one  decimal  place — the  result  will  be  the 
answer  in  bushels. 

Note.— In  estimating  corn  in  the  ear,  the  quality  and  the  time  it  has  been  cribbed 
must  be  taken  into  consideration,  since  corn  will  shrink  considerably  during  the  Winter  and 
Spring.  This  rule  generally  holds  good  for  corn  measured  at  the  time  it  is  cribbed,  provided 
it  is  sound  and  clean. 

How  to  find  the  contents  of  a cistern  or  tank. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  square  of  the  mean  diameter  by  the  depth  (all  in 
feet)  and  this  product  by  5681  (short  method),  and  point  off  one  decimal 
place — the  result  will  be  the  contents  in  barrels  of  31J  gallons. 

How  to  find  the  contents  of  a barrel  or  cask. 

Rule. — Under  the  square  of  the  mean  diameter,  write  the  length  (all  in 
inches)  in  reversed  order,  so  that  its  units  will  fall  under  the  tens;  multi- 
ply by  short  method,  and  this  product  again  by  430 ; point  off  one  decimal 
place,  and  the  result  will  be  the  answer  in  wine  gallons. 

How  to  measure  boards. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  length  (in  feet)  by  the  width  (in  inches)  and  divide 
the  product  by  12 — the  result  will  be  the  contents  in  square  feet. 

How  to  measure  scantlings,  joists,  planks,  sills,  etc. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  width,  the  thickness,  and  the  length  together  (the 
width  and  thickness  in  inches,  and  the  length  in  feet),  and  divide  the  pro- 
duct by  12 — the  result  will  be  square  feet. 

How  to  find  the  number  of  acres  in  a body  of  land. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  length  by  the  width  (in  rods),  and  divide  the  pro- 
duct by  160  (carrying  the  division  to  2 decimal  places  if  there  is  a remain- 
der); the  result  will  be  the  answer  in  acres  and  hundredths. 

When  the  opposite  sides  of  a piece  of  land  are  of  unequal  length,  add 
them  together  and  take  one-half  for  the  mean  length  or  width. 

How  to  find  the  number  of  square  yards  in  a floor  or  wall. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  length  by  the  width  or  height  (in  feet),  and  divide 
the  product  by  9,  the  result  will  be  square  yards. 

How  to  find  the  number  of  bricks  required  in  a building. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  number  of  cubic  feet  by  22|-. 

The  number  of  cubic  feet  is  found  by  multiplying  the  length,  height  and 
thickness  (in  feet)  together. 

Bricks  are  usually  made  8 inches  long,  4 inches  wide,  and  two  inches 
thick;  hence,  it  requires  27  bricks  to  make  a cubic  foot  without  mortar,  but 
it  is  generally  assumed  that  the  mortar  fills  1-6  of  the  space. 

How  to  find  the  number  of  shingles  required  in  a roof. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  number  of  square  feet  in  the  roof  by  8,  if  the  shin- 
gles are  exposed  4-J  inches,  or  by  7 1-5  if  exposed  5 inches. 

To  find  the  number  of  square  feet,  multiply  the  ^length  of  the  roof  by 
twice  the  length  of  the  rafters. 

To  find  the  length  of  the  rafters,  at  one-fourth  pitch,  multiply  the 
width  of  the  building  by  .56  (hundredths);  at  one-third  pitch,  by  .6 
(tenths);  at  two-fiftiis  pitch,  by  .64  (hundredths);  at  one-half  pitch,  by 
.71  (hundredths).  This  gives  the  length  of  the  rafters  from  the  apex  to 
the  end  of  the  wall,  and  whatever  they  are  to  project  must  be  taken  into 
consideration. 

Note. — By  % or  hf  pitch  is.  meant  that  the  apex  or  comb  of  the  roof  is  to  be  or  % the 
width  of  the  building  higher  than  the  walls  or  base  of  the  rafters. 


254 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


How  to  reckon  the  cost  of  hay. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  number  of  pounds  by  half  the  price  per  ton,  and 
remove  the  decimal  point  three  places  to  the  left. 

How  to  measure  grain. 

Rule. — Level  the  grain;  ascertain  the  space  it  occupies  in  cubic  feet; 
multiply  the  number  of  cubic  feet  by  8,  and  point  off  one  place  to  the  left. 

Note. — Exactness  requires  the  addition  to  every  three  hundred  bushels  of  one  extra 
bushel. 

The  foregoing  rule  may  be  used  for  finding  the  number  of  gallons,  by 
multiplying  the  number  of  bushels  by  8. 

If  the  corn  in  the  box  is  in  the  ear,  divide  the  answer  by  2,  to  find  the 
number  of  bushels  of  shelled  corn,  because  it  requires  2 bushels  of  ear  corn 
to  make  1 of  shelled  corn. 

Rapid  rules  for  measuring  land  without  instruments. 

In  measuring  land,  the  first  thing  to  ascertain  is  the  contents  of  any 
given  plot  in  square  yards;  then,  given  the  number  of  yards,  find  out  the 
number  of  rods  and  acres. 

The  most  ancient  and  simplest  measure  of  distance  is  a step.  Now,  an 
ordinary-sized  man  can  train  himself  to  cover  one  yard  at  a stride,  on  the 
average,  with  sufficient  accuracy  for  ordinary  purposes. 

To  make  use  of  this  means  of  measuring  distances,  it>  is  essential  to  walk 
in  a straight  line;  to  do  this,  fix  the  eye  on  two  objects  in  a line  straight 
ahead,  one  comparatively  near,  the  other  remote;  and,  in  walking,  keep 
these  objects  constantly  in  line. 

Farmers  and  others  by  adopting  the  following  simple  and  ingenious 
contrivance , may  always  carry  with  them  the  scale  to  construct  a correct 
yard  measure. 

Take  a foot  rule,  and  commencing  at  the  base  of  the  little  finger  of  the 
left  hand,  mark  the  quarters  of  the  foot  on  the  outer  borders  of  the  left 
arm,  pricking  in  the  marks  with  indelible  ink. 

To  find  how  many  rods  in  length  will  make  an  acre , the  width  being 
given. 

Rule. — Divide  160  by  the  width,  and  the  quotient  will  be  the  answer. 

How  to  find  the  number  of  acres  in  any  plot  of  land , the  number  of 
rods  being  given. 

Rule. — Divide  the  number  of  rods  by  8,  multiply  the  quotient  by  5,  and 
remove  the  decimal  point  two  places  to  the  left. 

The  diameter  being  given , to  find  the  circumference . 

Rule. — Multiply  the  diameter  by  3 1-7. 

How  to  find  the  diameter , when  the  circumference  is  given. 

Rule. — Divide  the  circumference  by  3 1-7. 

To  find  how  many  solid  feet  a round  stick  of  timber  of  the  same  thick- 
ness throughout  will  contain  when  squared. 

Rule. — Square  half  the  diameter  in  inches,  multiply  by  2,  multiply  by 
the  length  in  feet,  and  divide  the  product  by  144. 

General  rule  for  measuring  timber , to  find  the  solid  contents  in  feet. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  depth  in  inches  by  the  breadth  in  inches,  and  then 
multiply  by  the  length  in  feet,  and  divide  by  144. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


255 


To  find  the  number  of  feet  of  timber  in  trees  with  the  baric  on. 

Rule. — Multiply  the  square  of  one-fifth  of  the  circumference  in  inches, 
by  twice  the  length,  in  feet,  and  divide  by  144.  Deduct  1-10  to  1-15 
according  to  the  thickness  of  the  bark. 

Howard's  new  rule  for  computing  interest. 

Rule. — The  reciprocal  of  the  rate  is  the  time  for  which  the  interest  on 
any  sum  of  money  will  be  shown  by  simply  removing  the  decimal  point 
two  places  to  the  left;  for  ten  times  that  time,  remove  the  point  one  place 
to  the  left;  for  1-10  of  the  same  time,  remove  the  point  three  places  to  the 
left. 

Increase  or  diminish  the  results  to  suit  the  time  given. 

Note. — The  reciprocal  of  the  rate  is  found  by  invertingThe  rate;  thus  3 per  cent,  per 
month,  inverted,  becomes  hL°f  a month,  or  ten  days. 

When  the  rate  is  expressed  by  one  figure,  always  write  it  thus:  3-1, 
three  ones. 

Rule  for  converting  English  into  American  currency. 

Multiply  the  pounds,  with  the  shillings  and  pence  stated  in  decimals,  by 
400  plus  the  premium  in  fourths,  and  divide  the  product  by  90. 


POPULATION  OF  IOWA  CITIES. 

The  following  table  presents  the  population  of  thirteen  of  the  principal 
cities  of  Iowa  for  the  years  1870, 1875  and  1878 — the  population  for  the  last 
named  year  being,  in  the  main,  estimated: 


Pop.  in  1870.  Pop.  in  1875.  Pop.  in  1878. 


Des  Moines 

12,035 

14,443 

25,000 

Burlington 

14,930* 

19,987 

25,000 

Davenport 

20,038 

21,234 

26,827 

Dubuque 

18,434 

23,605 

27,500 

Keokuk  

12,766 

11,841 

15,000 

Cedar  Rapids 

5,940 

7,179 

11,350 

Iowa  City 

5,914 

6,371 

8,000 

Council  Bluffs 

10,020 

9,287 

11,000 

Clinton 

6,129 

7,028 

9,000 

Muscatine 

6,718 

7,537 

8,000 

Sioux  City 

.....  3,401 

4,290 

6,000 

Ottumwa 

5,214 

6,326 

10,000 

Marshalltown 

3,288 

4,384 

6,416 

Fort  Madison,  Mt.  Pleasant  and  Waterloo  are,  probably,  entitled  to  appear 
in  the  above  table,  as  each  of  them,  doubtless,  has  a population  of  over 
six  thousand. 


Includes  whole  township. 


THE  PIONEER. 


In  the  heart  of  the  grand  old  forest, 

A thousand  miles  to  the  West, 

Where  a stream  gushed  out  from  the  hill-side, 
They  halted  at  last  for  rest. 

And  the  silence  of  ages  listened 
To  the  axe-stroke  loud  and  clear, 

Divining  a kingly  presence 
In  the  tread  of  the  pioneer. 

He  formed  of  the  prostrate  beeches 
A home  that  was  strong  and  good; 

The  roof  was  of  reeds  from  the  streamlet, 

The  chimney  he  built  of  wood. 

And  there  by  the  winter  fireside, 

While  the  flame  up  the  chimney  roared, 

He  spoke  of  the  good  time  coming, 

When  plenty  should  crown  their  board — 

When  the  forest  should  fade  like  a vision, 

And  over  the  hill-side  and  plain 
The  orchard  would  spring  in  its  beauty, 

And  the  fields  of  golden  grain. 

And  to-night  he  sits  by  the  fireside 
In  a mansion  quaint  and  old, 

With  his  children’s  children  around  him, 
Having  reaped  a thousand-fold. 


History  of  Mahaska  County. 


GEOGRAPHY — DESCRIPTIY E AND  PHYSICAL. 

Mahaska  is  in  the  third  tier  of  counties,  counting  from  the  southern 
boundary  of  the  State,  and  is  number  four  from  the  Mississippi  river.  It 
is  twenty -four  miles  square,  containing  Congressional  townships  No.  74, 
75,  76  and  77,  north  of  ranges  14,  15,  16  and  17,  west  of  the  fifth  prin- 
cipal meridian.  These  are  divided  into  fifteen  civil  townships,  as  follows: 
Pleasant  Grove,  Monroe,  White  Oak,  Cedar,  Harrison,  Oskaloosa,  Adams, 
Union,  Prairie,  Madison,  Des  Moines,  Jefferson,  Scott,  Black  Oak,  and 
Richland.  These  follow  the  Congressional  lines  generally,  except  where 
large  streams  are  near  the  border,  when  the  channel  of  the  stream  is  made 
the  boundary  line.  Oskaloosa  is  just  twice  the  size  of  an  ordinary  town- 
ship. Six  of  the  above  townships,  as  will  be  easily  recognized,  took  their 
names  from  physical  peculiarities  of  soil  or  timber,  and  six  from  names 
of  Presidents.  Oskaloosa  took  its  name  from  the  county  seat.  Union 
from  its  large  size  at  an  early  day,  and  Des  Moines  from  the  river  flowing 
through  it. 

Mahaska  county  contains  386,640  acres  of  surface.  Of  this  amount  the 
last  State  Census  report  (1874)  gives  about  three-sevenths  under  cultiva- 
tion, and  a little  less  than  one-third  as  unimproved.  This  last  amount  in- 
cludes all  timber  and  swamp  lands. 

The  county  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Jasper  and  Poweshiek;  on  the 
east  by  Keokuk;  on  the  south  by  Wapello  and  Monroe;  and  on  the  west 
by  Marion  county. 

It  slopes  from  the  northwest  toward  the  southeast,  and  is  crossed  in  this 
direction  by  five  streams  at  almost  equal  distances,  viz:  North  and  South 
forks  of  Skunk  river;  Des  Moines  river,  and  by  Muchakinock  and  Middle 
creeks.  Of  these  we  shall  speak  more  particularly. 

Des  Moines  River. — This  stream  cuts  off  about  one-ninth  of  the  county 
on  the  southwest.  The  length  of  its  channel  within  the  boundaries  of  Ma- 
haska is  about  twenty-four  miles.  The  average  width  is  forty  rods,  and 
and  depth  not  far  from  four  feet,  though  there  are  shallows  which  prevent 
the  navigation  of  crafts  of  any  size.  The  current  is  rather  swift.  The 
banks  are  composed  of  alluvial  deposits,  and  the  bottom  lands  are  of  won- 
derful fertility.  The  channel  for  the  most  part  flows  over  a pebbly  bed. 
The  bottoms  along  the  Des  Moines  are  from  one  and  one-half  to  two  miles 
in  width  in  Mahaska  and  are  frequently  overflown.  These  produce  some 
valuable  timber,  especially  walnut;  and  up  toward  the  bluffs  some  excellent 
white  oak.  There  is  likewise  a considerable  growth  of  sugar  maple  and 
17 


258 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


cottonwood.  The  river  is  not  dammed  within  the  boundary  of  Mahaska. 
It  is  spanned  by  one  bridge  and  crossed  by  two  ferries. 

South  Fork  of  Skunk. — This  is  the  main  branch  of  the  Skunk  river,  and 
cuts  off  about  two-fiths  of  the  northeastern  part  of  the  county,  stretching 
across  a district  of  about  thirty  miles  in  extent,  but  in  its  meanderings 
flowing  over  a bed  not  less  than  seventy  miles  within  the  county  lines  ot 
Mahaska.  This  bed  is  mostly  sandy  and  the  stream  is  rather  sluggish. 
The  banks  are  of  alluvial  deposits,  quite  muddy,  of  a sour  soil  and  not 
very  productive.  The  stream- is  skirted  by  a belt  of  timber  from  one  to 
three  miles  in  width — maple,  elm,  swamp  ash,  and  cottonwood.  Some 
good  oak  timber  appears  along  the  bluffs  which  are,  on  an  average,  about 
one-lialf  mile  back  from  the  stream.  South  Skunk  is  about  eight  rods 
vride  and  some  three  feet  in  depth.  It  spreads  over  almost  its  entire  bot- 
toms during  a wet  season.  Its  course  is  interrupted  by  live  mill  dams  in 
Mahaska,  and  its  channel  crossed  by  four  good  bridges. 

North  Skunk. — This  fork  cuts  off  parts  of  three  townships  on  the  north- 
east, and  is  quite  crooked.  It  is  smaller,  but  in  many  respects  like  the 
South  Skunk.  The  timber,  especially,  is  similar.  The  bed  is  deeper, 
banks  higher,  and  current  much  swifter.  Its  water  supply  is  sufficient  for 
mill  power  during  the  entire  year.  The  channel  averages  about  two  feet. 
Five  mill  dams  and  six  bridges  have  been  thrown  across  this  stream. 

Muchakinock  Creek. — This  is  an  Indian  name  and  means  “ bad  cross- 
ing.” The  stream  flows  between  the  Des  Moines  and  South  Skunk,  and  in 
the  upper  part  of  its  course  is  about  equally  distant  from  both.  It  empties 
into  the  Des  Moines  in  Wapello  county.  The  bluffs  come  close  to  the 
stream.  The  volume  of  water  in  this  creek  will  not  run  a mill  more  than 
one-third  of  the  year.  It  is  heavily  timbered  in  the  lower  part  of  its 
course  and  its  bluffs  afford  the  best  coal  exposures  in  the  county. 

Middle  Creek  is  so  named  from  its  location  between  the  north  and 
south  forks  of  the  Skunk,  and  is  a small  stream  about  on  a par  with 
Muchakinock.  There  is  some  valuable  walnut  timber  on  the  lower  part 
of  its  course,  and  along  this  part  of  its  valley  is  some  of  the  richest  soil 
in  Iowa. 

Surface. — The  surface  of  Mahaska  is  generally  rolling,  but  not  so  much 
so  as  to  interfere  with  agriculture.  The  tinest.  prairies  are  to  be  found  on 
the  divides  between  the  Des  Moines  and  South  Skunk  rivers,  and  between 
the  forks  of  the  Skunk.  The  smoother  land  is  to  be  found  in  Cedar  and 
East  Harrison  townships,  and  also  in  Prairie.  The  bottom  land  of  the 
Des  Moines  cannot  be  excelled  in  the  production  of  corn,  and  is  much  bet- 
ter than  on  the  Skunk.  The  soil  is  a rich  dark  loam,  from  three  to  five 
feet  in  depth,  and  never  fails  to  produce  a good  crop  when  the  season  is 
favorable.  The  roads  are  muddy  usually  in  the  spring,  but  from  the  nature 
of  the  soil  they  dry  quickly.  During  the  summer  season  a heavy  rain  will 
scarcely  be  noticed  in  its  effects  on  the  roads  within  twenty-four  hours  after 
it  has  fallen.  It  is  not  unusual  to  traverse  heavy  roads  in  the  morning  and 
return  over  a dry  track  in  the  afternoon. 

Timber. — Hot  less  than  one-eighth  of  the  county  is  covered  with  a growth 
of  timber,  much  of  which  is  valuable.  We  learn  that  the  amount  of  tim- 
ber is  on  the  increase,  and  that  Mahaska  has  now  more  “ woods”  than  at 
the  time  of  early  settlement.  The  principal  trees  are  white,  burr  and 
black  oak,  red  and  white  elm,  walnut,  butternut,  hickory,  sycamore,  cot- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


259 


tonwood,  swamp  ash,  sugar  and  white  maple,  buckeye  and  liackberry. 
There  is,  probably,  not  a birch  tree  in  the  county. 

Wild  fruits. — Crab  apples,  plums,  grapes  and  blackberries  abound  in 
the  timber. 

Strata. — The  surface  strata  of  Mahaska  belongs  to  the  middle  and  lower 
coal  measures. 

Potter's  clay. — A good  article  of  potter’s  or  fire  clay  is  found  in  some 
parts  of  the  county,  especially  in  the  southern.  Some  six  acres  of  section 
six,  Harrison  township,  have  been  bought  for  its  clay  by  parties  who  are 
running  a pottery  on  section  nineteen  of  that  township. 

Iron. — There  are  some  indications  of  this  ore,  but  its  value  has  been 
exaggerated.  The  prospects  for  Mahaska’s  iron  mining  are  not  flattering. 
The  needle  of  the  surveyor’s  instrument  is  quite  noticeably  deflected  on 
section  eight,  Richland  township,  indicating  the  presence  of  magnetic  ore. 

Building  stone. — This  county  affords  some  excellent  quarries  of  stone 
— both  lime  and  sand — especially  along  the  rivers.  In  the  northern  part 
of  the  county  the  best  quarries  are  about  Peoria.  From  one  of  these  the 
stone  used  in  Jasper  county  court  house  was  procured  some  twenty  years 
ago.  There  are,  also,  good  quarries  about  Union  Mills,  on  South  Skunk 
river,  and  on  section  four,  Des  Moines  township. 

Coal. — Rich  as  are  the  gifts  of  Mahaska  county  in  agricultural  advantages, 
it  is  probable  that  at  no  far  distant  day  her  coal  mining  will  be  her 
leading  industry  and  first  source  of  wealth.  , 

In  the  amount  of  coal  mined  she  is  the  first  county  in  Iowa.  By  a 
gross  error  in  the  census  report  of  1875,  Wapello  and  Monroe  counties 
are  placed  very  much  ahead  of  Mahaska  in  coal  mining.  This  report  is 
self-convicted  from  the  fact  that  Mahaska  has  recorded  almost  twice  the 
number  of  miners  recorded  from  the  other  two  counties  mentioned.  In 
1875  Mahaska  county  mined  about  Id, 000  cars  of  coal. 

There  are,  undoubtedly,  veins  of  coal  under  the  entire  county.  In  fact, 
with  one  or  two  possible  exceptions,  coal  has  been  mined  in  every  township 
in  the  county. 

We  make  an  extract  from  the  report  of  State  Geologist  White  of  1870, 
when  the  mining  interests  in  Mahaska  were  only  a fraction  of  what  they 
now  are: 

“Hone  of  the  coal  counties  of  Iowa,  so  far  as  is  now  known,  exceed 
Mahaska  county  in  importance  as  regards  its  supplies  of  coal,  unless  it  is 
Marion  county.  So  far,  however,  as  the  coal  now  annually  mined  is  con- 
cerned, Mahaska  county  is  much  in  advance  of  any  of  the  others.  Al- 
though the  greater  part  of  the  mines  of  this  county  have  been  examined, 
the  formation  which  contains  them  has  not  been  studied  as  a whole,  within 
its  limits  with  sufficient  thoroughness,  to  give  a clear  statement  of  the 
number  of  different  beds  of  coal  it  may  contain  and  their  relations  with 
the  other  strata.” 

Again,  when  Professor  White  was  asked  to  make  an  estimate  of  the 
amount  of  coal  probably  in  the  county,  he  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that  the 
supply  was  sufficient  for  a five  foot  vein  over  the  entire  surface.  This  sup- 
ply, if  it  were  mined  at  the  present  rate,  would  last  two  thousand  years. 

In  this  same  report  of  the  Geologist  is  given  the  result  of  the  analyses 
of  sixty-four  samples  of  coal  from  the  State  of  Iowa,  tlie  result  of  which 
shows  Mahaska  county  to  be  the  peer,  if  not  the  superior,  of  any  other 
coal  in  the  State,  in  respect  to  quality. 


260 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  following  principles  are  stated  in  explanation  of  the  report  of 
analyses: 

“1.  The  value  of  coal  as  fuel  is  inversely  proportional  to  the  amount 
of  moisture  contained  in  it;  that  is,  the  more  water  it  contains,  the  less  its 
value. 

“ 2.  The  greater  the  per  cent  of  ash  the  less  is  the  value  of  the  coal. 

“ 3.  The  more  fixed  carbon  the  coal  contains  the  greater  is  its  value. 

“4.  The  same  holds  true  with  regard  to  the  volatile  combustible  matter 
to  a limited  extent , the  precise  limits  of  which  cannot  be  determined  until 
we  know  the  composition  of  this  combustible  matter.” 

In  the  average  table,  showing  the  result  from  fifteen  counties,  including 
almost  the  entire  coal  field  of  Iowa,  the  result  shows: 

1.  That  Mahaska  county  coal  contains  less  moisture  than  any  other  in 
the  State,  except  Jasper  county  coal,  with  4 61-100  per  cent;  Mahaska 
being  4 73-100. 

2.  In  the  amount  of  ash  produced  it  is  about  an  average,  ranking 
ninth  in  fifteen  counties. 

3.  In  the  amount  of  fixed  carbon  Mahaska  county  ranks  first,  with 
Poweshiek  second. 

4.  In  volatile  combustible  matter  the  result  shows ‘Mahaska  coal  to  be 
an  average,  ranking  eighth  in  the  fifteen  counties. 

In  compiling  the  above  average  eight  specimens  from  Mahaska  were 
examined. 

The  boring  of  the  artesian  well  revealed  a ten  foot  vein  of  coal,  at  the 
depth  of  ninety-seven  feet,  under  the  Oskaloosa  public  square. 

A well  dug  in  Jefferson  township  showed  a vein  at  forty-one  feet,  and  a 
second  vein  three  feet  in  thickness  at  102  feet. 

The  most  extensive  mines  in  Mahaska  are  those  conducted  by  the  Con- 
solidation and  Iowa  Coal  Companies,  on  Muchakinock  creek.  (For  full 
history  and  statistics  of  these,  see  in  proper  place  on  following  pages.) 

Mining  is  carried  on  quite  extensively  in  slopes,  with  no  steam  power, 
just  west  and  southwest  of  the  city  of  Oskaloosa,  as  well  as  along  the  banks 
of  Spring  creek.  Mention  of  all  the  mines  in  the  county  would  be  tedious. 
Prairie  and  Cedar  townships  give  least  evidences  of  coal,  and,  as  yet,  little 
or  no  encouragement  to  mining. 

Climate , elevation , etc.  — Oskaloosa  public  square  is  about  860  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

The  bed  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  at  the  southern  boundary  of  the 
county,  is  about  660  feet  above  the  same  level.  Surface  of  water  in  South 
Skunk  river,  about  the  center  of  the  county,  is  near  800  feet. 

The  climate  is  pleasant  and  healthy.  Ague  is  rare,  and  the  county  is 
subject  to  no  climatical  diseases  peculiar  to  its  limits.  The  winters  of  late 
years  have  been  greatly  modified  from  the  reputed  coldness  of  earlier  days. 

INDIAN  AFFAIRS. 

The  territory  occupied  by  Mahaska  county  was  a part  of  the  purchase 
made  by  the  United  States  Government  from  the  Sac  and  Fox  Indians  in 
October,  1842. 

This  treaty  of  1842  was  negotiated  at  the  Agency,  now  Agency  City,  in 
October  of  that  year.  A number  of  chiefs  were  in  attendance,  the  principal 
of  whom  were  Keokuk,  Appanoose,  Poweshiek  and  Panassa.  The  commis- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


261 


sioner  on  behalf  of  the  United  States  Government  was  Governor  John 
Chambers,  of  Iowa  Territory.  The  council  lasted  about  one  week.  To  give 
a full  history  of  this  negotiation,  it  is  necessary  to  go  back  several  years. 

In  1835  Gen.  J.  M.  Street,  who  had  been  Indian  agent  among  the  Win- 
nebagos  since  1827,  was  removed  to  the  Sac  and  Fox  agency,  first  at  Rock 
Island,  and  in  1838  at  Agency  City.  Gen.  Street  was  a great  favorite  among 
the  Indians,  and  they  were  accustomed  to  call  him  their  father.  This  gen- 
tleman died  in  May,  1840.  His  family  procured  an  air-tight  coffin,  and  an- 
nounced their  intention  of  burying  his  remains  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  where 
some  of  his  relatives  were  interred.  The  chiefs  held  a council  and  remon- 
strated, offering  any  part  of  their  country  which  might  be  chosen  as  Gen. 
Street’s  burying  ground,  and  adding  that  if  their  wishes  were  complied  with, 
they  would  give  to  Gen.  Street’s  widow  a section  of  land,  and  a half-section 
to  each  one  of  his  children.  Accordingly,  Gen.  Street’s  remains  were  in- 
terred near  the  Agency,  and  no  reference  was  ever  made  to  the  land  prom- 
ised until  the  time  of  this  treaty.  About  the  evening  of  the  second  day  ot 
the  treaty-council,  one  of  the  Government  officers  came  to  Gen.  Street’s  son, 
Wm.  B.  Street,  now  of  Oskaloosa,  then  employed  in  the  Agency,  and  said, 
“I  do  not  think  we  will  succeed  in  making  a treaty.”  “Why?”  “Be- 
cause,” said  the  officer,  “ the  chiefs  demand  a reservation  of  one  section  for 
Gen.  Street’s  widow,  and  a half-section  each  for  her  ten  children,  and  also  a 
half-section  each  for  Smart’s  two  children,  who  are  half-breeds.  The  in- 
structions of  the  Government  are  opposed  to  any  reservation,  and  positive 
against  reservation  for  half-breeds.”  Mr.  Street,  not  wishing  a treaty  to 
fail  for  any  such  reason,  held  a consultation  with  some  of  the  principal 
chiefs,  telling  them  he  did  not  care  for  any  reservation,  and  as  his  brothers 
and  sisters  were  all  in  another  territory,  that  he  thought  they  would  will- 
ingly relinquish  the  offer  of  the  chiefs;  and  as  for  any  obligation  they  were 
under  to  the  Smart  children,  they  could  pay  that  in  money.  Keokuk  and 
some  of  the  others  assented  reluctantly,  but  old  Poweshiek  insisted  that  all 
the  reservation  they  desired  should  be  demanded.  Mr.  Street  remonstrated 
with  him  as  to  the  result  in  failure  of  the  treaty,  and  again  told  him  he  did 
not  care  for  the  reservation.  “ What,  do  you  decline  the  gift?  ” said  the  in- 
dignant old  chief — for  this  was  considered  an  insult  among  Indians,  to*  refuse 
a present.  Mr.  Street  informs  us  that  Poweshiek  refused  to  speak  to  him 
for  six  months  afterward,  when  one  day,  while  Poweshiek  was  a little  merry 
under  the  influence  of  whisky,  Mr.  Street  presented  the  old  chief  with  a 
pony,  and  again  they  were  good  friends. 

Finally,  the  Indians  demanded  the  reservation  of  a single  section,  to  be 
given  Mrs.  Street.  Gov.  Chambers  would  not  consent.  Then  old  Keokuk, 
rising,  addressed  the  council  thus:  “There  lies,”  said  he,  pointing  to  the 
grave  of  Gen.  Street,  “ there  lies  the  grave  of  our  father,  the  best  white 
friend  we  have  ever  had,  and  without  the  reservation,  this  land  shall  never , 
never  be  sold  while  a single  one  of  our  tribe  remains.” 

On  the  next  day  Gov.  Chambers  agreed  to  the  reservation  of  one  section, 
and  directed  the  Indians  to  make  choice.  They  selected  that  on  which  the 
Agency  buildings  were  situated,  and  including  Gen.  Street’s  grave.  Again 
the  commissioner  halted.  He  claimed  the  Government  had  spent  some 
$3000  or  $4000  in  improving  that  section,  and  he  could  not  allow  that  to  be 
reserved.  The  Indians  then  proposed  to  pay  for  the  improvements,  which 
they  afterward  did,  paying  $2,500,  which  was  considered  a fair  valuation  at 
that  time.  The  treaty  being  thus  concluded,  Keokuk  remarked  to  the  com- 


262 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


missioner  that  if  the  Senate  changed  it  by  a single  scratch  of  the  pen,  it 
would  not  he  agreed  to  by  the  Indians.  It  came  before  the  Senate.  A mo- 
tion was  made  to  strike  out  the  reservation.  Keokuk’s  remark  was  repeated 
in  the  Senate.  And  on  March  23,  1843,  was  ratified  an  Indian  treaty  for 
the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  Senate,  without  an  erasure.  By  this 
treaty,  a tract  of  land  comprising  probably  more  thon  two-thirds  the  present 
State  of  Iowa  was  transferred  to  the  United  States,  for  which  the  Sac  and 
Fox  Indians  were  to  receive  $800,000  in  good  State  stocks,  on  which  the 
Government  should  guarantee  five  per  cent  interest  per  annum.  In  the 
words  of  the  treaty,  they  “ ceded  to  the  United  States  all  their  lands  west  of 
the  Mississippi  to  which  they  had  any  claim  or  title.”  It  was  stipulated 
that  they  were  to  he  removed  from  the  country  at  the  expiration  of  three 
years,  and  all  who  remained  after  that  were  to  remove  at  their  own  expense. 
Part  of  them  were  removed  to  Kansas  in  the  fall  of  1845,  and  the  remainder 
in  the  spring  of  1846.  In  consequence  of  this  peaceable  arrangement,  the 
early  settlers  of  Mahaska  county  encountered  no  difficulties  with  the  red 
man,  and  the  historian  has  to  record  no  price  of  blood  paid  for  the  possession 
of  their  primitive  homes.  Few  Indians  ever  put  in  their  appearance  after 
the  work  of  settlement  had  once  thoroughly  begun. 

Mr.  William  B.  Street,  of  Oskaloosa,  spent  the  years  from  1828  to  1843 
among  the  Indians  of  the  Northwest.  From  1839  to  1843  he  resided  at  Old 
Agency,  near  Agency  City,  and  to  him  we  are  indebted  for  a number  of  in- 
teresting facts  in  regard  to  Indian  names  and  history.  By  the  various 
treaties  made  with  the  Sac  and  Fox  Indians,  the  Government  paid  these 
$80,000  per  year,  by  families.  Mr.  Street  was  disbursing  clerk  for  J ohn 
Beach,  Indian  agent,  during  the  year  1841,  and  showed  us  the  receipts  for  the 
part  payment  of  the  annuity,  in  his  own  handwriting,  and  the  marks  of  the 
chiefs  in  signing.  We  give  an  extract,  including  the  names  of  part  of  those 
Indians  who  at  that  time  were  living  at  Kish-Ke-Kosh’s  village,  in  White 
Oak  township,  within  the  present  boundaries  of  Mahaska  county : 

“We,  the  chiefs,  warriors,  heads  of  families,  and  individuals  without  fam- 
ilies, of  the  Sac  and  Fox  tribe  of  Indians,  within  the  same  agency,  acknowl- 
edge the  receipt  of  forty  thousand  dollars  of  John  Beach,  United  States 
Indian  Agent,  in  the  sums  appended  to  our  names,  being  our  proportion 
of  the  annuity  due  said  tribes,  for  the  year  1841: 


MARKS 

MEN 

WOMEN 

childr’n 

TOTAL 

AMOUNT 

Kish-ke-kosh,1  - 

X 

1 

1 

3 

4 

$ 71  30 

Ko-ko-ach,  - 

X 

1 

2 

3 

6 

106  95 

Pas-sa-sa-she-shiek,  - 

X 

1 

1 

2 

2 

55  65 

Mo-ka-qua, 

X 

1 

1 

17  82 

Pa-ko-ka,  - 

X 

1 

1 

2 

4 

71  30 

Ka-ke-wa-wa-te-sit, 

X 

2 

1 

3 

53  47 

Much-e-min-ne,2  - - - 

X 

1 

1 

2 

4 

71  30 

Wa-pes-e-qua,3  - - - 

Wa-pe-ka-kah,4  ... 

X 

1 

1 

2 

4 

71  30 

X 

2 

1 

3 

6 

106  95 

Mus-qua-ke,6  - 

And  fifty-nine  others. 

X 

3 

2 

2 

7 

124  78 

1 Kish-ke-kosh  means  “The  man  with  one  leg  off”. 

2 Much-i-min-ne  means  “Big  man”.  4 Wa-pe-ka-kah  means  “White  crow”. 

3 Wa-pes-e-qua  means  “White  eyes”.  sMus-qua-ke  means  “The  fox”. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


263 


" We  certify  that  we  were  present  at  the  payment  of  the  above  mentioned 
amounts,  and  saw  the  amounts  paid  to  the  several  Indians,  in  specie,  and 
that  their  marks  were  affixed  in  our  presence,  this  19tli  of  October,  1841. 

"(Signed)  JNO.  BEACH, 

U.  S.  Indian  Agent. 

THOMAS  McCRATE, 
Lieut.  1st  Dragoons. 

JOSIAH  SMART, 

Interpreter. 

“ We,  the  undersigned,  Chiefs  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  tribe  of  Indians,  ac- 
knowledge the  correctness  of  the  foregoing  receipts. 

KEOKUK,6  his  X mark. 
POWESHIEK,7  his  X mark.” 

In  a record  of  the  old  settlers  of  Mahaska  county  no  one  is  more  strongly 
entitled  to  extended  notice  than  Kish-ke-kosh.  Though  the  meaning  of 
his  name  is  “The  man  with  one  leg  off,”  few  Indians  possessed  a liner  pair 
of  legs  and  a liner  physique  than  the  chief  of  Mahaska  county’s  Indian 
village.  Tall,  straight  as  an  arrow’,  with  line  head  and  intellectual  face,  a 
humorous  eye,  his  whole  appearance  was  such  as  to  challenge  admiration, 
and  was  a genuine  type  of  the  traditional  brave,  which  the  present  genera- 
tion believes  existed  only  in  poetry,  because  in  this  day  they  only  see  the 
Indians  as  a set  of  miserable  beggars,  or  find  their  true  nature  shackled  by 
an  adoption  of  a mode  of  life  for  which  they  were  never  fitted.  Previous 
to  1837  Kish-ke-kosh  was  simply  a warrior  chief  in  the  village  of  Keokuk, 
though  he  was  the  latter’s  first  lieutenant.  The  warrior  chief  was  inferior 
to  the  village  chief,  to  which  distinction,  we  have  seen,  Kish-ke-kosh  after- 
ward attained.  For  the  purpose  of  forming  the  treaty  known  as  the 
“Treaty  of  ’37,”  a deputation  of  Sac  and  Fox  Indians,  under  escort  of 
General  Street,  was  taken  to  Washington  City,  and  different  parts  of  the 
east.  This  deputation  included  Keokuk,  Black  Hawk,  Poweshiek,  Kish- 
ke-kosh,  and  about  fifteen  other  chiefs.  Kish-ke-kosh  was  regarded 
among  his  tribe  as  the  clown  and  wit,  and  in  the  journey  to  the  East  he  did 
not  forget  to  display  his  humor  and  sarcasm.  The  Indians  descended  the 
Mississippi  to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  by  steamer,  and  thence  up  the  latter 
river  to  Wheeling,  where  they  took  stage  across  the  mountains.  Some- 
where on  the  route  a party  of  ladies  came  on  the  steamer,  and  a young  man 
who  was  accompanying  the  Indian  delegation,  becoming  acquainted  with 
the  ladies,  took  them  around  to  see  the  Indians.  The  young  man,  with 
the  ill  manners  of  some  white  people,  fingered  the  dress  and  ornaments  of 
the  chiefs  for  the  benefit  of  the  sight  seers,  a familiarity  which  Kish-ke- 
kosh  evidently  thought  should  be  dispensed  with.  Accordingly,  when  the 
young  man  was  through,  Kish-ke-kosh  stepped  up  to  him  and  commenced 
to  sample  his  coat,  vest,  pantaloons  and  watch  chain,  to  feel  his  hair,  ex- 
hibit his  teeth,  etc.,  to  his  brother  chiefs,  jabbering  away  in  the  Sac  tongue, 
and  going  through,  with  perfect  mimicry,  the  self-assumed  keeper  of  a 
menagerie.  The  deck  of  the  steamer  held  a most  appreciative  crowd  of 
spectators,  and,  as  peal  after  peal  of  laughter  assaulted  the  young  man’s 


6 Keokuk  means  u The  watchful  fox”. 


i Poweshiek  means  “ The  roused  bear”. 


264 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


tingling  ears,  he  doubtless  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  barbarism  was 
able  to  teach  a specimen  of  civilization  a lesson  in  manners,  whose  impres- 
sion would  not  be  lost  till  his  dying  day. 

While  the  party  were  in  Washington,  at  the  request  of  some  of  the  gov- 
ernment officials,  a council  was  held  with  some  chiefs  of  the  Sioux  there 
present,  as  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  were  waging  perpetual  war  witli  the  Sioux 
nation.  This  council  was  held  in  the  representative  chamber,  and,  to  the 
great  indignation  of  the  Sioux,  Kish-ke-kosh  appeared,  dressed  in  a buf- 
falo hide  which  he  had  taken  in  war  from  a Sioux  chief,  and  took  his  place 
in  one  of  the  large  windows,  with  the  mane  and  horns  of  the  buffalo  as  a 
sort  of  head-dress,  and  the  tail  trailing  to  the  floor.  The  Sioux  complained 
to  the  officials,  claiming  that  this  was  an  insult  to  them,  but  were  informed 
that  Kish-ke-kosh  had  a right  to  appear  in  his  own  costume.  The  first 
speech  was  made  by  a Sioux,  who  complained  most  bitterly  of  their  wrongs, 
of  how  they  had  been  driven  from  their  homes  by  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  their 
warriors  killed,  and  villages  burned.  Then  followed  Keokuk  in  reply — the 
great  orator  of  his  tribe — an  interpreter  repeating  his  speech  after  him. 
There  were  those  present  who  had  heard  Webster,  Calhoun,  Clay  and 
Benton  in  this  same  hall,  but  declared  that,  for  delivery,  for  native  elo- 
quence, impassioned  expression  of  countenance,  the  chief  surpassed  them 
all,  though  they  could  not  understand  his  words,  save  as  they  were  inter- 
preted. Kish-ke-kosh  followed.  He  ridiculed  the  Sioux,  laughed  at  their 
weaknesses  and  mimicked  their  complaints. 

From  Washington  they  proceeded  to  Hew  York,  where  they  were  shown 
little  attention,  and  General  Street  attempted  to  show  them  the  city  on  foot, 
but  on  their  first  appearance  the  Gothamites  crowded  them  beyond  en- 
durance in  their  endeavors  to  see  Black  Hawk  and  others,  so  that  the  whole 
party  was  obliged  to  escape  the  crowd  by  passing  through  a store,  and  tak- 
ing the  alley  way  toward  their  hotel.  At  Boston  they  were  met  at  the 
train  by  carriages,  at  the  public  expense,  and  the  following  day,  in  open 
carriages  with  guards  on  foot,  were  shown  almost  the  whole  city.  Governor 
Edward  Everett  gave  a banquet  for  them,  and  there,  as  everywhere,  Kish- 
ke-kosh  made  himself  the  decided  favorite  by  his  witticisms,  jokes  and 
stories,  especially  among  the  ladies.  He  came  back  home  loaded  with 
presents,  jewelry,  rings  and  fancy  work,  which,  during  the  remainder  of 
his  life,  he  delighted  to  display,  saying  these  were  given  him  by  the  “white 
squaws.”  When  the  Indians  returned  and  were  asked  about  Hew  York 
City,  they  only  expressed  their  disgust.  Boston  was  the  only  place  in  the 
United  States,  in  their  estimation,  an  opinion  which  they  may  have  im- 
bibed from  Bostonians,  who  probably  in  words,  as  well  as  in  attentions,  gave 
the  braves  to  understand  that  their  city  was  the  “ hub.” 

It  was  in  recognition  of  Kish-ke-kosh’s  distinction  during  this  visit 
that  he  was  made  a village  chief  and  removed  to  the  banks  of  the  Skunk 
river,  as  above  mentioned. 

Here  the  squaws,  after  grubbing  out  hazel  brush  on  the  banks  of  the 
creeks  or  the  edge  of  timber,  unaided  by  plow  or  brave,  planted  and  tended 
their  patches  of  corn,  surrounding  them  by  rude  fences  of  willow,  which 
were  renewed  every  year.  Here  the  men  trained  their  ponies,  hunted, 
fished  and  loafed,  until  they  were  disturbed  by  the  incoming  of  the  whites. 

The  following  incident  is  located  at  this  point:  Sometime  about  1841 
Major  Beach,  Indian  Agent,  in  company  with  W.  B.  Street,  and  others, 
came  up  here  from  Agency  City,  on  some  business  with  Kish-ke-kosh. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


265 


Arriving  late  in  the  evening  they  encamped  near  the  village,  and  on  the 
following  morning  Kish-ke-kosh,  with  his  assistants,  came  over  to  the  camp 
to  receive  them.  The  pipe  of  peace  was  lighted  and  passed  around,  and 
business  transacted.  After  the  council  the  whites  were  invited  to  come  over 
in  the  evening  to  the  feast  which  the  Indians  proposed  having  in  honor  of 
their  visit.  The  invitation  was  accepted,  and  presently  the  whites  heard  a 
great  howling  among  the  dogs,  and  looking  in  direction  of  the  village  they 
could  plainly  see  the  preparations  for  the  supper.  A number  of  dogs  were 
killed  and  stretched  on  stakes  a few  inches  above  the  ground.  They  were 
then  covered  by  dried  grass,  which  was  set  on  fire  and  the  hair  singed  off, 
after  which,  when  the  dogs  had  passed  through  a scraping  process,  they  were 
cut  up  and  placed  in  pots,  along  with  a quantity  of  corn.  Thus  was  the 
favorite  barbecue  among  the  race  prepared.  The  whites  wrere  promptly  in 
attendance,  but  on  account  of  their  national  prejudice  (!)  they  were  provided 
with  venison  soup  instead  of  dog  stew.  After  the  feast  dancing  was  com- 
menced, first  the  Green  Corn  dance,  then  the  Medicine  dance,  and  closing 
just  before  morning  with  the  Scalp  dance.  Kish-ke-kosh  did  not  take  part 
in  the  Terpsichorean  exhibition,  but  sat  with  the  whites,  laughing,  joking 
and  telling  stories.  This  village  of  Kish-ke-kosh  contained  about  two 
hundred  and  fifty  Indians,  and  a few  months  after  the  treaty  of  1842  they 
removed  to  a point  about  three  miles  south-east  of  the  present  capital  of  the 
state  on  the  Des  Moines  river,  where  Keokuk  had  his  village  at  this  time. 
There  they  remained  until  the  spring  of  1846,  when  the  entire  party  were 
conveyed  in  United  States  Government  wagons  to  a point  on  the  reservation, 
seventy  miles  southwest  of  Kansas  City.  Some  of  the  bark  covered  huts  of 
Kish-ke-kosh’s  village  still  remained  in  White  Oak  towmship  after  the  white 
settlers  came,  and  the  graves  covered  by  a roof  of  rude  slabs  were  still  to  be 
seen,  but  now  every  Indian  relic  is  gone,  save  as  the  plowman  turns  from 
under  the  glebe  an  occasional  arrow-head  or  hatchet.  The  wigwam  has 
given  way  to  the  stately  homestead  or  tapering  spire;  the  war  dance  and 
dog  feast  to  the  second  best  county  fair  in  the  state.  Where  once  the  Indian 
youth  found  his  early  training  in  drawing  his  supple  bow  upon  the  wary 
fox,  the  boys  of  another  race  trudge  to  the  district  school,  or  serve  an  appren- 
ticeship behind  the  plow.  The  soil  for  centuries  unbroken  now  yields  a 
fruitful  reward  to  an  industry  unknown  to  the  aboriginies  of  our  prairies. 
The  Indian  has  read  the  Mene , Mene , tehel , upharsin  of  his  doomed  race, 
and  his  history  forces  upon  every  thoughtful  mind  a feeling  of  pity,  in  con- 
trast with  a thought  of  expediency — a contrast  in  which  expediency  has 
usually  had  the  best  of  it. 

EAKLY  SETTLEMENT. 

The  first  dwelling  occupied  by  whites  on  the  soil  of  what  is  now  Ma- 
haska county  was  erected  in  1842,  by  one  Macbeth,  while  the  country  was 
yet  in  possession  of  the  Indians.  Eddyville  was  then  an  Indian  village 
known  as  Hard  Fish’s  village,  and  here  J.  P.  Eddy  had  a trading  point, 
whence  came  the  modern  name  of  the  town.  A short  distance  from  this 
village,  but  within  the  limits  of  Mahaska  county,  Macbeth,  by  permission 
of  the  Indians,  built  his  cabin,  though  it  is  doubtful  if  he  ever  lived  in  it. 
It  is  said  to  have  been  occupied  by  John  B.  Gray  and  his  family,  during 
the  winter  of  1842-3. 


266 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Those  expecting  to  make  settlements  on  the  “New  Purchase”  were  for- 
bidden to  come  on  the  reserve  until  the  time  of  its  delivery  into  the  hands 
of  the  government  by  the  Indians,  May  1st,  1843.  Dragoons  were  sta- 
tioned all  along  the  border,  whose  duty  it  was  to  keep  the  whites  out  of  the 
country  until  the  appointed  time.  For  some  weeks  previous  to  the  date 
assigned,  settlers  came  up  into  the  new  country,  prospecting  for  homes,  and 
were  quietly  permitted  to  cross  the  border  and  look  around,  so  long  as  they 
were  unaccompanied  by  wagon  and  carried  no  ax.  This  latter  weapon  was 
sometimes  placed  without  a handle  in  the  knapsack  of  the  traveler  and  an 
impromptu  handle  fitted  in  by  a penknife,  when  necessity  called  for  its 
use.  During  the  last  few  days  of  April  the  dragoons  relaxed  their  strict 
discipline  and  an  occasional  wagon  slipped  in  through  the  brush.  The 
night  of  April  30th  found  some  scores  of  newcomers  on  the  ground,  who 
had  been  prospecting  the  country,  who  had  decided  mentally  what  claims 
they  would  make,  and  had  various  agreements  among  themselves.  These 
settlers  were  mostly  along  or  near  the  Des  Moines  river,  it  then  being 
thought  that  prairie  land  was  not  half  so  desirable  as  the  river  and  timber 
country. 

As  it  neared  midnight  on  the  morning  of  May  1st,  settler  after  settler 
took  his  place  upon  the  border  of  his  claim  with  his  bunch  of  sharpened 
stakes  and  lantern,  or  his  blazing  torch,  and  when  it  was  thought  twelve 
o’clock  had  arrived  there  was  some  lively  surveying  by  amateur  engineers 
in  the  dark.  The  claims  were  paced  off,  and  strange  to  say  there  were  few 
cases  of  dispute,  the  matter  having  been  pretty  generally  understood  on 
the  preceding  day.  Some  of  the  claims  were  pretty  large,  more,  in  fact, 
than  the  law  suffered  the  claimants  to  hold,  some  of  whom  were  not  un- 
mindful of  the  wholesome  advice  of  a mother  in  Hoosierdom,  who  possibly 
lived  in  a later  day,  but  who  counseled  “Git  a plenty  while  your  gittin,” 
to  which  the  settler  added,  “and  git  the  best.”  The  first  squatter  is  un- 
known under  these  circumstances,  though  the  name  of  those  who  claim  the 
honor  is  legion. 

In  the  settlement  of  the  Territory  of  Iowa,  the  legislature  began  by  or- 
ganizing counties  on  the  Mississippi.  As  each  new  county  was  formed  it 
was  made  to  include,  under  legal  jurisdiction,  all  the  country  bordering 
west  of  it,  and  required  to  grant  to  the  occidental  settlers  electoral  priv- 
ileges and  an  equal  share  in  the  county  government,  with  those  who  prop- 
erly lived  in  the  geographical  limit  of  the  county.  Thus  did  Mahaska 
county  at  one  time  have  jurisdiction  over  the  country  about  Des  Moines 
city. 

By  act  of  the  territorial  legislature,  February  5,  1844,  a provision  was 
made  for  the  organization  of  this  county,  including  unlimited  territory 
north  and  west,  as  far  as  settled.  By  the  provisions  of  the  act  William 
Edmundson  was  appointed  sheriff,  and  by  judge  Williams,  of  Muscatine, 
M.  T.  Williams,  then  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  was  appointed  clerk.  According 
to  the  territorial  law  it  was  the  duty  of  these  men  to  perfect  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  county. 

There  was  no  justice  of  the  peace  nor  other  officer  privileged  to  admin- 
ister an  oath,  until  Wm.  Edmundson  was  appointed  justice,  March  10, 
1844,  by  Gov.  Chambers,  in  accordance  with  the  privilege  granted  him  by 
act  of  the  legislature. 

If  the  reader  will,  in  imagination,  carry  himself  back  to  this  time,  and 
consider  the  condition  of  the  country  when  these  gentlemen  come  into  the 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


267 


county  lie  will  have  no  difficulty  in  realizing  that  the  work  of  organizing 
a frontier  county  was  no  easy  task.  No  local  map  of  the  country  had  ever 
been  made.  Roads  were  yet  a thing  to  come.  The  fords  of  the  river  had 
not  been  discovered  and  the  homes  of  settlers  were  only  to  be  found  by  the 
sagacity  of  the  traveler,  who,  taking  the  sun  as  a guide,  would  set  out  in  a 
ride  of  from  15  to  30  miles,  over  a trackless  prairie,  in  search  of  a squatter’s 
cabin.  In  the  face  of  these  difficulties  the  sheriff  and  clerk  divided  the 
new  county  into  election  precincts  and,  with  the  aid  of  John  W.  Jones 
and  Wm.  A.  Delasli mutt,  succeeded  in  finding  and  appointing  election 
officers  sufficient  for  holding  the  first  election,  which' occurred  on  the  first 
Monday  in  April,  1844. 

As  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  the  following  were  the  precincts, 
and  members  of  the  election  board  in  this  first  election: 

Harrison—  Britton  Edwards,  John  Newell,  Jacob  Hamilton,  Ephraim 
Mansell,  and  Col.  Yance. 

Spring  Creek. — Jonathan  Williams,  Isaac  N.  Seevers,  D.  Bowers,  Geo.  W. 
Seevers,  and  William  Pilgrim.  The  polling  place  of  this  precinct  was  on 
the  farm  now  owned  by  James  Roberts,  about  one  mile  northeast  from  the 
county  seat. 

Jefferson. — A.  C.  Sharp,  Allen  Lowe,  Thomas  Long,  Thomas  Stanley, 
and  John  Long. 

White  Oak. — John  N.  Butler,  Henry  Bond,  Pleasant  Parker,  B.  Stone, 
and  Jacob  Hunter.  This  election  was  held  at  the  house  of  Henry  Bond. 

Six  Mile  Prairie. — G.  G.  Rose,  Thomas  Wilson,  Wesley  Freel,  William 
Bassett,  and  John  Patches. 

Monroe. — John  Hollingsworth,  Isaac  Bed  well,  M.  P.  Crowder,  Robert 
Ritchey,  and  George  Bailey. 

Bed  Rock. — William  E.  James,  Samuel  Geddis,  Argus  A.  Martin,  John 
H.  Mikesell,  and  John  Jordan.  Now  in  Marion  county. 

Jackson  (now  Scott). — Jacob  H.  Majors, Highland,  and  Hezekiah 

Gay. 

White  Breast. — J.  B.  Hamilton,  Albert  Yertreese,  Elias  Elder,  Osee 
Matthews,  and  Green  T.  Clark.  This  precinct  was  a part  of  what  is  now 
Marion  county. 

We  were  not  successful  in  discovering  the  number  of  votes  polled  at  this 
election,  which  resulted  in  the  choice  of  the  following  officers: 

John  White,  Probate  Judge;  Wm.  Edtnundson,  Sheriff*;  Wm.  Pilgrim, 
Recorder;  Wm.  D.  Canfield,  Treasurer;  W.  A.  Delaslimutt,  Assessor; 
Brittain  Edwards,  Coroner;  A.  S.  Nichols,  Wilson  Stanley,  and  Robert 
Curry,  County  Commissioners;  David  Stump,  Surveyor;  John  W.  Cun- 
ningham, Commissioner’s  Clerk. 

A few  days  later  these  men  were  sworn  into  office  and  the  machinery  of 
government  was  in  progress. 

, COUNTY  SEAT  CONTEST. 

The  act  of  the  Legislature  organizing  the  county  appointed  three  commis- 
sioners from  without  its  boundary,  who  were  supposed  to  be  an  impartial 
court  to  decide  the  question  of  locating  the  county  seat.  This  commission 
was  paid  for  at  the  rate  of  two  dollars  per  day  for  each  individual,  which 
seems  quite  a small  remuneration  for  the  hardships  and  privations  of  their 
ten  days’  tramp  through  the  wilderness. 


268 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  commission  was  composed  of  Jesse  "Williams,  of  Johnson  county; 
Ebenezer  Perkins,  of  Washington  county;  and  Thomas  Henderson,  of  Keo- 
kuk county. 

These  men,  on  May  11,  1844,  completed  their  task,  and  announced  their 
decision  as  follows: 


TERRITORY  OF  IOWA, 
Mahaska  County. 


May  11th,  1844. 


The  undersigned,  commissioners  appointed  by  the  thirteenth  section  of  an  act  entitled  An 
Act  to  Organize  the  Counties  of  Keokuk  and  Mahaska,  after  being  duly  qualified,  agreeably 
to  the  provisions  of  said  act,  have  come  unanimously  to  the  conclusion  to  locate  the  county 
seat  of  said  county,  and  do  hereby  locate  said  county  seat,  on  the  southeast  quarter  of  section 
thirteen  (13),  in  township  seventy-five  (75)  of  range  sixteen  (16). 


JESSE  WILLIAMS, 
THOMAS  HENDERSON, 
EBENEZER  PERKINS. 


This  quarter  section,  as  many  of  our  readers  well  know,  contains  the  bus- 
iness portion  and  many  of  the  dwellings  of  the  present  seat  of  justice,  Oska- 
loosa. 

Three  locations  were  pressed  for  the  choice  of  the  commission. 

1st.  Auburn,  a site  at  the  head  of  Six  Mile  Prairie,  its  advocates  claim- 
ing as  its  advantages,  its  location  on  the  river — an  argument,  it  is  said, 
which  had  considerable  force  with  the  commissioners;  it  was  also  claimed 
that  it  would  be  the  center  of  population  of  the  county,  under  the  impres- 
sion that  the  prairies  were  so  expensive  they  would  not  be  settled  up  for  gen- 
erations. 

2d.  The  geographical  center  of  the  county,  a spot  about  two  and  one-half 
miles  north  of  Oskaloosa.  This  was  objected  to  as  inaccessible,  and  of  bad 
physical  location. 

3d.  The  place  known  as  “ The  Narrows,”  the  final  choice  of  the  commis- 
sion. This  was  a point  on  the  water-shed  between  South  Skunk  river  and 
the  Des  Moines,  where  the  timber  land  from  either  stream  approached  al- 
most to  joining.  Before  the  country  was  settled,  this  point  could  be  seen  for 
twenty  miles  as  the  pioneer  approached  it  from  the  southeast,  and  the  ridge 
lined  on  either  side  by  the  timber  skirting  the  bordering  streams,  looked 
like  one  long  vista,  with  a gateway  of  green  at  the  limit  of  vision.  This 
water-shed  was  the  great  highway  of  travel  between  different  points  on  the 
Mississippi  and  Missouri,  or  far  west.  These  circumstances  induced  the  de- 
cision of  the  commissioners  in  favor  of  “ The  Narrows.”  They  favored  Os- 
kaloosa as  the  name  of  the  proposed  town,  but  some  of  the  citizens  wished 
the  county  seat  to  have  the  same  name  as  the  county,  Mahaska,  and  owing 
to  the  difference  of  opinion,  the  locating  commissioners  left  the  name  of 
the  town  to  be  settled  by  the  county  commissioners,  but  recommended 
Oskaloosa  as  the  name.  Two  of  these  latter,  A.  S.  Nichols  and  Robert 
Curry,  met  at  the  appointed  place  on  May  13,  1844,  but  the  third  com- 
missioner, Wilson  Stanley,  not  being  present,  they  adjourned  till  the  day 
following,  when,  being  qualified,  they  proceeded  to  select  jurors  for  the 
first  term  of  the  District  Court,  and  provide  for  the  survey  of  the  county 
seat,  etc.,  etc. 

Wm.  D.  Canfield,  not  liking  the  name  Mahaska,  asked  the  commission  to 
choose  another  name.  M.  T.  Williams  proposed  Oskaloosa.  The  sentiment 
of  the  bystanders  was  taken,  and  a large  majority  favored  the  suggestion  of 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


269 


Mr.  Williams,  and  the  following  entry  was  made  by  the  clerk  of  the 
Board : 

Ordered , By  the  board,  that  Oskaloosa  shall  be  the  name  of  the  seat  of  justice  of  Mahaska 
county. 


HISTORY  OF  NAMES  OSKALOOSA  AND  MAHASKA. 

Onr  readers  will,  perhaps,  feel  interested  in  knowing  the  origin  of  this 
name.  We  are  informed  that  the  proper  spelling  is  Onscaloosa.  Ousca- 
loosa,  of  Indian  history  or  tradition,  was  a Creek  princess.  The  Semin oles 
made  war  upon  the  Creeks,  and  destroyed  the  whole  body  of  warriors.  The 
father  of  Ouscaloosa  was  among  the  slain,  and  she,  with  all  the  women  of 
the  Creeks,  was  taken  prisoner.  Eventually  Osceola,  a chief  of  the  Semi- 
noles,  made  her  his  wife,  and  gave  her  the  Seminole  name  Ouscaloosa,  mean- 
ing “ The  Last  of  the  Beautiful.” 

Apropos,  we  quote  from  the  Herald  of  1853: 

Oskaloosa!  Oskaloosa! 

What  a beauteous  name; 

Who’d  have  thought  a wee  papoose 
Ever  bore  the  same  ? 

Once  it  was  an  Indian  baby, 

Then  a chieftain’s  mate; 

Now  a city,  next  it  may  be 
Capital  of  state. 

’Tis  a name  of  progress  fairly, 

And  the  poet’s  song 

Is  in  droll  diffusions  rarely 
Helping  it  along. 

Go  ahead,  fair  Oskaloosa, 

Great  and  growing  name! 

Who’d  have  thought  a wee  papoose 
Ever  bore  the  same  V 

November  28th , 1853.  G.  W.  S. 

For  the  current  spelling  of  Oskaloosa  the  first  clerk  was  responsible,  who 
never  having  seen  the  name  in  print,  guessed  at  the  orthography.  If  the 
clerks  at  the  post-office  are  to  be  believed,  some  other  persons  who  live  else- 
where have  “ guessed  ” differently,  and  with  various  results,  as  Oskalusa, 
Oscalosa,  Oscaloosa,  Oskalusa,  Oscaloocy,  Oskeloosa,  Oskloosa,  Oskalooca, 
Oskalouisa,  Osklusa,  Auskalucy,  Oskaloosee,  Oskalucy,  Oskalusee,  Oscal- 
lusa,  Oskilucy,  Oskalloosy,  Oskaleucy,  Oskalloosa,  Auskaloosa,  Auskiloocy, 
etc.,  etc. 

Mahaska,  the  name  of  the  county,  was  that  of  an  Iowa  chief,  meaning,  in 
our  language,  White  Cloud.  For  the  following  interesting  sketch  of  his 
life,  we  are  indebted  to  a work  in  the  State  Library : 

LIFE  OF  MAHASKA. 

“Mahaska,  or  White  Cloud,  the  elder,  was  the  son  of  Mauhawgaw  or  the 
Wounding  Arrow,  who  was  principal  chief  of  the  Panhoochee  or  pierced 
nose  band  of  Indians.  Mauhawgaw  emigrated,  some  hundred  and  fifty 
years  ago,  from  Michillmacinac  to  the  west  bank  of  the  Iowa  River,  and 


270 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


selected  a position  near  its  moutli,  where  his  hand  kindled  their  fires  and 
smoked  their  pipes  to  the  Great  Spirit.  The  name  given  to  this  river  by 
Mauhawgaw,  was  Neohony,  or  the  Master  of  Rivers. 

“ Having  built  his  village,  he  was  greeted  with  a salutation  from  the  Sioux. 
A pipe  was  sent  to  him  by  that  tribe,  with  an  invitation  to  a dog  feast,  made 
in  honor  of  the  Great  Spirit.  He  accepted  the  invitation  and  joined  in  the 
ceremony.  Whilst  at  the  feast,  and  no  doubt  reposing  in  the  most  perfect 
security,  he  was  suddenly  attacked;  but  though  surprised  he  succeeded  in 
killing  one  man  and  three  woman,  before  he  was  slain.  This  outrage  upon 
the  national  honor  has  never  been  forgiven. 

“ The  Iowas,  indignant  at  the  conduct  of  the  Sioux,  resolved  immediately 
on  revenge.  They  raised  a war  party.  Of  this  party,  the  son  Mahaska  was 
the  legitimate  chief;  but  being  young,  and  having  never  distinguished  him- 
self in  battle,  he  declined  taking  the  command,  but  by  virtue  of  his  right  he 
conferred  upon  a distinguished  and  tried  warrior,  the  authority  to  lead  his 
warriors  against  the  Sioux — stating  at  the  time,  that  he  would  accompany 
the  expedition  as  a common  soldier,  and  light  until  he  should  acquire  exper- 
ience and  gain  trophies  enough  to  secure  to  him  the  confidence  of  his  peo- 
ple. 

u Arrangements  being  made,  the  party  marched  into  the  Sioux  country,  and 
gained  a great  victory ; taking  ten  of  the  enemy’s  scalps.  The  young  Makaska 
brought  home,  in  his  own  bunch,  the  scalp  of  the  Sioux  chief,  in  whose 
lodge  the  life  of  his  father  had  been  so  treacherously  taken. 

u Having  thus  shown  himself  a brave,  he  assumed  the  command  of  his  war- 
riors and  of  his  tribe.  His  war  adventures  were  numerous  and  daring.  He 
was  in  eighteen  battles  against  various  bands,  and  was  never  defeated.  In 
one  of  his  expeditions  against  the  Osages,  with  whom  his  conflicts  were 
many,  he  arrived  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Missouri,  and  while  there,  and 
engaged  in  trying  to  stop  and  effusion  of  blood  from  his  nose,  he  espied  a 
canoe  descending  the  river,  in  which  wTere  three  Frenchmen;  wishing  to  cross 
over  with  his  party,  he  called  upon  the  Frenchmen  to  land  and  assist  him. 
The  Frenchmen  not  only  refused  but  fired  upon  the  Indians,  wounding  one 
of  the  White  Cloud’s  braves.  The  fire  wTas  instantly  returned,  which  killed 
one  of  the  Frenchmen. 

“ White  Cloud  had  so  far  taken  no  part  in  this  little  affair,  but,  seeing  one 
of  his  braves  wounded,  he  called  for  his  gun,  saying,  ‘ You  have  killed  one 
of  the  rascals,  I’ll  try  if  I cannot  send  another  along  with  him  to  keep  him 
company  to  the  Chee.’  Chee  means  the  house  of  the  Black  Spirit. 

“ As  usual,  the  whites  raised  a great  clamor  against  the  Iowas,  giving  out 
all  along  the  borders,  that  they  were  killing  the  settlers.  A party  was 
raised  and  armed,  and  marched  forthwith  against  Mahaska  and  his  warriors. 
They  were  overtaken — White  Cloud,  not  suspecting  their  designs  and  being 
conscious  of  having  committed  no  violence,  was  captured  and  thrust  into 
prison,  where  he  remained  many  months.  He  finally  made  his  escape  and 
succeeded  in  reaching  his  own  country  in  safety.  He  then  married  four 
wives.  It  is  the  custom  of  the  tribe,  when  husbands  or  brothers  fall  in  bat- 
tle, for  braves  to  adopt  their  wives  or  sisters.  White  Cloud  found,  on  his 
return,  four  sisters,  who  had  thus  been  deprived  of  their  protector,  all  of 
whom  he  married.  Of  these  Rantchewaima,  or  the  ‘ Female  Flying  Pigeon,’ 
was  one  of  the  youngest. 

“ Often,  after  White  Cloud  had  thus  settled  himself,  was  he  known  to  ex- 
press his  regret  at  having  permitted  his  warriors  to  fire  upon  the  Frenchmen. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


271 


On  those  occasions  lie  has  been  seen  to  look  upon  his  hand,  and  heard  to 
mutter  to  himself,  ‘ There  is  blood  on  it.’  He  rejoiced,  however,  in  the 
reflection  that  he  had  never  shed  the  blood  of  an  American.  And  yet  his 
father’s  death,  and  the  manner  of  it,  made  him  restless,  and  rendered  him  im- 
placable against  the  perpetrators  of  that  outrage,  and  their  allies. 

“ Hot  long  after  his  escape  from  prison  and  return  to  his  home,  and  soon 
after  his  marriage,  he  planned  an  expedition  against  the  Osages.  He 
resolved  to  march  with  a select  party  of  ten  braves,  to  the  Little  Osage  plains, 
which  lie  south  of  the  Missouri  river,  and  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles 
above  St.  Louis.  Arriving  at  the  plains,  a favorable  opportunity  soon 
offered,  which  was  seized  by  Majhaska  and  the  battle  commenced.  It  was 
his  misfortune,  early  in  the  conflict,  to  receive  a rifle  ball  in  his  leg,  just 
above  the  ankle.  He  had  succeeded,  however,  before  he  was  wounded,  in 
taking  three  of  the  enemy’s  scalps,  when  he  sought  a retreat,  and  found  one 
under  a large  log  that  lay  across  a watercourse.  The  Osages  followed  close 
upon  him  being  guided  by  the  blood  which  flowed  from  his  wound;  but  they 
lost  the  trail  on  arriving  at  the  watercourse;  for  Mahaska  had  taken  the 
precaution  to  step  into  the  water  some  distance  below  the  log,  by  which 
stratagem  he  misled  his  pursuers,  for  they  supposed  that  he  had  crossed 
over  at  the  place  where  they  last  saw  the  blood.  He  remained  under  the  log, 
which  lay  on  the  water,  with  just  so  much  of  his  nose  out  as  enabled  him 
to  breathe. 

“ In  the  night  when  all  was  silence,  save  the  tinkling  of  the  bells  of  the 
Indian  horses  in  the  plains  below,  Mahaska  left  his  place  of  concealment, 
and  coming  up  with  one  of  the  horses,  mounted  him  and  made  off  in  the 
direction  of  his  home,  which  was  on  the  river  Des  Moines.  Arriving  at  the 
Missouri  he  resorted  to  the  Indian  mode  of  crossing,  which  is  to  tie  one  end 
of  the  halter  around  the  head  or  neck  of  the  horse,  and  taking  the  other  end 
between  his  teeth,  he  drives  the  animal  into  the  water,  and  unites  his  own 
exertions  as  a swimmer,  to  those  of  the  horse,  and  is  by  this  means  carried 
over  in  safety. 

“ In  all  these  difficulties  he  took  care  not  to  part  with  either  his  gun  or  his 
scalps.  On  arriving  at  home  he  paraded  his  trophies,  and  ordered  the 
scalp  dance  to  be  danced.  Hot  being  able,  on  account  of  his  wound,  to 
lead  the  dance  himself,  he  placed  the  scalps  in  the  hands  of  Inthehono,  or 
the  ‘Big  Axe’,  who,  being  the  first  brave  of  his  band,  was  entitled  to  the  dis- 
tinction. Mahaska  accompanied  the  presentation  of  the  scalps  to  Big  Axe 
with  these  words:  ‘I  have  now  revenged  the  death  of  my  father.  My 
heart  is  at  rest.  I will  go  to  war  no  more.  I told  Mansliuchess,  or  Red 
Head  (meaning  Gen.  Clark),  when  I was  last  at  St.  Louis,  that  I would 
take  his  peace  talk.  My  word  is  out.  I will  fight  no  more.’ 

“ In  the  year  1824  Mahaska  left  home,  being  one  of  a party  on  an  em- 
bassy to  Washington,  leaving  his  wives  behind  him,  their  number  having 
increased  to  seven.  When  about  one  hundred  miles  from  home,  and  near 
the  mouth  of  the  river  Des  Moines,  having  killed  a deer,  he  stopped  to 
cook  a piece  of  it.  He  was  seated,  and  had  just  commenced  his  meal,  when 
lie  felt  himself  suddenly  struck  on  the  back.  Turning  round,  he  was  aston- 
ished to  see  Rantchewaime  standing  before  him,  with  an  uplifted  tomahawk 
inker  hand.  She  thus  accosted  him:  ‘Am  I your  wife?  Are  you  my 
husband?  If  so,  I will  go  with  you  to  the  Mawhehunneche  (or  the  Ameri- 
can big  house),  and  see  and  shake  the  hand  of  Incohonee  ’ (which  means 
great  father).  Mahaska  answered:  ‘Yes,  you  are  my  wife.  Iam  your 


272 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


husband.  I have  been  a long  time  from  you.  I am  glad  to  see  you.  You 
are  my  pretty  wife,  and  a brave  man  always  loves  to  see  a pretty  woman.’ 

“The  party  arrived  at  Washington.  ‘A  talk’  was  had  with  President 
Monroe.  The  present  of  a medal  was  made  to  Mahaska,  and  a treaty  was 
concluded  between  the  United  States  and  the  Iowas.  It  is  a treaty  of  ces- 
sion of  limits,  etc.,  and  of  consideration  thereof.  These  conditions  included 
a payment,  in  that  year,  of  five  hundred  dollars,  and  the  same  sum  an- 
nually for  ten  years  thereafter.  Provision  is  made  for  blankets,  farming 
utensils  and  cattle,  and  assistance  is  promised  them  in  their  agricultural 
pursuits,  under  such  forms  as  the  President  might  deem  expedient. 

“The  following  occurrence  happened  at  Washington: 

“ During  that  visit  Mahaska  would  occasionally  indulge  in  a too  frequent 
use  of  ardent  spirits.  On  one  of  these  occasions  he  was  exercising  one  of 
a husband’s  privileges  on  the  4 Flying  Pigeon.’  The  agent  hearing  the  scuf- 
fle, hastened  to  their  room.  Mahaska,  hearing  him  coming,  lifted  up  the 
window  sash  and  stepped  out,  forgetting  that  he  was  two  stories  from  the 
ground.  In  the  fall  he  broke  his  arm;  yet  so  accustomed  had  he  been  to 
fractures  and  wounds  that  he  insisted  on  riding  the  next  day,  over  rough 
roads  and  pavements,  a distance  of  at  least  two  miles  to  see  a cannon  cast. 
A few  days  after  he  sat  to  Mr.  King,  of  Washington,  for  his  portrait. 

“ On  his  return  to  his  country  and  to  his  home,  Mahaska  began  in  ear- 
nest to  cultivate  his  land.  He  built  for  himself  a double  log  house,  and 
lived  in  great  comfort.  This,  he  said,  was  in  obedience  to  the  advice  of  his 
great  father. 

“ Soon  after  his  return  to  his  home  it  was  his  misfortune  to  lose  his  favor- 
ite wife,  and  under  very  fearful  circumstances:  They  were  crossing  a tract 
of  country.  Mahaska  having  reason  to  apprehend  that  hostile  bands 
might  be  met  with,  kept  in  advance.  Each  was  on  horseback,  the  ‘Flying 
Pigeon  ’ carrying  her  child,  Mahaska  the  younger,  then  about  four  years  of 
age.  Turning  at  a certain  point  to  look  back  to  see  what  distance  his  wife 
was  from  him,  he  was  surprised,  his  position  being  a high  one,  enabling 
him  to  overlook  a considerable  extent  of  country,  not  to  be  able  to  see  her. 

“He  rode  back,  and  sad  to  relate,  alter  retracing  his  steps  some  five  or  six 
miles,  he  saw  her  horse  grazing  near  the  trail,  and  presently  the  body  of 
his  wife,  near  the  edge  of  a small  precipice,  with  her  child  resting  its  head 
upon  her  body.  The  horror  stricken  chief,  alighting  near  the  spot,  was 
soon  assured  of  her  death.  Standing  over  her  corpse,  he  exclaimed  in  his 
mother  tongue:  ‘Wau-cunda  menia-bratuskunee,  shimgan-menia-nanga- 
nappoo!  1 which,  being  interpreted  means,  ‘ God  Almighty ! I am  a bad 
man!  You  are  angry  with  me.  The  horse  has  killed  my  squaw.’  At 
that  moment  the  child  lifted  its  head  from  the  dead  body  of  its  mother  and 
said:  ‘Father,  my  mother  is  asleep.’ 

“The  inference  was  that  the  horse  had  stumbled  and  thrown  her.  The 
occurrence  took  place  about  four  days’  journey  from  his  house.  Mahaska, 
within  that  time,  was  soon  returning  to  his  lodge,  bearing  the  body  of 
Hantchewaime,  with  his  child  in  his  arms.  He  proceeded  at  once  to  dis- 
pose of  the  corpse.  His  first  business  was  to  gather  together  all  the  pres- 
ents that  had  been  made  to  her  at  Washington,  also  whatever  belonged  to 
her,  and  to  place  them,  with  the  body,  in  a rude  box;  and  then,  according 
to  the  custom  of  the  Indians  of  that  region,  the  box  was  placed  upon  a high 
scaffold. 

****** 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


275 


“ In  1833  the  son  of  an  Iowa  chief  of  distinction,  named  Crane,  was 
killed  by  the  Omahas.  A party  of  Iowas  applied  to  Mahaska  to  head 
them  in  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  He  replied:  4 1 have  buried  the  toma- 
hawk; I am  now  a man  of  peace.’  He  added:  ‘The  treaty  made  with 
our  great  father  provides  for  the  punishment  of  such  outrages.’  The  party, 
however,  resolved  that  they  would  punish  the  aggressors.  They  made  an 
incursion  into  the  enemies’  country,  and  returned  bringing  with  them  six 
scalps.  The  customary  feast  was  prepared,  and  all  was  made  ready  for  the 
scalp  dance;  but  Mahaska  refused  to  partake  of  the  one,  or  participate  in 
the  other. 

“The  murderershaving  been,  on  both  sides,  reported  to  the  Government, 
Gen.  Clark  was  directed  to  cause  the  Iowas  to  be  arrested.  This  duty 
was  assigned  to  their  agent,  Gen.  Hughes,  who  called  on  the  chief  Mahaska, 
to  whom  he  made  known  the  order.  Mahaska  answered:  ‘It  is  right. 

I will  go  with  you.’  The  offenders  were  arrested  and  conveyed  to  Fort 
Leavenworth.  While  confined  there,  one  of  the  prisoners  called  Mahaska 
to  the  window  of  his  cell,  and  looking  him  full  in  the  face  said:  ‘Inca 
(father),  if  ever  I get  out  of  this  place  alive,  I will  kill  you.  A brave 
man  should  never  be  deprived  of  his  liberty,  and  confined  as  I am.  You 
should  have  shot  me  at  the  village.’ 

“Unfortunately  for  Mahaska,  that  Indian  succeeded  in  making  his  escape 
from  the  prison.  He  forthwith  went  in  pursuit  of  the  object  of  his  re- 
venge. Mahaska  was  found  encamped  on  the  Nodaway,  about  sixty  miles 
from  his  village.  His  pursuer  and  party  attacked  him  with  guns,  toma- 
hawks and  clubs,  dnd  slew  him.  After  he  was  dead,  one  of  the  party 
remarked  that  ‘lie  was  the  hardest  man  to  kill  he  ever  knew’.  This  was  in 
1834,  Mahaska  being  then  about  fifty  years  old.  The  tidings  of  Mahaska’s 
death  soon  reached  his  village.  One  of  the  murderers  escaped  and  sought 
refuge  among  the  Ottoes;  but  on  learning  the  cause  of  his  visit  to  them, 
they  shot  him  in  their  camp.  The  other,  with  the  utmost  indifference, 
returned  to  the  village  of  the  murdered  chief.  Young  Mahaska,  now  the 
successor  of  his  father  and  principal  chief  of  the  nation,  on  hearing  the 
news  of  his  father’s  death,  and  that  one  of  the  murderers  had  returned  to 
the  village,  went  immediately  to  his  lodge,  killed  his  dogs  and  horses,  and 
with  his  knife  cut  and  ripped  his  lodge  in  every  possible  direction.  This 
last  act,  especially,  is  an  insult,  to  which  no  brave  man  will  submit. 
Having  hurled  this  defiance  at  one  of  the  murderers  of  his  father,  and 
expressed  his  contempt  for  him  under  every  possible  form,  he  turned  to 
the  assassin,  who  had  observed,  in  silence,  the  destruction  of  his  property, 
and  looking  him  sternly  in  the  face,  said:  ‘You  have  killed  the  greatest 
man  who  ever  made  a moccasin  track  on  the  Nodaway;  you  must,  there- 
fore, he  yourself  a great  man,  since  the  Great  Spirit  has  given  you  the 
victory.  To  call  you  a dog,  would  make  my  father  less  than  a dog.’  The 
squaw  of  the  murderer  exclaimed  to  her  husband,  ‘why  don’t  you  kill  the 
boy?’  He  replied,  ‘ he  is  going  to  be  a great  brave;  I cannot  kill  him.’ 
So  saying  he  handed  the  young  chief  a pipe,  which  he  refused,  saying,  ‘ I 
will  leave  you  in  the  hands  of  the  braves  of  my  nation.’  To  which  the 
inflexible  murderer  replied,  ‘I  am  not  going  to  run  away;  I’ll  meet  your 
braves  to-morrow.’  The  Indian  knew  full  well  the  fate  that  awaited  him. 
He  felt  that  his  life  was  forfeited,  and  meant  to  assure  the  young  chief* 
that  he  was  ready  to  pay  the  penalty. 

18 


276 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


“The  next  day  a general  council  was  convened;  the  case  was  submitted 
to  it;  the  unanimous  voice  was  ‘he  shall  die’;  it  was  further  decreed  that 
young  Mahaska  should  kill  him,  but  he  declined,  saying,  ‘1  cannot  kill  so 
brave  a man  whereupon  he  was  shot  by  one  of  the  principal  braves.  His 
body  was  left  on  the  ground  to  be  devoured  by  wolves,  as  a mark  of  the 
disgust  of  the  tribe,  and  of  their  abhorrence  of  the  assassin  of  their  chief. 

“ It  is  customary  among  the  Iowas  and  the  neighboring  tribes,  for  their 
wives  and  children  of  the  deceased  to  give  away  everything  which  had 
belonged  to  him  and  his  family.  This  custom  was  rigidly  adhered  to  on 
the  occasion  of  Mahaska’s  death.  His  squaw  went  into  mourning  and 
poverty.  The  mourning  was  kept  up  for  six  months,  and  consists,  in 
addition  to  the  blacking  of  the  face,  in  much  wailing  and  in  the  utterance 
of  long  and  melancholy  howls.  At  its  expiration,  the  tribe  present  the 
mourners  with  food  and  clothing  and  other  necessaries  of  savage  life.  One 
of  Mahaska’s  widows,  however,  named  Mis-sor-ali-tar-ra-haw,  which  means 
the  ‘ female  deer  that  bounds  over  the  plains  ’,  refused  to  be  comforted, 
saying  her  husband  4 was  a great  brave  and  was  killed  by  dogs’,  meaning 
low,  vulgar  fellows.  Mahaska  was  six  feet  two  inches  in  height,  possessed 
great  bodily  strength  and  activity,  and  was  a man  of  perfect  symmetry  of 
person,  and  of  uncommon  beauty.” 

COMMISSIONER’S  COURT. 

But  to  return  to  the  commissioner’s  court.  On  Tuesday  morning,  May 
14,  1844,  the  commissioners  chose  the  following  as  the 

FIRST  GRAND  JURY. 

James  Vance,  George  Argabright,  John  Rose,  Aaron  D.  Bowers,  Richard 
Parker,  Adam  Cline,  Michael  S.  Morris,  Osee  Matthews,  George  W.  Jones, 
Jefferson  Chitwood,  William  Bean,  James  Higgenbothem,  Wellington 
Nosman,  James  Comstock,  Adam  Storts,  William  Welch,  John  Shelledy, 
Harmon  Davis,  John  B.  Stewart,  Brantly  Stafford,  Jacob  Crane,  Alexander 
May,  and  John  Vance. 

PETIT  JURY". 

John  Newel,  Samuel  Peters,  John  D.  Baldwin,  Thomas  Brooks,  Alfred 
Seevers,  William  Bovel,  Robert  Hammond,  Thomas  Fancher,  Jacob  Nor- 
dike,  James  Seevers,  William  D.  Brown,  James  Ross,  Alfred  Hood,  Solo- 
omon  Barber,  Pleasant  Parker,  Green  T.  Clark,  John  P.  Majors,  Joseph 
H.  Benedict,  Thomas  Williams,  Isaac  Barker,  Wesley  A.  Freed,  Thomas 
Wilson,  Robert  Curry,  jr.,  and  Benjamin  Thomas. 

On  the  same  day  the  county  was  divided  into  the  following  elective  pre- 
cincts, viz: 

1,  White  Oak  Grove;  2,  Muchakinock;  3,  Oskaloosa;  4,  Harrisburgh; 
5,  North  Fork;  6,  Skunk  River;  7,  Black  Oak  Grove;  8,  Lake  Prairie; 
9,  White  Breast;  10,  Cedar;  11,  West  Half  Poweshiek;  and  12,  East  Half 
Poweshiek.  The  record  shows  that  in  the  preparation  of  documents  the 
commissioners  were  compelled  to  adopt  an  impromptu  seal,  and  they 
selected  for  the  time,  the  “ eagle  side  of  a dime.”  In  that  day  we  find  that 
“corner  groceries”  enjoyed  life,  liberty  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness  at  a 
cost  of  twenty -five  dollars  per  year,  and  in  the  same  proportion  for  a shorter 
time. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


277 


The  town  of  Oskaloosa  was  laid  out  by  David  Stump,  county  surveyor, 
and  a day  appointed  in  June  for  the  public  sale  of  lots.  On  account  of  the 
opposition  made  by  the  Six  Mile  Prairie  settlers  the  lots  sold  very  low, 
and  after  several  had  been  sacrificed,  the  commissioners  stopped  the  sale. 
The  remaining  lots  were  sold  by  M.  T.  Williams,  at  private  sale,  ranging 
in  price  from  five  to  fifty  dollars.  M.  T.  Williams,  as  lot  agent,  was 
required  to  give  certificates  of  purchase,  with  the  conditions  that  the  com- 
missioners should  not  be  called  upon  to  make  deeds  until  the  board  should 
obtain  a title  to  the  same  from  the  United  States. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  the  agent  for  1845,  upon  the  sale  of  the 
above  mentioned  lots,  as  taken  from  the  commissioners’  records: 


Whole  number  of  lots  sold 192 

Whole  amount  for  which  they  sold $4,032.30 

Whole  amount  received  as  first  payment 529.55 

Whole  amount  of  notes  taken 3,502.85 

I have  paid  to  Treasurer,  in  notes 3,092.49 


$ 410.36 

Of  which  amount  I have  collected 352.75 


Notes  yet  in  my  hands $ 57.81 

Add  to  this  the  whole  amount  received  by  me 882.30 


in  any  way,  which  amounts  to  $ 940.11 

Deduct  from  this  the  amount  disbursed,  which  is 859.87 


Leaves  in  my  hands  the  sum  of $ 80.24 

Deduct  from  this  the  notes  of  agent  calculated  in  the  above 92.75 


Amount  due  agent $ 12.51 

All  of  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted. 

M.  T.  Williams, 

January  8,  1846.  Agent . 


It  will  be  seen  by  this  that  the  lots  were  sold  mostly  on  credit,  only  one- 
eighth  being  required  in  cash,  and  the  remainder  in  notes.  The  highest 
price  paid  for  any  one  lot  which  we  noticed  on  the  record  was  fifty-six 
dollars.  Lot  5,  block  19,  where  the  Downing  House  now  stands,  was  sold 
June  9,  1844,  to  Harmon  Davis,  for  $41.  At  this  time  (1878)  it  is  prob- 
ably worth,  unimproved,  about  $8,000,  or  $133-J  per  foot  front. 

The  legislature,  by  their  act  of  organization,  appointed  another  election 
to  be  held  in  August  of  this  same  year  (1844).  The  county  seat  question 
entered  largely  into  the  contest,  the  Six  Mile  Prairie  settlers  making 
strenuous  elforts  to  have  it  removed.  Tickets  were  nominated  according 
to  the  views  of  the  candidates  upon  the  seat  of  justice,  and  the  result  was  a 
large  majority  in  favor  of  Oskaloosa,  which  forever  settled  the  question  of 
county  seat  in  Mahaska  county,  save  that  the  Six  Mile  Prairie  people  were 
deeply  chagrined,  and  for  a time  strongly  refused  to  vote  for  any  candidate 
who  lived  in  the  vicinity  of  Oskaloosa. 

FIRST  COURT. 

The  first  court  ever  held  in  Mahaska  county  was  in  July,  1844.  The 
judge  was  Hon.  Joseph  Williams,  of  Muscatine,  who  was  judge  in  the 
second  judicial  district  of  the  Territory  of  Iowa.  The  names  of  the  jurors 
have  been  already  mentioned.  The  court  was  maintained  at  the  expense 


278 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


of  the  United  States  government,  and  had  both  Federal  and  local  jurisdic- 
tion. There  was  but  little  business  demanding  attention  at  this  term  of 
court,  and  perhaps  might  have  been  attended  to  in  a single  day.  But  as 
the  most  important  business  was  drawing  the  fees,  it  continued  in  session 
an  entire  week,  adjourning  from  day  to  day.  The  court  was  held  in  an 
unfinished  log  house,  owned  by  Win.  D.  Canfield  and  located  within  the 
present  limits  of  Oskaloosa.  The  building  w^as  not  floored,  but  a joist  was 
laid  across  one  end,  and  some  loose  planks  thrown  upon  cross  pieces  fur- 
nished a rostrum  for  the  judge  and  clerk;  a plank  placed  upon  two  flour 
barrels  supplied  the  lack  of  a desk.  Thus  enthroned  the  court  was  opened. 
The  grand  jury  sat  in  a hollow  about  a quarter  of  a mile  north  of  the 
square,  in  the  prairie  grass.  A few  minutes  session  in  the  morning  found 
them  taking  a recess  till  afternoon,  when  an  adjournment  till  the  fol- 
lowing morning  would  secure  another  day’s  fees.  The  attorneys  in  attend- 
ance, so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  learn,  were  W.  W.  Chapman,  Major 
Thompson,  U.  S.  attorney,  Chris.  W.  Slagle  and  Geo.  Atchison  (both  of 
which  latter  now  live  in  Fairfield),  John  W.  Alley,  of  Red  Rock,  and 
Henry  Temple,  of  Oskaloosa,  now  of  Cass  county.  Those  attending  court 
were  compelled,  at  night,  to  spread  over  the  prairies  in  quest  of  lodging, 
as  Oskaloosa  at  that  time  could  scarcely  accommodate  a corporal’s  guard. 

We  make  the  following  extract  from  the  official  records: 

Monday,  July  15,  1844,  being1  the  third  Monday  of  July,  the  day  appointed  by  law  for  the 
commencement  of  the  July  term  of  the  District  Court  for  the  county  aforesaid,  at  Oskaloosa, 
the  established  seat  of  justice  in  said  county,  the  Hon.  Joseph  Williams,  judge  of  the  second 
judicial  district,  failing  to  appear,  the  court  was  adjourned,  from  day  to  day,  by  the  sheriff, 
in  pursuance  of  an  order  of  the  said  judge,  until  the  third  day. 

The  judge  arriving  on  Wednesday,  July  17,  Wm.  Thompson,  Esq.,  was 
appointed  United  States  attorney  pro  tern , and  C.  W.  Slagle,  district  at- 
torney pro  tern. . The  records  show  eight  civil  and  four  criminal  cases  on 
the  docket.  One  jury  case  was  tried,  and  the  grand  jury  brought  in  four 
indictments  as  follows,  to-wit: 

United  States  ) 
vs.  > 

• A.  W.  Blair.  ) 

United  States  ) 
vs.  >- 

Wilson  Stanley.  ) 

United  States  ) 
vs.  >• 

Jno.  P.  Majors.  ) 

United  States  ) 

vs.  > Indictment  for  larceny. 

John  George.  ) 

On  motion  of  Wm.  Thompson,  Alfred  LotSpeich,  Esq.,  was  admitted  to 
practice  at  the  bar  as  an  attorney  and  counselor  at  law  and  solicitor  in 
chancery. 

On  motion  the  temporary  seal  of  the  court  was  declared  to  be  the  eagle 
side  of  a twentydive  cent  piece  of  American  coin. 

The  jury  trial  above  mentioned  was  that  of  James  Hall , appellee , v< 
Joseph  Koons , a suit  of  forcible  entry  and  detainer,  caused  by  a conflict  of 
claims.  Court  adjourned  on  Saturday,  July  20, 


Indictment  for  assault  with  intent  to  inflict  great  bodily  injury. 


Indictment  for  selling  liquor  to  the  Indians.  Bailt  $200. 
Indictment  for  intent  to  inflict  great  bodily  injury. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


279 


In  the  following  year,  July  28,  1845,  by  this  same  court,  was  issued  the 
first  set  of  naturalization  papers  granted  in  this  county. 

For  the  following  sketch  of  Hon.  Joseph  Williams  we  are  indebted  to 
the  pen  of  W.  M.  Donnel: 

As  Judge  Williams  was  a somewhat  noted  character,  more  particularly 
for  eccentricity  than  for  legal  attainments,  though  we  believe  he  had  the 
reputation  of  being  a good  Judge,  we  deem  it  proper  to  give  a brief  sketch 
of  him. 

With  regard  to  his  history  we  know  but  little,  either  previous  to  the 
time  at  which  we  are  writing  or  since — at  that  time  he  was  about  fifty  years 
of  age  and  had  worn  the  Ermine  many  years.  In  a territorial  act  fixing  the 
terms  of  the  District  Courts,  approved  January,  1839,  we  find  his  name  as 
appointee  over  what  was  then  called  the  2d  District,  composed  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Louisa,  Muscatine,  Cedar,  Johnson,  and  Slaughter.  He  was  a person 
of  remarkable  good  conversational  powers,  and  delighted  in  telling  anecdotes. 
His  musical  talent  was  much  above  the  average,  both  vocal  and  instrumen- 
tal. Often,  after  delivering  a temperance  lecture  full  of  eloquence,  and  inter- 
spersed with  humorous  passages,  he  would  sing  a favorite  song  called  “Lit- 
tle Billy  Neal,”  with  an  effect  seldom  surpassed,  calling  up  an  applause  of 
such  hearty  boisterous  delight  as  has  seldom  greeted  a star  actor.  He  was 
master  of  most  musical  instruments,  but  for  drawing  tunes  out  of  that 
sweetest  toned  of  all,  “the  fiddle  and  the  bow,”  he  was  particularly  distin- 
guished in  this  attainment.  In  addition  to  his  vocal  talent  as  a singer,  he 
possessed  that  wierd,  mysterious  power  of  using  his  voice  as  a ventriloquist, 
and  could  imitate  the  cry  of  various  kinds  of  animals  so  correctly  that  the 
uninitiated  could  not  fail  being  deceived.  He  would  sometimes  imitate  the 
squalling  of  a belligerent  cat,  to  the  great  alarm  and  mistification  of  the 
ladies,  who  could  neither  discover  the  brawler,  nor  learn  from  whence  the 
noise  came. 

At  this  point  we  beg  leave  to  introduce  a couple  of  anecdotes  bearing 
upon  his  notoriety  as  a musician:  Many  years  ago,  on  the  occasion  of  a 
convention  at  Iowa  city,  in  the  interests  of  a proposed  railroad  from  Musca- 
tine to  that  place,  Judge  Williams  and  Le  Grand  Byington  were  in  violent 
opposition  to  each  other  upon  some  points  of  which  we  are  not  informed, 
nor  does  it  matter,  so  far  as  the  interest  of  this  sketch  is  concerned.  After 
the  convention,  a young  amateur  in  the  arj^  of  drawing,  produced  a carica- 
ture representing  Joe  Williams  seated  astride  an  enormous  bull,  playing  a 
clarionet.  The  bull  was  on  the  railroad,  with  tail  erect  and  head  down,  paw- 
ing up  the  dirt,  and  prepared  to  combat  the  further  progress  of  a locomotive 
which  was  close  upon  him,  upon  which  was  Le  Grand  Byington  as  engineer, 
and  from  the  whistle  of  which  ascended  the  words,  “ Music  hath  charms,  but 
cannot  soothe  a locomotive.” 

On  another  occasion,  being  that  of  an  election  of  supreme  judge  and 
United  State  senator,  by  the  state  senate,  Judge  Williams  was  before  the 
democratic  caucus  for  the  judgeship,  and  Geo.  W.  Jones  (sometimes  called 
Nancy  Jones,  and  known  as  a dancing  master)  for  the  senate.  Their  com- 
petitors of  the  same  party  were  S.  C.  Hastings,  formerly  president  of  the 
territorial  council,  for  the  judgeship,  and  Hon.  T.  Wilson  for  the  senate. 
The  last  named  gentlemen  were  at  Iowa  City  just  previous  to  the  time  of 
election,  laboring  earnestly  with  the  members  of  the  senate  to  secure  their 
choice.  But  at  the  caucus,  which  came  off  during  the  night  preceding  the 
da y of  election,  it  was  decided  to  elect  Williams  and  Jones. 


280 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  QOUNTY. 


The  following  additional  particulars  of  this  incident  are  from  a letter  of 
Mr.  Babbitt,  published  in  the  Annals  of  Iowa  for  October,  1870: 

After  the  adjournment  of  the  caucus,  all  hands  were  invited  by  Jones,  Dodg-e,  Williams, 
and  other  successful  candidates,  to  partake  of  an  oyster  supper  and  free  whisky,  at  a saloon 
near  by,  which  invitation  was  pretty  generally  accepted,  and  at  which  the  defeated  candi- 
dates partook  freely  of  the  last  refreshment  named.  About  12  o’clock  the  party  broke  up 
and  the  members  retired  to  their  rooms.  The  defeated  candidates,  Wilson  and  Hastings, 
were  very  much  excited  over  their  defeat,  so  much  so,  that  they  walked  from  room  to  room, 
bewailing  their  fate  and  declaring  that  they  had  been  repudiated  by  the  Democracy.  A 
friend  attempted  to  console  them,  telling  them  that  they  were  not  repudiated,  but  that  other 
Democrats  had  more  friends  in  the  caucus  than  they,  whereupon  Wilson  exclaimed,  “If  I had 
been  beaten  by  a high-minded,  honorable  man,  I could  have  stood  it  without  a murmur;  but 
to  be  defeated  by  a dancing-master,  ruins  my  reputation  forever.”  To  this  speech  Hastings 
responded  as  follows:  “ Wilson,  you  have  been  defeated  by  a high-minded,  honorable  man, 
a gentleman,  a dancing-master,  I congratulate  you,  but  for  me  there  is  no  consolation,  for, 
by the  fiddler  beat  me.” 

But  we  hardly  dare  to  close  this  sketch  without  relating  an  instance  of 
his  peculiar  power  as  a ventriloquist  It  occurred  during  the  first  term  of 
the  District  Court  at  Knoxville.  Most  of  those  attending  court  there 
boarded  at  Babbitt’s,  and  it  so  happened  that  one  night  that  the  little  board- 
ing house  was  so  full  that  it  was  barely  possible  for  all  to  find  sleeping 
room.  The  Judge,  with  lawyers  Knapp,  Wright,  and  Olney,  were  supplied 
with  beds  in  the  lower  story,  whilst  the  jurors  and  numerous  other  attend- 
ants found  room  to  stretch  themselves  on  the  loose  upper  floor,  using  blan- 
kets, coats  and  whatever  else  they  had  provided  for  beds.  When  after 
much  ado  they  had  all  got  settled  down  for  a nap,  they  were  suddenly 
startled  by  the  terriffic  squalling  of  what  appeared  to  be  a couple  of  Tom- 
cats in  mortal  combat  in  the  room.  Instantly  all  hands  were  np  and  in 
search  of  the  supposed  disturbers,  but  no  cats  could  be  found,  and  the  sur- 
prised boarders  returned  to  their  beds  without  any  very  satisfactory  conjec- 
tures as  to  the  w’hereabouts  of  the  nocturnal  brawlers.  But  they  had  hardly 
composed  themselves  again  for  rest,  when  the  loud  and  boisterous  growling 
and  snapping  of  a couple  of  be  ligerent  bull-dogs,  apparently  in  their  very 
midst,  brought  them  all  up  standing.  And  then  followed  an  uproar  such 
as  language  could  convey  but  an  indistinct  idea  of,  the  dogs  maintaining 
the  combat  with  mingled  growling,  barking,  and  whining,  and  the  men 
endeavoring  with  all  the  noise  they  could  make,  to  oust  them  from  the 
room.  How  they  came  to  be  there  was  a wonder  indeed,  but  the  evidence 
of  their  presence  was  too  unmistakable  to  admit  of  a doubt,  even  in  total 
darkness.  Presently  the  fight  ceased,  and  with  that  the  general  uproar 
abated.  Then  came  a solution  of  the  mystery.  The  judge  and  lawyers 
could  no  longer  restrain  their  merriment  at  the  expense  of  the  frightened 
and  mystified  lodgers  up  stairs,  but  let  it  come  in  a gush  of  laughter  that 
quickly  reminded  some  of  the  company  that  the  judge  was  a ventriloquist, 
and  had  undoubtedly  just  played  them  one  of  his  mysterious  tricks.  But 
so  far  from  being  offended  at  it,  they  took  a sensible  view  of  its  ludicrous- 
ness, and  all  joined  heartily  in  the  laugh. 

Judge  Joseph  Williams  above  referred  to  should  not  be  confounded  by 
young  readers  with  M.  T.  Williams,  the  clerk  of  the  first  court,  and  cur- 
rently known  as  Judge  Williams.  This  latter  gentleman  is  not  eccentric, 
nor  a great  fiddler,  nor  a ventriloquist.  The  only  analogy  we  think  ot  is  in 
his  temperance  proclivities  and  his  ability  to  tell  a good  story. 

M.  T.  Williams  is  justly  regarded  as  one  of  the  oracles  of  Mahaska 
county.  His  duties  as  first  clerk  of  the  county  brought  him  in  contact 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


281 


with  its  pioneers  and  territory  in  such  a manner  as  to  afford  him  a more 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  very  early  history  of  Mahaska,  than  any  other 
man  now  living.  Sometimes  Mr.  Williams  is  induced  by  his  friends,  pub- 
licly, or  in  a small  circle,  to  narrate  his  early  experience  and  reminieences 
which  he  can  do  in  a most  irresistible  manner.  The  judge  is  not  fond  of 
making  a speech,  not  for  the  reason  which  kept  “Single  Speech  Hamilton’’ 
in  the  background,  but  from  an  unassuming  and  retiring  disposition,  and 
a probable  under  estimation  of  his  own  abilities,  for  the  judge  can  make  a 
good  address.  This  peculiarity,  the  modesty  of  Mr.  Williams,  is  illustrated 
by  the  following  anecdote: 

In  an  early  day  when  he  was  running  for  County  Clerk  and  without  any 
opposing  candidate,  he  was,  after  much  persuasion,  induced  to  go  out  with 
a campaign  speaker  from  abroad,  to  hold  a meeting  in  a school  house  in  one 
of  the  border  townships.  While  on  the  way  the  stranger  asked  Williams 
how  the  Whig  ticket  was  going  to  run  in  the  county? 

“Oh,  I guess  all  right,  unless  it  be  the  clerk,”  said  M.  T. 

“ Clerk!  why,  what  is  the  matter  with  that?  are  you  not  popular,  Will- 
iams?” 

“ Ho,  not  very,  I guess.  Some  of  the  Democrats  are  finding  fault.” 

“Well,  who  is  running  against  you?” 

“Oh — well — ahem — oh — there  is  not  anybody  else  running  in  particu- 
lar.” 

Of  course  the  laugh  was  on  the  agitated  independent  candidate,  with  no 
apponent  in  the  field. 

Mr.  Williams  has  served  two  terms  in  the  Iowa  legislature,  beginning 
with  1854  and  1862.  He  was  one  of  three  commissioners  appointed  to 
locate  the  capital  of  Polk  county,  in  1846.  One  of  these  did  not  appear, 
and  another  was  taken  sick  while  on  the  expedition,  so  that  the  act  of  locat- 
ing Des  Moines  City  was  substantially  the  work  of  Mr.  Williams  alone. 
He  was  a trustee  of  the  State  Insane  Asylum  for  six  years,  from  1868  till 
1874,  and  in  this  position  rendered  the  State  good  service.  We  are  in- 
formed by  one  who  knows,  that  to  a plan  of  Mr.  Williams’,  the  visitor  to 
the  beautiful  grounds  of  that  institution  is  indebted  for  the  fine  avenue  and 
serpentine  drive  by  which  the  asylum  is  approached — an  external  adorn- 
ment which  commands  the  admiration  of  the  explorer  above  all  things  else 
there  to  be  seen. 

To  the  stranger  Mr.  Williams  seems  somewhat  reserved  and  uncommuni- 
cative, but  to  those  who  know  his  peculiarities  he  is  in  their  eyes  the  es- 
sence of  geniality  and  good  nature.  Socially  he  is  most  entertaining,  and 
is  one  of  those  good  hearted  old  men  whom  young  people  feel  like  calling 
“ Uncle,”  and  who  is  grandfather  to  all  good  little  children.  His  enjoy- 
ment of  company  is  proverbial,  nor  do  his  friends  suffer  him  to  be  lonely. 
He  is  fond  of  reading,  especially  of  current  and  magazine  literature. 

The  minutes  of  his  life,  as  given  on  another  page,  show  him  to  have  been 
a constant  worker,  and  one  who  has  attended  strictly  to  his  own  affairs. 
Mr.  W.  is  not  what  would  be  termed  a,  positive  man.  He  does  not  surprise 
nor  startle  people.  Ho  man  has  a more  honorable  record.  Pew  men  have 
not  more  enemies. 

Mr.  Williams  is  now  living  in  Oskaloosa,  and  is  its  oldest  inhabitant. 
He  enjoys  a good  law  practice  and  the  comforts  of  a well  deserved  and 
pleasant  home. 

As  has  been  stated,  the  organizing  sheriff  of  the  county  and  the  bailiff  of 


282 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


this  first  court  was  ¥m.  Edmundson.  This  gentleman  has  a history  quite 
intimately  connected  with  early  times  in  Mahaska,  and  of  considerable  in- 
terest in  and  of  itself. 

Mr.  Edmundson  was  a Kentuckian,  born  in  Harrison  county,  in  that 
State,  October  7,  1805.  Here  he  spent  his  boyhood,  and  enjoyed  a good 
common  school  education,  but  never  attended  college.  When  a young 
man  of  22,  he  removed  with  his  father’s  family  to  Putnam  county,  Indiana, 
and  subsequently  to  Rockville,  in  that  State.  From  this  place,  in  1832,  he 
enlisted  with  a company,  ^raised  in  Park  and  the  adjoining  county,  for  the 
Black  Hawk  war.  The  company  reached  the  scene  of  trouble,  but  we  believe 
was  not  actively  engaged.  The  most  celebrated  event  in  the  expedition  was 
the  ridiculous  fright  of  a boasting  captain  over  a sham  ambush  prepared 
by  his  own  party.  The  expedition  lasted  about  three  months. 

After  his  return,  Edmundson  took  a boat-load  of  provisions  to  Hew  Or- 
leans. Here  he  sold  these  to  a speculator,  who  took  them  to  Texas,  and 
Mr.  Edmundson  went  with  him  to  secure  his  pay.  This  speculator  proved 
to  be  a sharper, and  Mr.  Edmundson  staid  with  him  some  eighteen  months 
before  lie  recovered  the  price  of  his  cargo.  During  this  time  Edmundson’s 
people  in  Indiana  knew  nothing  of  his  whereabouts,  as  he  had  determined 
not  to  write  home,  nor  return  until  he  could  come  back  with  a good  report 
of  his  expedition.  He  was  in  Texas  at  the  time  of  the  revolution  in  that 
State. 

In  1836  young  Edmundson’s  father  having  died  in  Indiana,  the  entire 
family  removed  to  Des  Moines  county,  Iowa,  where  William  engaged  in 
farming.  Here  he  served  several  years  as  justice  of  the  peace,  and  one  year 
as  county  commissioner.  January  25,  1838,  he  married  Miss  Priscilla  De- 
pew, of  Park  county,  Indiana.  This  wife  died  May  31,  1843,  leaving  two 
children,  James  D.  and  William. 

Leaving  the  little  boys  with  their  sister,  Mr.  Edmundson  removed  to 
Fairfield,  and  in  the  same  year,  1843,  to  Mahaska  county,  where  he  made  a 
claim  and  commenced  “keeping  bach”  on  the  same,  not  far  from  what  was 
known  as  Auburn. 

His  appointment  as  first  sheriff  and  justice  of  the  peace  in  Mahaska  di- 
verted his  attention  from  farming,  and  after  serving  in  these  capacities 
some  six  years,  in  1850,  he,  with  his  brother  David,  went  to  California,  and 
remained  there  until  the  spring  of  1855,  from  which  time  he  made  his 
home  in  Oskaloosa.  It  should  have  been  mentioned  that  Mr.  Edmundson 
represented  the  county  in  the  Iowa  legislature  during  the  session  of  1847- 
8,  being  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  John  W.  Smith. 
Fie  died  at  Albia,  Monroe  county,  September,  1862,  where  he  had  gone  on 
a business  trip. 

In  Mr.  Edmundson’s  character  there  were  many  things  to  admire,  and 
some  things  unfortunate.  He  was  an  honest  and  upright  citizen,  and  in- 
spired the  confidence  of  his  friends.  He  was  fine  looking  and  intelligent, 
fond  of  reading,  and  of  good  attainments.  He  was  a dreamer,  and  some- 
what visionary.  To  some  extent  he  lacked  decision  and  executive  force, 
though  he  made  a good  sheriff.  He  was  not  a man  of  strong  affection,  nor 
eminent  social  qualities,  though  when  in  the  spirit  was  an  excellent 
talker. 

The  following  is  the  first  marriage  license  appearing  on  the  county 
records; 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


283 


Samuel  C.  Nicholson, 

Eleanor  May. 

TERRITORY  OE  IOWA,  ) 

Mahaska  County.  f The  United  States  of  America. 

To  any  person  duly  authorized  to  solemnize  marriages  in  said  county , greeting : 

You  are  hereby  authorized  to  solemnize  marriage  between  Mr.  Samuel  C.  Nicholson  and 
Miss  Eleanor  May,  and  this  shall  be  your  voucher,  and  make  due  return  thereof  within  three 
months  from  this  date. 

Given  under  my  hand,  with  the  temporary  seal  of  the  district  court  of  said  county  affixed  at 
Oskaloosa,  this  30th  day  of  May,  A.  D.  1844. 

M.  T.  Williams,  Clerk  D.  C.  M.  Co. 

TERRITORY  OF  IOWA,  ) 

Mahaska  County.  J * 

I certify  that  on  the  second  day  of  June,  1844,  at  the  house  of  Alexander  May,  in  said 
county,  I solemnized  the  rites  of  matrimony  between  Samuel  C.  Nicholson,  of  said  county, 
twenty-five  years  of  age,  and  Miss  Eleanor  May,  of  the  said  county,  aged  nineteen  years. 

Levi  Bainbridge, 

Justice  of  the  Peace. 


However,  the  parties  above  mentioned  lived  west  of  the  present  bound- 
aries of  Mahaska  county,  and,  in  point  of  fact,  the  first  marriage  in  the 
county  was  that  of  George  Lienrance  and  Amanda  Jared,  who  became  “one 
flesh”  through  the  offices  of  George  N.  Duncan,  justice  of  the  peace,  on 
June  6,  1844.  The  clerk  of  the  court,  M.  T.  Williams,  informs  us  that  he 
has  a very  distinct  recollection  of  issuing  the  license  in  this  carse.  He 
carried  the  office  in  his  hat  and  vest  pocket,  and  when  called  on  by  the 
trembling  young  Lienrance  for  this  document,  the  dignified  clerk  sat  down 
on  a log  just  southwest  of  the  square,  and,  with  the  tricks  of  a legerdemain, 
drew  forth  from  his  hat  a writing-desk,  paper,  pen  and  ink,  the  seal  of  the 
court  and  a territorial  Code,  proceeded  to  write  out  the  necessary  instru- 
ment under  a blazing  sun,  and  a vaulted  roof,  such  as  few  clerk’s  offices  of 
the  present  day  can  rival  in  its  silvery ‘splendor,  and  delicate,  cloud-like 
frescoing. 

We  are  informed  of  the  case  of  the  marriage  of  one  Jerry  Libby,  to  a 
Miss  Higgenbothem,  on  Middle  creek,  in  which  the  pioneer  justice  per- 
formed the  ceremony  just  as  a magistrate  would  administer  an  oath — re- 
quiring the  parties,  with  the  uplifted  hand,  solemnly  to  “swear  to  take  this 
man  or  woman,”  etc.,  a performance  which  excited  no  little  merriment 
among  the  guests  present.  Thus  knots  were  tied  in  various  ways,  and 
Hymen’s  altar  was  served  by  butchering  priests  in  the  early  days  of 
Mahaska. 

The  first  bill  of  divorce  found  on  the  records  of  Mahaska  county  is  dated 
November  15,  1845,  in  case  of  Rebecca  Ash  versus  Thomas  Ash,  in  which 
the  court  granted  the  petition,  and  declared  the  complainant  to  be  the  inno- 
cent and  injured  party. 

Following  a marriage  notice  in  the  columns  of  the  Herald  of  the  early 
times  we  have  this  sample,  which  will  prove  interesting,  as  showing  to 
what  etherial  flights  the  pioneer  poet  essayed  when  inspired  by  the  mar- 
riage of  a widower  friend: 


Though  Daniel  was?  old, 
He  concluded  to  marry; 
And  off  to  see  Sarah, 

He  went  without  tarry. 


And  Sarah  being  willing, 

To  a bargain  they  agreed, 
And  up  to  the  altar 
Daniel  Sarah  did  lead. 


284 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  knot  was  then  tied, 

The  work  is  now  done; 

And  old  Father  Daniel 
And  Sarah  are  one. 

In  justice  to  the  author  of  this  it  should  be  stated  that  this  poem  was  a 
communication,  and  not  an  editorial  effort. 

The  election  of  August,  1844,  resulted  in  the  choice  of  the  following  of- 
ficers: Sheriff*,  Wm.  Edmundson;  Commissioner  Clerk,  John  W.  Cun- 
ningham; Recorder,  Wm.  Pilgrim;  Surveyor,  David  Stump;  Commis- 
sioner, Simon  Drouillard;  Treasurer,  W.  D.  Canfield.  About  350  votes 
were  cast  at  this  election. 

MAHASKA  COUNTY  COURT  HOUSE. 

The  only  court  house  ever  possessed  by  Mahaska  county  was  built  during 
the  winter  of  1844-5.  Mr.  James  Edgar,  the  father  of  Wm.  S.  Edgar, 
Esq.,  had  the  contract  for  building.  The  means  were  secured  by  the  sale 
of  town  lots,  the  proceeds  of  which  were  by  law  set  apart  for  the  purpose 
of  erecting  a court  house  and  jail.  The  building  was  a frame  structure, 
about  28x50  feet,  two  stories  high,  the  second  floor  being  used  as  offices. 
The  timbers  were  raised  by  the  settlers  who  assembled  for  that  purpose 
on  a certain  day,  when  they  had  a regular  frontier  frolic.  The  building 
was  occupied  for  almost  all  purposes  imaginable,  church,  opera  house, 
court  room,  etc  , being  comfortably  seated  with  ordinary  benches.  An 
Indian  dance  which  took  place  there  in  the  winter  of  ’48-’49  will  doubtless 
be  remembered  by  some  readers  of  this  history  who  were  eye  witnesses. 
The  building  was  occupied  by  the  county  as  a court  room  till  1855.  It 
was  built  on  the  ground  now  occupied  by  the  savings  bank,  and  a little 
more  than  two  years  ago  it  was  moved  west  on  High  street,  where  it  is 
now  known  as  the  Oskaloosa  House.  Some  wag  gave  it  the  name  “ Noe’s 
Ark”  and  it  is  well  known  by  that  name  to  most  Oskaloosa  citizens.  For 
a number  of  years  previous  to  its  sale  the  old  court  house  was  leased  to 
various  commercial  purposes,  first  to  H.  Tredick  & Co.,  in  1859,  and 
afterward  to  Mitchell  Wilson,  to  whom  it  was  sold  June  7,  1867,  for 
$3,800. 

The  question  of  building  a new  court  house  has  been  agitated  a number 
of  times.  The  present  county  offices  are  scattered  through  different  blocks 
in  the  business  parts  of  Oskaloosa.  They  are  difficult  of  access,  hard  for 
strangers  and  persons  from  other  parts  of  the  county  to  find.  The  records, 
although  most  of  them  are  in  fair  vaults,  are  much  more  subject  to  fire 
than  if  they  were  in  a substantial  and  fire-proof  court  house;  and  the  rents 
of  these  offices  is  almost,  if  not  quite,  the  amount  required  as  interest  on 
bonds  to  build  a good  court  house.  These  considerations  have  brought  the 
question  of  a county  court  house  before  the  people  a number  of  times. 
At  the  October  election  of  1877  the  matter  was  submitted  to  the  voters  of 
the  county,  as  follows: 

1 . Shall  the  board  of  supervisors  of  said  county  be  authorized  to  order  the  erection  of  a 
Court  House  within  the  corporate  limits  of  Oskaloosa,  in  said  county,  to  cost  when  completed 
not  to  exceed  the  sum  of  $75,000? 

2.  For  the  purpose  of  raising-  the  money  with  which  to  erect  said  Court  House,  shall  the 
board  of  supervisors  be  authorized  to  issue  and  negotiate  bonds  of  the  county  to  the  amount 
of  $75,000,  drawing  interest  at  the  rate  of  8 per  cent  per  annum,  payable  semi-annually,  of 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


285 


which  amount  20  per  cent  shall  be  due  in  three  years,  20  per  cent  in  five  years,  20  per  cent  in 
eight  years,  and  the  remainder  due  in  ten  years  from  the  date  of  the  issuance  thereof? 

3.  For  the  purpose  of  paying  said  bonds  and  interest  at  maturity,  shall  the  board  of 
supervisors  of  said  county  be  authorized  to  levy  an  annual  tax  not  exceeding  two  and  one-half 
mills  on  the  dollar  of  the  taxable  property  of  said  county,  and  continue  the  levy  of  such  rate 
of  tax  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  from  year  to  year,  until  said  bonds  and  the  in- 
terest thereon  shall  be  paid  ? 

All  those  voting  for  said  proposition  shall  have  written  or  printed  on  their  ballots  substan- 
tially the  words  “For  Court  House,  bonds  and  tax,”  and  all  those  voting  against  the  proposi- 
tion shall  have  written  or  printed  on  their  ballots  the  words,  “Against  Court  House,  bonds 
and  tax.” 

The  result  of  the  ballot  was  995  ballots  in  favor  of  the  proposition  and 
2866  ballots  against  the  same.  This  decided  answer,  of  course,  will  post- 
pone the  question  for  a period,  at  least  until  times  are  better.  The  county 
owns  certain  lots  east  of  the  Square,  in  Oskaloosa,  which  have  been  talked 
of  as  a court  house  site,  but  the  location , as  well  as  the  building,  is  a 
question  of  the  future. 

COUNTY  JAIL. 

The  first  jail  of  Mahaska  county  was  built  in  1845.  It  was  a log  struct- 
ure, and  stood  on  lot  1,  block  6,  where  the  present  jail  is  located.  This  was 
quite  a rude  structure,  but  answered  the  requirements  of  a peaceful  county 
for  a little  more  than  ten  years.  A prisoner  named  Sam  Lester,  confined 
in  this  jail  for  larceny,  excited  more  or  less  admiration  for  his  mechanical 
skill  in  boring  his  way  out  by  means  of  an  ordinary  augur,  and  this  in  the 
dark.  After  his  escape  the  building  was  plated  with  iron. 

The  present  jail  was  built  by  J.  M.  Byers,  in  1857,  at  a cost  of  $9,000. 
The  building  is  a two  story  brick  and  stone,  about  forty  feet  square,  and 
contains  ample  room  for  the  keeper’s  family,  besides  the  cells.  The  latter 
are  nine  in  number,  five  being  on  the  first  floor  and  four  on  the  second. 
The  lower  ones  are  of  stone.  The  floor  is  laid  with  six-inch  flag  stones, 
and  under  these  is  a four-foot  layer  of  broken  rock  run  together  with 
cement.  The  walls  are  of  hard  limestone,  two  feet  thick,  each  stone  extend- 
ing through  the  wall,  and  with  cast  iron  balls  between  every  joint,  to 
prevent  sawing  out.  The  upper  cells  are  of  brick. 

FIEST  SCHOOL. 

The  first  school  in  Mahaska  county  was  opened  in  September,  1844.  It 
was  kept  by  Miss  Semira  A.  Hobbs,  now  Mrs.  T.  G.  Phillips,  of  Oskaloosa. 
This  school  was  located  about  two  miles  east  of  the  present  town  of  Oska- 
loosa, surrounded  by  the  wilderness  of  a new  country.  Mrs.  Phillips  tells 
us  that  on  her  way  to  school  she  frequently  saw  wolves  and  deer,  the  latter 
of  which  were  so  tame  they  would  not  flee  from  her  approach.  Nor  was 
the  wilderness  without  more  marked  than  the  rustic  air  which  awaited  her 
at  the  end  of  her  walk.  The  school  house  had  been  built  by  the  voluntary 
labor  of  the  settlers.  It  was  constructed  of  round  linn  timber,  was  about 
sixteen  feet  square,  and  was  floored  with  puncheon  floor.  An  opening 
about  five  by  six  feet  answered  for  the  fire  place.  The  chimney  was  built 
of  sod,  and  stood  outside  the  building.  That  it  might  not  be  all  darkness 
within,  a log  was  left  out  on  either  side,  and  an  elongated  window,  one  by 
twelve  feet  was  formed,  and  to  mellow  the  light  these  openings  were 
covered  by  greased  paper.  These  probably  answered  the  purpose  of  stained 


286 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


glass  in  modern  school  houses,  and  kept  the  urchins  from  gazing  at  the 
buffalo  feeding  on  the  distant  hill,  etc.!  A large  opening  opposite  the  fire 
place  afforded  a means  of  entrance  and  exit,  and  a large  coverlet  hung  over 
this  rendered  the  absence  of  the  door  itself  doubly  conspicuous.  A punch- 
eon writing  desk  and  puncheon  seats  completed  the  furniture.  This  school 
afforded  opportunity  of  improvement  to  about  twenty  pupils,  for  whose 
instruction  Miss  Hobbs  received  $1.25  per  capita  for  a session  of  thirteen 
weeks. 

During  the  winter  following  Samuel  Caldwell  opened  a school  in  Oska- 
loosa,  in  the  house  of  Mr.  A.  Gf.  Phillips. 

PROBATE  COURT. 


John  White  was  the  first  Probate  Judge,  and  held  his  first  term  of  court 
in  Oct.,  1844.  The  following  is  from  the  first  record: 


TERRITORY  OF  IOWA, 

Mahaska  County. 


Probate  Office. 


October  3r  1844. 


At  a special  term  of  the  Probate  Court  in  and  for  said  county,  it  is  ordered  that  the  lettered 
side  of  a half  dime  of  American  silver  can  be  adopted  as  the  temporary  seal  of  this  court,  to 
be  used  by  this  court  till  a permanent  seal  be  provided  for  the  same. 

Ordered , That  Van  B.  Delashmutt  be  and  he  is  hereby  appointed  administrator  of  the 
estate  of  John  Hemisphere,' late  of  this  county,  deceased,  and  that  Geo.  W.  Jones  and  John 
Rose  be  appointed  appraisers  of  said  estate. 

Ordered , That  this  court  adjourn  until  Monday  next,  at  ten  o’clock  a.  m. 

John  White, 
Probate  Judge. 


The  following  is  a copy  of  first  inventory  and  appraisement  made  in  the 
county,  being  of  the  estate  of  Robert  Curry,  and  filed  Nov.  25,  1844: 


2 cows  appraised  at  $ 17.00 

1 heifer  “ “ 7.00 

2 calves  “ “ 8.00 

5 pigs  .“  “ 2.50 

1  sow  “ “ 2.00 

1 yoke  of  oxen  “ “ 35.00 

1 black  mare  “ “ 30.00 

1 wagon  “ “ 65.00 

5 stands  of  bees  “ “ 10.00 

3 plows  “ “ 5.00 

2 log  chains  “ “ 4.00 

1 pair  stretchers  “ “ 1.50 

1 set  of  harness  “ “ 10.00 

1 saddle,  bridle  and  saddle  bags  appraised  at  4.00 

2 axes  “ “ 1.00 

2 iron  wedges  “ “ 1.00 

1 lot  of  irons  “ “ 2.00 

3 drawing  knives  “ 1.00 

1 hand  saw  “ “ 1.00 

1 gun  “ “ 8.00 

300  bu.  of  corn  @ 25c  “ “ 75.00 

3  hoes  “ “ 50 

2 singletrees  “ “ 50 

Improvement  on  claim  “ “ 90.00 


Amount  of  appraisement $305.50 


This  list  is  given  as  showing  the  implements,  etc.,  held  by  early  claim- 
holders,  and  valuation  at  that  day.  In  the  records  the  addition  is  as  above, 
being  in  error  $71.50. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


287 


LETTERS  OF  1846-7. 


A certain  Joseph  Railey,  of  Carlton,  York  county,  Eng.,  came  to  this 
country  in  1842,  and  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  near  Oskaloosa.  Said 
Bailey  died  in  August,  1847,  and  in  settlement  of  his  estate  two  letters  were 
filed  with  the  Probate  Judge  of  Mahaska  county,  which  were  written  to 
England  by  said  Bailey  as  below  indicated,  from  which  we  make  the  fol- 
lowing extracts: 

Oskaloosa,  Aug.  the  5th,  1846. 

Dear  brother : 

******* 


I wrote  you  that  I had  bought  me  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  prairie  and  forty  acres  of 
timber  land.  When  our  government  lines  were  run  and  surveyed  Mr.  James  C Morgan  at- 
tempted to  take  the  advantage  of  me,  and  my  woodland  from  me.  I cut  down  trees  and 
James  Morgan  cut  and  split  them  up.  I sued  him  before  the  squire  and  beat  him;  then  he 
appealed  it  to  the  District  Court,  and  1 then  not  being  satisfied,  he  was  going  to  take  advant- 
age  by  pre-emption,  but  in  this  I got  the  start  and  beat  him  again.  He  also  tried  to  take 
my  prairie.  Now  you  will  want  to  know  what  is  meant  by  pre-emption.  It  is  a law  made 
by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  called  the  pre-emption  law,  granting  a person  the  priv- 
ilege, after  land  is  surveyed,  of  building  a house  and  moving  into  it;  and  then,  by  notifying 
the  opposite  party,  if  there  is  any  dispute,  he  will  attend  at  the  office  with  a witness  to  prove 
that  he  has  fulfilled  the  law.  I filed  my  intention  to  become  a citizen  of  the  United  States 
of  America;  if  I had  not  done  so  I could  not  have  held  my  land.  I have  entered  one  eighty 
of  woodland,  and  on  the  4th  of  July  I entered  one  hundred  and  sixty  of  prairie.  My  land  I 
have  made  safe  now.  I paid  one  hundred  dollars  for  my  prairie;  one  for  my  timber. 
******* 


I feel  thankful  that  I have  got  to  a free  country.  A land  of  plenty  and  a free  country 
where  all  are  free  men — one  as  good  as  another.  1 am  well  pleased  with  Iowa.  It  is  the 
best  land  that  I ever  saw.  It  is  far  before  Wisconsin  or  Illinois.  I live  a mile  and  a quarter 
north  of  Oscaloosa.  Henry  Blackburn  lives  one  mile  out  of  town.  I am  boarding  with  one 
Jonathan  Dillon.  Our  farms  join.  Mr.  Dillon  is  a fine  man,  and  his  wife  too.  They  are 
Methodists.  Both  belong  to  the  church.  There  has  been  a Methodist  camp-meeting  one 
mile  and  a half  from  us.  It  held  four  days.  It  was  held  in  the  woods.  They  bought  five 
acres  of  land  for  that  purpose.  Members  of  the  church  build  tents  to  live  in  during  the 
meeting.  People  come  from  far  and  near  to  that  meeting.  They  have  great  times  in  chant- 
ing. There  were  about  32  joined  the  church  at  that  great  time.  I got  in  my  harvest  and 
had  only  seven  acres  wet.  1 beat  most  of  the  farmers  in  a wheat  crop  this  year.  Wheat 
was  good  in  Mahaska  and  some  other  counties. 

* * * * * • * * 


We  have  four  stores,  two  blacksmiths,  two  tailors,  one  druggist,  two  doctors.  It  is  sickly 
this  season;  a great  deal  of  fever  and  ague.  * * * Best  regards  to  brother  Eli. 

He  wanted  to  know  if  it  would  do  for  him  to  leave  England.  I would  advise  him  to  come 
to  America,  and  I will  write  him  all  he  pleases  to  hear  about  it. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

JOSEPH  BAILEY. 


Dear  brother: 

* * * 


Oskaloosa,  June  the  3d,  1847. 
* * * * 


We  have  been  blessed  with  reasonable  crops.  Wheat  is  worth  50  cents;  Indian  corn  15  to 
20  cents;  oats  18  to  20;  potatoes  from  37  to  50  cents  per  bushel;  flour  is  worth  two  dollars 
per  hundred;  beef  is  worth  four  or  five  dollars  per  hundred;  bacon  from  six  to  eight  dollars 

ger  hundred;  butter  six  cents  per  pound;  eggs  four  to  five  cents  per  dozen;  chickens  from 
to  12  cents  apiece;  I mean  tame  chickens,  for  we  have  thousands  of  wild  prairie  chickens, 
that  devour  a portion  of  our  crops;  they  are  as  large  as  the  tame  chicken;  I can  drive  up 
thousands  of  them  in  a gang.  We  have  wild  turkeys  and  pheasants,  deer,  bears,  foxes, 
wild-cats,  wolves,  which  catch  our  sheep,  birds  of  various  description,  all  of  which  I have 
full  liberty  to  hunt.  Sheep  are  worth  $1.50  per  head;  oxen  from  30  to  50  dollars  per  yoke; 
cows  are  worth  from  $10  to  $12  per  head;  two-year-olds  are  worth  from  6 to  7 dollars; 
yearlings  are  worth  $4;  calves  are  worth  in  the  fall  $2;  horses  are  worth  from  40  to  60  dol- 
lars. Prairie  breaking  is  worth  2 dollars  per  acre.  Timber  is  worth  from  one  dollar  to  $1.50 
per  acre.  I will  give  the  prices  of  labor:  carpenters  are  worth  from  $1.50  to  $2  per  day; 
common  labor  on  a farm  is  worth  from  $8  to  $10  per  month. 

******* 

The  common  crop  of  wheat  per  acre  is  from  18  to  22  bushels;  Indian  corn  from  40  to  60 


288 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


bushels.  The  raising  of  this  grain  is  something  new  to  you,  of  which  I will  give  you  the  de- 
scription: First  the  land  must  be  well  broken  or  plowed  up;  then  it  must  be  crossed  both 
ways  with  a horse  and  plow  about  four  feet  apart,  so  as  to  leave  it  in  rows  both  ways;  the 
last  time  crossing  the  corn  is  dropped  at  the  crossing,  and  then  it  must  be  ploughed  two  or 
three  times  at  least.  In  sowing  wheat  we  sow  from  one  to  one  and  one-half  bushels,  and 
sometimes  it  is  too  thick.  The  winters  sometimes  freeze  out  our  wheat. 

* * * * * * * 

I will  let  you  know  that  our  land  needs  no  draining.  I intend  to  build  on  my  land  when  I 
get  able.  Tea  is  worth  one  dollar  per  pound;  sugar  12  cents;  coffee  12  cents;  tobacco  from 
12  to  50  cents;  broadcloth  from  $4.00  to  $4.50  per  yard;  blankets  from  $3.00  to  $5.00;  flan- 
nels 50  cents.  1 drink  for  a beverage  cold  water,  and  sometimes  coffee.  I will  tell  you  how 
much  team  it  takes  to  break  prairie : it  takes  4 yoke  of  good  oxen  and  a steer  and  one  cow, 
two  men  and  a big  plough.  That  is  the  way  prairie  is  broken  in  this  country.  Crow  for  the 
people  of  Oscaloosa:  6 stores,  2 groceries,  2 taverns,  2 blacksmith  shops,  1 cabinet  maker,  8 
house  carpenters,  2 shoemakers.  4 tailors,  3 doctors,  six  lawyers,  1 meeting-house.  The 
Methodists  hold  a camp  meeting  on  the  1 1th  of  this  month  within  two  miles  of  me. 
******* 

JOSEPH  BAILEY. 

TOWNSHIPS. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  1845,  the  Commissioners  divided  Mahaska 
county  into  fourteen  townships,  as  follows: 

1.  White  Oak  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  townships  number  74  and  75  north,  14  west,  shall  form  one 
township,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  White  Oak  township,  and  the  place  of  holding  elec- 
tion to  be  at  the  house  of  Mat.  Kinsman. 

2.  Harrison  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  township  74  north,  15  west,  shall  form  one  township,  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  Harrison,  and  the  place  of  holding  election  at  Samuel  TibbetsL 

3.  Spring  Creek  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  township  75  north,  15  west,  shall  form  a township  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  Spring  Creek  township,  and  the  place  of  holding  election  to  be  at  the 
house  of  Edwin  Mitchell. 

4.  Monroe  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  township  75  north,  14  west,  and  that  part  of  township  75 
north,  15  west,  that  lies  north  of  Skunk  river,  shall  form  a township  to  be  known  by  the  name 
of  Monroe  township,  and  the  place  of  holding  election  to  be  at  the  house  of  M.  P.  Crowder. 

5.  Union  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  townships  77  and  78  north,  14  and  15  west,  and  township  78 
north,  13  west,  shall  form  a township  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Union  township,  and  the 
place  of  holding  election  to  be  at  the  house  of  Nathan  Brown. 

6.  Des  Moines  township. 

Ordered,  That  congressional  township  74  north,  16  west,  shall  form  a township  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  Des  Moines  township,  and  the  place  of  holding  election  to  be  at  the 
house  of  John  Stumbo. 

# Ordered,  That  the  part  of  township  74  north,  17  west,  which  lies  north  of  the  Des  Moines 
river,  be  attached  to  Des  Moines  township. 

7.  Oskaloosa  township. 

Ordered,  That  congressional  township  75  north,  16  west,  shall  form  a township  to  be 
known  by  the  name,  Oskaloosa  township,  and  the  place  of  holding  election  at  Oskaloosa. 

8.  Madison  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  townships  76,  77  and  78  north,  and  16  west,  and  that  part  of 
township  76  north,  15  west,  which  lies  south  of  Skunk  river,  shall  form  a township  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  Madison  township,  and  the  place  of  holding  election  to  be  at  the  house 
of  George  N.  Duncan. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


289 


9.  Jefferson  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  townships  74  and  75  north,  17  west,  the  part  of  which  lies 
south  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  shall  form  a township  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Jefferson 
township. 

10.  Jackson  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  townships  76,  77  and  78  north,  17  west,  and  that  part  of 
township  75  north,  17  west,  which  lies  north  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  shall  form  a township  to 
be  known  by  the  name  of  Jackson  township,  and  the  place  of  holding  election  shall  be  at  the 
house  of  Benjamin  T.  Lonsberry. 

11.  Cedar  township. 

Ordered , That  the  surveyed  congressional  township  which  lies  south  of  the  Des  Moines 
river  shall  form  a township  which  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  Cedar  township. 

12.  English  River  township. 

Ordered , That  the  unsurveyed  township  which  lies  south  of  the  Des  Moines  river  shall  be 
known  by  the  name  of  English  River  township. 

13.  Lake  township. 

Ordered , That  congressional  townships  76  and  77  north,  18  west,  and  that  part  of  75 
north  and  18  west  which  lies  north  of  the  Des  Moines  river  shall  constitute  a township  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  Lake  township,  the  place  of  holding  election  to  be  at  the  house  of 
Levi  Bainbridge. 

14.  White  Breast  township. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  un surveyed  part  north  of  the  Des  Moines  river  shall  constitute  a 
township  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  White  Breast  township.  Place  of  holding  election  to 
be  at Phillips’. 


By  comparing  these  descriptions  with  the  county  map  it  will  he  observed 
that  the  territory  above  described  included  a part  of  Monroe  and  Poweshiek 
counties.  Subsequently,  after  the  settlement  and  organization  of  these 
counties,  Mahaska  was  divided  into  the  present  number  of  townships  (15) 
corresponding  for  the  most  part  with  the  congressional  townships,  save  in 
the  case  of  Oskaloosa  township,  which  was  combined  with  Spring  Creek, 
and  formed  a single  township,  about  twice  the  usual  size. 

Cedar,  Richland,  Prairie,  Pleasant  Grove,  White  Oak  and  Black  Oak 
townships  are  so  named  on  account  of  certain  physical  features.  The 
source  of  the  remaining  names  is  obvious,  most  being  in  honor  of  different 
presidents  of  the  United  States. 

The  township  lines  were  run  in  1843,  and  the  section  lines  during  the 
years  1844  and  1845. 

We  make  the  following  extracts  from  the  commissioner’s  books: 


July  9,  1845. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  of  the  board  of  commissioners  of  Makaska  county,  be  authorized  to 
negotiate  a loan  of  two  hundred  dollars  on  the  faith  and  credit  of  the  town  lot  fund,  for  the 
purpose  of  entering  the  quarter  section  of  land  on  which  the  seat  of  justice  of  said  county  is 
located,  and  to  obtain  the  money  on  as  good  terms  as  he  can,  not  to  exceed  twelve  per  cent 
per  annum. 


TERRITORY  OF  IOWA, 
Mahaska  County. 


Treasurer’s  Report. 


Whole  amount  of  taxes  for  A.  D.  1844 

Collected 


July  8 , 1845. 

$505.63 

361.99 


Leaving  a balance  unpaid  of $143.64 

Fines  collected 15.00 


Wm.  D.  Canfield, 

Treasurer  of  Mahaska  Co. 


290 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA.  COUNTY. 


Probably  the  treasurer  of  1945,  as  he  distributes  his  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands, and  perhaps  millions,  among  the  various  departments  of  bridge,  school, 
road,  insane,  contingent,  poor,  and  a half  a score  more  funds  of  the  machin- 
ery of  county  government,  in  that  day  will  look  back  over  a century  upon 
this  report  as  incredible,  or  sigh  for  the  day  when  one-tenth  of  his  present 
salary  was  sufficient  to  maintain  the  county,  while  the  treasurer  had  plenty 
of  time  to  run  a boarding  house  for  his  amusement,  instead  of  racking  him 
brain  over  columns  of  figures  as  long  as  one  side  of  the  county. 

The  best  paid  man  of  his  day,  seemed  to  have  been  the  prosecuting  attor- 
ney, as  witness  the  following  entry: 

Allowed , Edward  Thomas  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  for  services  as  prosecuting-  attor- 
ney during  the  year  1844,  and  half  the  year  1845. 

August  5 , 1845. 

The  loan  of  two  hundred  dollars,  above  mentioned,  was  negotiated  by  J. 
W.  Cunningham,  clerk,  from  William  Wilson,  to  whom  was  given  the  note 
of  the  commissioners,  Harmon  Davis,  A.  S.  Nichols  and  Jacob  PI.  Majors, 
with  interest  at  12  per  cent  per  annum  until  paid: 


TERRITORY  OF  IOWA, 
Mahaska  County. 


This  day,  August  11,  1845,  0.  P.  Higgenbothem  and  Thomas  Buxton,  having  each  received 
the  same  number  of  votes  for  the  office  of  county  surveyor,  appeared  at  the  office  of  the  clerk 
of  the  board  of  commissioners,  and  waived  the  necessity  of  having  written  notices  served  on 
them,  and  said  tie  was  publicly  decided  by  lot  as  the  law  directs,  and  Thomas  Buxton  was 
duly  elected. 

The  territory  west  of  Makaska  county  under  its  jurisdiction,  was  proba- 
bly greater  than  most  persons  now  realize.  The  following  entry  shows  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  county  commissioners  to  extend  to  the  point  where  Des 
Moines  city  is  now  located. 

Ordered , That  John  Scott  be  permitted  to  keep  a ferry  across  the  Des  Moines  river  at  the 
mouth  of  Raccoon  river,  near  Ft.  Des  Moines,  by  the  said  Scott  paying  the  sum  of  ten  dollars 
into  the  county  treasury,  and  the  clerk  be  authorized  to  give  the  said  Scott  license  for  one 
year  from  this  date,  and  the  said  John  Scott  is  hereby  authorized  to  receive  the  following  rates 


of  ferriage : 

Two  horses  and  wagon 37%  cts. 

Four  horses  and  wagon 50  “ 

One  man  and  horse 18%  “ 

Single  horse  10  “ 

Cattle,  per  head 08  “ 

Sheep  and  hogs,  per  head 05  “ 

Footman 10  “ 


The  following  intemperate  entries  occur  during  the  spring  term  of  1846: 

Received,  of  Jno.  W.  Jones,  fifty  dollars  for  grocery  license  from  April  8,  1846  to  April  8, 
1847. 

Oskaloosa , April  12, 1846. 

Received , of  Whetstone  & Metter,  fifty  dollars  to  keep  a grocery  in  Oskaloosa  for  one  year 
from  the  1 1th  day  of  March,  1846. 

Henry  Temple, 

March  11,  1846.  Treasurer,  Mahaska  Co 

Joseph  Tally,  was  licensed  to  keep  a ferry  at  a point  called  Tally’s  ford, 
being  across  the  Des  Moines  river,  on  the  same  terms  as  that  of  Jno.  Scott, 
above  mentioned. 

The  assessment  for  county  tax  during  1846,  was  five  mills  on  the  dollar, 
and  fifty  cents  on  each  poll.  Territorial  tax  for  the  same  year  was  three- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


293 


fourths  of  one  mill.  For  school  purposes  a levy  of  five  mills  was  made,  this 
being  the  first  mention  of  a school  tax. 

The  assessed  valuation  of  property  in  Makaska  county,  for  the  year  1846, 
was  $85,871.00. 

Whence: 


County  tax $429.3534 

671  Polls  at  fifty  cents  on  each  poll 335.50 

School  tax 429 . 3534 


Total $1194.21 

March  5,  1847. 


Ordered , By  the  board,  that  all  that  part  of  Union  township,  lying  in  the  county  of  Powe- 
shiek, be  and  is  hereby  stricken  otf  from  Union  township,  and  that  the  whole  of  Poweshiek 
county  shall  constitute  one  election  township,  to  be  called  Poweshiek  township,  and  that  the 
place  of  holding  elections  in  said  township  shall  be  at  the  house  of  Mahlon  Woodward. 

At  a session  of  the  board  April  12,  1847,  the  following  was  passed: 

Ordered , By  the  board,  that  after  this  date  there  shall  be  no  license  granted  for  the  retail- 
ing of  ardent  spirits  within  the  limits  of  Mahaska  county,  the  poll  books  having  been  opened 
and  the  votes  counted  by  the  clerk  in  the  presence  of  the  board,  and  a majority  of  sixty-five 
votes  found  to  have  been  cast  at  the  April  election  against  a grocery  license. 

During  the  same  term  occurs  the  following  entry: 

It  having  appeared  from  the  poll  books  of  the  election  held  on  the  5th  day  of  April  that  a 
tie  vote  existed  between  John  H.  Wyatt  and  Allen  Gibson,  for  the  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace  in  and  for  Union  township,  and  between  Alexander  Job  and  Geo.  N.  Duncan  for  the 
same  office  in  Madison  township:  therefore,  after  previous  notice  having  been  given  each  of 
them  by  me  that  I would  decide  by  lot  which  of  them  should  be  entitled  to  a certificate  of 
election,  on  the  21st  day  of  April  it  was  decided  that  Allen  Gibson  should  receive  a certificate 
for  Union  township  and  Geo.  N.  Duncan  for  Madison  township. 

Previous  to  the  summer  of  1845  a bounty  of  fifty  cents  each  was  paid  on  wolf 
scalps,  and  during  the  winter  of  1844-5  we  find  that  the  county  commis- 
sioners issued  no  less  than  sixty-two  orders,  in  amounts  from  fifty  cents  to 
$4.50,  in  payment  for  scalps.  This  was  found  a rather  heavy  drain  upon  a 
light  treasury,  and  the  bounty  was  abolished  July  7,  1845. 

For  the  year  1845  the  amount  of  taxable  property  in  the  county  was 
$64,273.  The  county  tax  collected  on  this  at  i per  cent  was  $321,364-. 
Territorial  tax  at  \ mill  on  the  dollar,  $32.13.  Number  of  polls  was  six 
hundred  and  fifteen.  The  poll  tax  being  fifty  cents,  the  revenue  from  this 
source  was  $307.50,  making  the  entire  county  revenue  for  1845  $628,864-. 
The  expenditures  for  the  same  year  were  $857.46.  The  deficit  was  proba- 
bly paid  in  county  orders,  which  in  the  early  times  were  worth  from  sixty 
to  eighty  cents  on  the  dollar. 


LAND  SALES. 

For  all  points  in  the  southern  half  of  Mahaska  county  the  land  office  was 
at  Fairfield,  Iowa,  and  for  the  northern  portion  of  the  county  the  land 
agency  was  located  at  Iowa  city.  The  first  settlements  were  made  in  the 
southern  end  of  the  county,  and  the  first  land  sales  at  Fairfield  were  held 
in  July,  1846.  Those  who  had  entered  claims  were  banded  together  for 
mutual  protection.  The  sale  of  Spring  Creek  township  took  place  July  4th. 
About  forty  different  persons  were  in  attendance  from  this  township.  For 
the  most  part  these  proceeded  on  foot,  the  entire  distance  being  upward  of 
19 


294 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


forty  miles.  Each  settler  was  armed  with  a hickory  club,  and  the  endeavor 
was  to  appear  as  rustic  as  possible.  One  of  the  number,  Mr.  A.  S.  Nichols, 
was  appointted  as  bidder,  and  the  land  was  sold  by  eighty-acre  lots.  As 
soon  as  an  individual’s  claim  was  put  up  he  took  his  place  beside  Mr. 
Nichols,  who  immediately  bid  it  off  at  $1.25  per  acre.  There  was  no  com- 
petition, and  the  sales  went  off  very  rapidly.  After  the  auction  each  man 
stepped  up  and  paid  over  the  cash,  when  the  whole  party  turned  home- 
ward. It  was  the  general  understanding  that  if  any  outsiders  should  bid 
over  $1.25  he  would  be  made  to  understand  the  use  of  hickory  clubs.  No 
such  bids  were  offered.  The  nearest  approach  to  a difficulty  was  in  the  case 
of  the  claim  of  Thomas  Stafford,  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Quaker  settle- 
ment, who  had  settled  upon  an  abandoned  claim  about  one  or  two  miles 
east  of  Oskaloosa.  Mr.  Stafford,  belonging  to  a society  of  strong  peace 
principles,  had  kept  aloof  from  the  club  men,  and  really  had  no  claim  to 
their  protection.  This,  perhaps,  emboldened  the  men  who  had  abandoned 
the  claim  now  improved  by  Stafford,  for  they  appeared  at  Fairfield  and 
made  their  boast  that  they  would  bid  against  the  Quaker.  The  club  men, 
however,  appointed  a committee  to  wait  upon  the  intruders,  and  the  mat- 
ter was  quietly  settled  before  the  time  of  sale,  partly  by  reason  of  the  polit- 
ical considerations  and  partly  by  the  threatening  front  of  the  settlers.  The 
number  of  acres  sold  in  Spring  Creek  township  on  that  day  was  11,350. 

CLUB  LAW. 

As  has  been  already  indicated,  the  early  settlers  in  Mahaska  county,  as 
elsewhere,  were  banded  together  in  clubs  for  mutual  protection,  and  to  pre- 
vent the  encroachment  of  land  speculators.  These  clubs  existed  in  almost 
every  community,  and  the  claim  rights  of  the  settlers  were  regulated  by 
what  was  called  the  claim  law,  that  had  its  origin  in  Jefferson  county,  and 
was  in  a certain  sense  sanctioned  by  the  legislature  in  1839. 

It  must  be  remembered  by  the  reader  that  some  regulation  for  protec- 
tion and  justice,  and  for  the  settlement  of  disputes  beyond  the  courts  of 
justice,  was  necessary  in  those  days,  for  courts  were  frequently  fifty  miles 
from  the  place  of  dispute,  and  difficult  of  access.  That  the  modern  Mahas- 
kian  may  understand  the  by-laws  under  which  their  forefathers  adminis- 
tered the  claim  law,  we  give  the  following  sample  document  providing  for 
the  regulation  of  a settlers’  club: 

Whereas,  It  has  become  a custom  in  the  Western  States,  as  soon  as  the  Indian  title  to 
public  lands  has  been  extinguished  by  the  general  government,  for  the  citizens  of  the  United 
States  to  settle  on  and  improve  said  lands,  and  heretofore  the  improvement  and  claim  of  the 
settler  to  the  extent  of  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  has  been  respected  by  both  the  citi- 
zens and  laws  of  Iowa. 

Resolved , That  we  will  protect  all  citizens  upon  the  public  lands  in  the  peaceable  posses- 
sion of  their  claims  to  the  extent  of  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  for  two  years  after  the 
land  sales,  and  longer  if  necessary. 

Resolved , That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  enter  the  claim  of  any  settler,  that  he  or  they 
shall  immediately  deed  it  back  again  to  said  settler,  and  wait  three  years  without  interest. 

Resolved , That  if  he  refuse  to  comply  with  the  above  requisitions,  he  shall  be  subject  to 
such  punishment  as  the  settlers  see  fit  to  inflict. 

Resolved,  That  we  will  remove  any  person  or  persons  who  may  enter  the  claim  of  any  set- 
tler and  settle  upon  it,  peaceably  if  we  can,  forcibly  if  we  must,  even  if  their  removal  should 
lead  to  bloodshed,  being  compelled  to  do  so  for  our  own  common  safety,  that  we  may  not  be 
driven  by  ruthless  speculators  from  our  firesides  and  homes. 

Resolved , That  a committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  settle  all  difficulties  that  may  arise. 

Resolved,  That  any  settler  who  may  have  signed  these  by-laws,  and  refuses  to  render  ser- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


295 


vice  when  called  upon  by  the  proper  officers,  and  without  reasonable  excuse,  shall  be  fined  the 
sum  of  ten  dollars,  to  be  divided  among  those  that  may  have  rendered  the  service  necessary. 

In  one  case  a speculator  from  Iowa  City,  probably  to  his  sorrow,  discov- 
ered the  truthfulness  of  the  third  of  the  above  resolutions.  He  had  en- 
tered and  purchased  the  claim  of  a settler  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  county, 
and  when  remonstrated  with  showed  no  conciliating  disposition.  A com- 
mittee of  five  was  sent  to  Iowa  City  to  interview  the  gentleman.  He  was 
brought  to  Mahaska  county,  stoutly  declaring  he  would  not  deed  the  land 
to  the  settler.  Moral  suasion  failed.  The  club  met.  The  speculator  was 
taken  to  the  banks  of  the  Skunk.  His  feet  were  tied  and  he  was  thrown 
into  the  water  with  a rope  attached  to  his  body.  Of  course  he  was  help- 
less, and  sank.  In  a few  moments  he  was  pulled  out,  but  still  was  quite 
sure  he  would  not  make  a deed.  A second  experience  and  he  was  equally 
certain.  A third,  a little  longer,  and  yet  he  thought  not,  but  being  in- 
formed that  the  next  time  he  would  soak  over  night,  he  concluded  to  suc- 
cumb. He  made  the  deed  and  received  the  full  price  paid  for  his  land, 
less  the  amount  necessary  to  pajr  the  time  and  expense  of  settling  his  case, 
and  the  whisky  drank  by  the  crowd  during  the  time  of  his  inquisition. 

Frequently  in  the  early  history  of  the  county  the  action  of  the  club  was 
necessary  in  the  settlement  of  small  disputes  and  the  protection  of  claim- 
ants. The  most  celebrated  case  of  claim  settlements  in  the  county  is 
familiarly  known  as  the 

MAJORS  CLAIM  WAR. 

This  took  place  in  Jackson  township,  now  called  Scott.  The  Majors  fam- 
ily, consisting  of  several  brothers,  two  sisters,  and  their  widowed  mother, 
emigrated  to  Scott  township,  in  1814 — the  different  members  of  the  family 
making  claims,  there  became  quite  a community  of  the  same  name,  after- 
ward known  as  the  Majors  settlement. 

Jacob  H.  Majors  was  the  most  prominent  of  the  family,  having  been  one 
of  the  county  commissioners  elected  in  1845.  He  entered  the  lands  for  the 
entire  family  at  the  land  sales,  after  which  he  also  entered  some  claims  be- 
longing to  John  Gillaspy,  Jacob  Miller  and  Peter  Parsons,  in  1848. 
Though  Majors  claimed  he  did  not  know  these  were  claims,  he  failed  to 
make  restitution,  and,  of  course,  the  club  held  a meeting  and  passed  a reso- 
lution denouncing  lus  action  and  decided  on  a general  coercive  movement 
to  force  a settlement  if  Majors  did  not  “give  in”  upon  remonstrance. 
Majors  was  not  easily  persuaded,  and  upon  a certain  date  appointed,  the 
several  neighboring  clubs  met  at  Majors’  house.  The  crowd  met  in  the 
morning  to  find  that  Majors  had  gone  to  Oskaloosa  to  attend  a meeting  of 
the  county  commissioners,  and  a messenger  was  sent  desiring  his  presence 
for  a peaceable  settlement.  Later  a second  messenger  was  sent,  informing 
him  that  if  he  did  not  appear  before  sunrise  next  morning  his  property 
would  be  dstroyed.  But  Majors  was  fearless  and  incorrigible  and  did  not 
make  his  appearance  as  desired. 

At  night  some  of  the  crowd  went  home,  but  most  of  them  camped  upon 
the  ground  determined  to  have  some  sort  of  settlement,  though  probably 
not  at  that  time  very  strongly  in  favor  of  the  violent  measures  which  fol- 
lowed. 

In  the  morning  some  of  Majors’  out-buildings  were  set  on  fire,  and 
some  hogs  killed  and  thrown  in  the  well  by  the  more  impulsive  of  the  mob, 
who  were  disposed  to  do  something  more  tangible  than  the  making  of 


296 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


threats.  Majors  hearing  of  the  destruction  of  his  property  promised  to 
deed  the  land  in  dispute  to  the  claimants,  and  on  this  promise  the  mob  dis- 
persed. 

But  in  a few  days  Majors’  boldness  led  him  to  the  rash  resolution, 
not  only  to  violate  his  promise,  but  to  prosecute  the  leaders  of  the  mob  for 
whom  he  secured  warrants  of  arrest.  Peter  Parsons  was  taken  to  Oska- 
loosa  and  reported  to  be  in  jail.  The  report  was  circulated  that  the  sheriff 
of  Mahaska  county  had  warrants  for  the  arrest  of  a number  of  others, 

From  the  previous  action  of  the  settlers  the  reader  will  not  be  surprised 
to  learn  that  the  indignation  against  Majors  was  wide-spread  and  of  such 
intensity  that  prudence  kept  Majors  out  of  the  way  of  the  settlers  as  much 
as  possible. 

A rendezvous  for  the  settlers  was  appointed  at  Durham’s  Ford,  and  on  a 
certain  Sunday  morning  they  assembled  there  in  large  numbers.  Here 
they  remained  until  Monday  morning,  and  large  accessions  to  their  ranks 
swelled  their  number  to  about  five  hundred.  In  military  order,  with  arms, 
flag,  and  a band  of  military  music,  the  army  started  for  Oskaloosa,  some  on 
foot  and  some  on  horseback.  The  army  reached  the  county  seat  about  the 
time  set  for  the  trial  of  Parsons.  The  arms  were  stacked  in  wagons  under 
guard,  and  the  cavalry  and  infantry  formed  in  the  public  square.  Upon 
this  rather  formidable  demonstration  the  trial  of  Parsons  was  indefinitely 
postponed  and  he  was  released,  though  he  had  not  been  confined  in  jail  as 
had  been  reported  among  the  settlers. 

A meeting  was  called  and  the  citizens  of  Oskaloosa  invited  to  be  present. 
I.  C.  Curtis  was  first  spokesman  in  behalf  of  the  settlers,  and  K.  B.  Har- 
bour in  behalf  of  the  authorities.  Various  speeches  from  both  sides  were 
made  occupying  most  of  the  afternoon.  Majors  was  secreted  during  this 
time  in  a room  on  the  west  side  of  the  square  and  was  within  hearing  of 
the  speakers.  We  believe  it  was  Judge  Seevers  who  finally  proposed  to  the 
crowd  that  Majors  should  make  a promise  to  deed  back  the  land,  in  con- 
sideration of  which  they  would  disband  and  return  to  their  homes.  This 
was  acquiesced  in  by  the  army,  and  Van  Delashmutt,  by  Majors’  request, 
went  his  security  for  the  fulfillment  of  his  promise.  The  crowd  returned 
to  their  homes  and  Majors  made  the  deeds. 

Here  the  matter  might  have  rested  if  Majors  had  been,  a man  of  any  dis- 
cretion. But  the  desire  for  revenge  was  strong,  and  nursing  his  wrongs 
only  sent  the  iron  deeper  into  his  soul.  Again,  he  filed  informations  against 
his  persecutors,  but  by  the  aid  of  friendly  informants,  they  had  little  diffi- 
culty in  evading  arrest,  the  sheriff  too  being  on  the  side  of  the  settlers. 
Majors  was  repeatedly  advised  not  to  appear  against  them,  but  without 
avail.  His  obstinacy  angered  the  club  men  quite  deepty. 

About  this  time  Majors  was  employed  in  a saw-mill  belonging  to  Hallo- 
well,  and  located  near  the  mouth  of  Cedar  creek.  Here  a committee  of  the 
club  were  sent  after  him  with  instructions  to  seize  him  and  bring  him  to 
Knoxville. 

Majors  was  here  sawing  his  own  lumber,  and  carried  a gun  with  him 
whenever  he  left  the  mill,  so  that  great  caution  was  necessary  in  making 
the  arrest  without  bloodshed.  The  men  secreted  themselves  near  by,  and 
one  of  them,  being  a stranger  to  Majors,  was  sent  as  a decoy  who  was  to 
engage  his  attention  until  the  others  could  steal  in  and  seize  him.  The 
ruse  was  successful,  and  while  the  stranger  was  making  inquiry  of  Majors 
in  regard  to  estray  horses  which  he  pretended  to  be  hunting,  and  got  be- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


297 


tween  his  victim  and  the  gun,  his  comrades  rushed  upon  Majors,  carried 
him  out  of  the  mill,  tied  him  upon  a horse  and  set  out  for  Knoxville.  On 
their  arrival  another  committee  took  charge  of  the  prisoner.  This  com- 
mittee had  blacked  faces  and  were  prepared  to  conceal  their  identity.  By 
this  committee  Majors  was  taken  about  a mile  north  of  town  where  a coat 
of  tar  and  feathers  was  in  waiting.  Here  “ the  committee  ” stripped  him 
of  his  clothing  and  applied  a coat  of  tar  and  feathers  to  his  naked  body. 
Over  this  they  drew  his  clothing  and  completed  the  job  by  adding  another 
coating  of  the  same,  which  is  said  to  have  added  very  much  to  the  gentle- 
man’s aldermanic  proportions.  With  repeated  admonitions  not  to  attempt 
any  further  prosecutions,  Majors  was  suffered  to  return  home,  from  which 
“ dearest  spot  on  earth,”  it  is  not  necessary  to  state  he  was  not  in  a suitable 
condition  to  make  his  appearance  into  the  world  for  some  days. 

The  incorrigible  Majors  afterward  made  further  attempts  at  prosecution, 
but  it  was  found  that  even  with  the  courts  it  was  no  laughing  matter  to 
work  against  the  power  of  the  club.  The  court  house  was  guarded  at  time 
of  trial  and  witnesses  and  lawyers  refused  admittance  or  driven  away. 
Majors  succeeded  finally  in  getting  several  indictments  including  one 
against  a neighbor  named  Bush,  who  was  arrested  by  the  authorities  and 
put  under  bonds  to  appear. 

By  arrangement  of  the  club  at  the  time  of  trial,  Bush  was  not  suffered 
to  appear,  but  another  member  who  greatly  resembled  Bush  in  appearance 
came  into  court  as  the  prisoner,  took  his  place  in  the  criminal  box  and 
plead  “not  guilty.”  The  suit  proceeded,  but  when  it  came  to  proving  the 
identity  of  the  prisoner,  the  trick  was  discovered  and  public  sympathy  was 
such  that  the  case  was  literally  laughed  out  of  court. 

This  joke  seemed  to  have  disgusted  Majors,  for  he  soon  after  abandoned 
the  field  to  the  enemy  and  moved  into  Missouri,  where,  a few  years  ago,  he 
was  still  residing. 

In  connection  with  this  incident  we  have  a piece  of  unwritten  history 
which  is  rather  amusing.  Shortly  after  the  mob’s  first  violent  measures  a 
meeting  of  citizens  was  held  in  Oskaloosa,  presided  over  by  Hr.  H.  S. 
Sampsel,  in  which  resolutions  were  passed  censuring  the  action  of  the  mob 
— a sort  of  indignation  meeting,  in  fact.  W.  T.  Smith  was  chairman  of 
the  committee  on  resolutions.  At  the  August  election  in  1848,  just  fol- 
lowing the  claim  difficulty,  the  Democrats  had  a ticket  in  the  field,  among 
others  composed  of  M.  S.  Smith  for  representative,  Theodore  Cox  for  com- 
missioner, George  O.  Ritchey  for  sheriff,  and  W.  T.  Smith  for  prosecuting 
attorney.  During  the  campaign  inquiry  began  to  be  made  among  the 
Whigs  for  the  resolutions  passed  at  the  above-mentioned  indignation  meet- 
ing, and  framed  by  W.  T.  Smith,  as  chairman  of  committee.  It  was 
thought  they  would  make  a damaging  campaign  document  among  Scott 
township  Democrats-^-an  opinion  which  Wtn.  T.  seemed  to  have  shared, 
for  he  took  care  to  stow  the  resolutions  carefully  away  in  the  bottom  of  his 
trunk.  Inquiry  was  made  of  the  recent  chairman  for  his  committee  reso- 
lutions, but  he  had  “ mislaid  them,”  and  “would  hunt  them  up  in  a few 
days.”  Several  ardent  Whigs  endeavored  to  refresh  Mr.  Smith’s  memory 
as  to  the  whereabouts  of  the  missing  resolutions,  but  they  were  nowhere  to 
be  found  until  after  he  had  stepped  into  the  district  attorney’s  shoes,  a good 
fortune  for  which  he  was  largely  indebted  to  the  voters  of  Scott  and  Rich- 
land townships. 

Moral:  None  so  blind  as  those  who  will  not  see. 


298 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


EABLY  CLIMATE,  ETC. 

The  first  two  winters  following  the  beginning  of  the  settlement  of  the 
county,  being  those  of  1843-44  and  1844-45,  were  remarkably  mild,  and 
of  course  favored  the  rapid  settlement  of  the  country.  The  winter  of 
1848-49  is  remembered  by  the  old  settlers  as  the  winter  of  deep  snow. 
The  crops  were  good,  and,  so  far  as  the  agricultural  yield  was  concerned, 
the  first  few  years  wrere  quite  prosperous.  There  was  considerable  sickness 
in  some  parts  of  the  county  during  1843  and  1844,  being  mostly  billious 
fever  or  ague.  Mrs.  Geo.  N.  Duncan  informs  us  that  in  one  instance  that 
she  remembers  in  the  summer  of  ’44  she  attended  the  burial  of  five  men 
in  as  many  consecutive  days,  whose  death  resulted  from  billious  fever. 
This,  however,  was  an  exception,  and  probably  sickness  did  not  prevail  in 
Mahaska  county  to  any  greater  extent  than  is  common  in  new  countries, 
where  rude  accommodations  are  used,  and  surface  water  is  all  that  the 
country  affords  for  drinking  purposes  until  wells  are  dug  or  cisterns  built. 

Wolves  were  quite  numerous  and  bold  when  first  the  white  settlers  came 
on  the  prairies.  Bussell  Peck  shot  seventeen  of  the  beasts  from  his  cabin 
door  during  the  winter  of  ’43-’44.  The  same  season  Dr.  Boyer,  who  was 
somewhat  of  a huntsman,  numbered  ninety-three  scalps  as  the  lawful 
trophies  of  his  prowess. 

For  some  reason  the  size  of  the  rivers  has  been  very  decidedly  lessened 
since  pioneer  days.  Formerly  a saw-mill  was  run  by  water  power  on  the 
Muchakinock  during  four  or  five  months  of  the  year,  where  now,  probably, 
the  supply  of  water  is  insufficient  for  as  many  weeks.  The  Des  Moines 
was  once  twice  or  three  times  the  river  it  is  at  present.  Boats  ascended 
far  beyond  Mahaska,  and  for  a considerable  portion  of  the  year.  The  win- 
ters, too,  are  quite  perceptibly  warmer  than  they  were  formerly — so  ma- 
terially has  the  advance  of  civilization  changed  the  climate  and  physical 
features  of  the  country. 

AN  EABLY  HUNT. 

In  the  fall  of  1842,  before  the  treaty  of  that  year  had  yet  been  made 
with  the  Indians,  a party  of  seven  hunters  came  from  Jefferson  county  up 
to  the  Narrows  on  a two  weeks’  hunt.  Judge  Comstock,  with  his  two 
sons,  A.  J.  and  Samuel,  and  William  Pilgrim  were  of  this  party.  Most 
of  their  hunting  was  done  between  two  streams  now  known  in  Oskaloosa 
township  as  Spring  creek  and  Painter  creek.  These  names  were  given 
them  by  this  hunting  party — Spring  creek,  because  the  season  of  ’42  had 
been  very  dry,  and  this  stream  was  fed  by  several  springs  of  more  than 
ordinary  strength;  Painter  creek,  because  the  hunters  heard  what  they  sup- 
posed to  be  the  cries  of  a panther  on  this  stream.  In  blazing  a route 
across  the  timber  from  the  Narrows  to  Skunk  river,  about  a mile  this  side 
of  the  river  the  blazing  party  sat  down  on  a fallen  linn  tree  to  rest.  The 
party,  while  sitting  there,  noticed  bees  centering  in  toward  the  top  of  the 
prostrate  trunk,  and,  upon  examining  the  log,  found  it  to  contain  quite  a 
colony  of  honey  bees.  These  robbers  in  human  shape  took  from  a nine 
foot  cavity  about  ten  gallons  of  strained  honey.  In  all,  between  the  two 
creeks  above  mentioned,  this  party  found  thirty-six  bee  trees,  and  secured 
therefrom  two  barrels  of  fine,  strained  honey.  They  killed  five  deer  and  a 
number  of  fowl.  Wolves  were  quite  numerous,  and  shot  without  difficulty. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


299 


A bear  and  two  cubs  were  killed  in  1844,  by  Samuel  and  Elijah  McMur- 
ray,  on  Painter  creek,  the  only  bears  ever  killed  within  the  present  limits 
of  Mahaska,  since  its  occupation  by  white  men. 

Judge  Comstock  and  Win.  Pilgrim,  during  this  hunt,  prospected  for  a 
mill  site,  and  decided  upon  the  location  of  the  present  “Warren  mill,” 
northeast  of  Oskaloosa,  as  a suitable  place  for  a mill,  when  the  country  should 
come  into  possession  of  the  whites. 

The  following  spring  Judge  Comstock  and  Matthew  D.  Springer  set  out 
from  Fairfield  with  a surveyor’s  compass,  and  finding,  as  nearly  as  possible, 
the  geographical  center  of  the  county,  in  May,  1843,  laid  out  a town  about 
three  miles  north  of  what  is  now  Oskaloosa,  hoping  to  secure  the  county 
seat  on  their  claim.  Of  the  failure  of  this  location  to  secure  the  decision  of 
the  commissioners  we  have  already  made  mention. 

During  this  same  month,  May,  1843,  Judge  Comstock  and  Wm.  Pil- 
grim, having  associated  in  partnership  with  themselves  a practical  mill 
wright,  Alex  McCleery,  they  commenced  building  a mill  upon  the  site 
chosen  the  previous  fall.  This  was  an  odd  structure — an  open  shed  covered 
with  clapboards,  furnished  shelter  for  the  machinery.  Everything  was 
made  on  the  ground  save  some  bolts  and  nails.  The  gearing  and  wheels 
were  all  of  wood,  made  for  the  most  part,  with  plane,  chisel  and  ax.  The 
dam  was  made  of  brush  anchored  in  the  stream  and  covered  by  rock;  then 
a layer  of  rock  and  another  of  brush.  This  was  filled  in  above  with  dirt. 
The  result  was  quite  a substantial  structure,  and  one  which  stood  for  years. 
In  the  dry  season  of  the  year,  when  the  fish  sought  deep  water,  they  would 
attempt  to  come  down  over  the  dam,  and  would  frequently  become  entan- 
gled in  the  brush.  Though  this  is  a “fish  story,”  we  are  assured  that  many 
fine  specimens  of  the  finny  tribe  were  caught  in  this  cage  by  hand.  The 
mill  was  completed  as  a saw  mill  in  Jan.,  1844,  having  what  was  known  as 
sash  saw,  which  would  rip  twenty-five  hundred  feet  of  lumber  in  twenty- 
four  hours,  the  mill  being  operated  night  and  day.  This  lumber  sold  at 
that  time  for  from  $1.50  to  $2.00  per  hundred. 

A corn  cracker  was  attached  to  the  gearing  of  the  mill — a pair  of  nigger 
head  burrs,  being  brought  from  Cincinnati,  capable  of  grinding  about  five 
bushels  of  corn  per  hour.  A run  of  French  burrs  was  put  in  the  mill  in  the 
fall  of  1845,  when  the  proprietors  were  able  to  grind  flour.  To  this  mill 
men  came  from  beyond  Des  Moines.  A register  was  kept  of  applicants 
for  grists,  and  each  awaited  his  turn  on  the  list  of  names.  Men  have  been 
known  to  wait  eight  days  for  a single  grist,  so  crowded  was  the  work  of  the 
mill. 

Judge  Comstock  died  in  the  fall  of  1848,  and  the  mill  was  sold  to  John 
White,  who,  in  1850,  sold  to  D.  M.  Colville.  In  1860  it  passed  into  the 
hands  of  Baker  and  Warren,  who  took  down  the  old  structure,  and  at  a cost 
of  $15,000  built  a fine  new  mill  with  three  run  of  stone.  Two  years  later 
N.  Smedley  bought  this  mill,  which  burned  in  1864  with  5000  bushels  of 
wTheat.  John  II.  Warren  bought  the  site,  and  in  1868  built  what  is  now 
known  as  “Glendale  Mills.”  This  mill  is  still  conducted  by  Mr.  Warren. 
His  three  run  of  stone  does  both  custom  and  mercantile  work. 

A MAHASKA  COUNTY  ROMANCE. 

During  the  winter  of  1841-2  there  appeared  at  Iowa  City  a stranger  who 


300 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


gave  liis  name  as  Col.  Wm.  Johnson,  and  who  was  accompanied  by  a young 
woman  whom  he  represented  as  his  daughter,  and  whom  he  called  Catha- 
rine, or,  usually  Kit.  Both  were  of  more  than  ordinary  strength  of  charac- 
ter, and  well  educated.  Johnson  claimed  to  have  been  the  hero  of  the  Can- 
dian  revolt,  which  took  place  in  1838,  and  was  the  occasion  of  considera- 
ble diplomatic  correspondence,  and  came  so  near  causing  war  between  Great 
Britain  and  the  United  States.  The  girl,  he  stated,  was  the  u queen  of  a 
thousand  isles,”  and  authentic  history  so  far  corroborates  his  story  as  to 
mention  the  fact  that  on  the  St.  Lawrence  there  was  a certain  young  woman 
who  gave  aid  and  assistance  to  the  patriots  in  this  border  trouble.  John- 
son succeeded  in  cutting  quite  a figure  in  Iowa  City  during  the  session  of 
the  legislature.  He  was  honored  by  a seat  on  the  floor  of  the  house,  and 
was  toasted  and  banqueted  by  some  of  the  law-makers  of  the  then 
State  Capital.  In  1842  Johnson  located  at  the  geographical  center  of 
Buchanan  county,  where  he  proposed  laying  out  a town,  and  expected  by 
his  fame  and  prowess  to  draw  around  him  a band  of  followers,  and  secure 
the  county  seat.  This  excited  the  jealously  of  the  first  settler  of  that  region, 
Wm.  Bennett,  a notorious  character,  who  had  laid  out  a village  where  Quas- 
queton  now  stands,  and  where  he  hoped  to  enrich  himself  by  securing  the 
county  seat  of  the  new  county.  Bennett  gathered  a few  congenial  spirits 
about  him,  went  over  to  Johnson’s,  loaded  up  his  effects  for  him,  then  tied 
him  to  a tree  and  flogged  him,  though  with  what  severity  is  unknown,  as 
accounts  differ.  Johnson  went  to  Marion  where  he  lodged  complaints 
against  his  persecutors,  and  the  sheriff  of  Linn  county  rode  up  to  Quasque- 
ton  to  arrest  Bennett.  The  latter  awaited  him  at  his  cabin  door,  armed 
with  his  rifle  and  a pair  of  pistols.  The  sheriff  modestly  retired  and  went 
back  for  a posse.  Bennett  and  his  companions  became  convinced  that  they 
had  better  leave  Quasqueton  for  awhile.  On  their  way  to  a place  of  escape 
they  suffered  terribly  from  intense  cold.  Some  of  the  parties  perished,  and 
others  were  frozen  so  as  to  be  mutilated  for  life.  This  of  course  aggravated 
Bennett  still  more  and  he  and  Johnson  became  deadly  foes. 

Soon  after,  Johnson,  losing  his  popularity,  left  Buchanan  county,  got  in 
with  a gang  of  horse  thieves,  and  fled  to  Mahaska  county  to  escape  the  law, 
bringing  with  him  the  girl  Kit,  and  another  man  and  woman.  Johnson 
seemed  to  have  this  girl  entirely  under  his  control,  and  in  his  fits  of  passion 
ft  is  said  threatened  to  kill  her,  in  consequence  of  which  she  was  in  mortal 
fear  of  him.  Johnson  located  on  Middle  Creek,  about  eight  miles  northeast  of 
Oskaloosa,  in  a grove  now  owned  by  James  K.  Woods.  He  there  built  a 
shanty.  In  the  spring  of  ’43,  a family  by  the  name  of  Peck  came  to  a point 
on  Skunk  river,  about  four  miles  from  Oskaloosa,  where  Bussell  Peck 
with  his  son-in-law,  Geo.  K.  Duncan,  built  a grist  mill.  Johnson  and  his 
daughter,  so-called,  lived  for  some  time  with  the  Pecks  and  Duncans. 
Several  times,  it  is  related,  during  the  time  he  staid  with  them,  strangers 
from  the  north  came  there  and  asked  to  stay  over  night.  They  were  kindly 
treated,  lodged  and  nothing  charged  them.  This  made  Johnson  very  angry, 
the  reason  for  which  being,  as  was  afterward  learned,  that  these  were  of 
Johnson’s  enemies  in  Buchanan  county,  who  for  some  reason  did  not  get  an 
opportunity  to  accomplish  their  purposes,  i.  e .,  revenge  on  Johnson.  Dur- 
ing this  time  an  attachment  sprung  up  between  Kit  and  Job  Peck,  son  of 
Bussell  Peck,  a young  man  of  about  21  years.  Johnson  was  grealy  enraged 
on  discovering  this,  and  removed  to  his  own  cabin  above  mentioned,  taking 
the  girl  with  him.  Wm.  D.  Heeley  was  engaged  to  Peck’s  sister  Sarah. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


301 


An  elopement  was  planned.  While  Johnson  was  away  one  evening,  about 
dusk,  Kit  was  stolen  away,  and  the  two  couples  started  in  an  easterly  direc- 
tion. The  following  day  they  reached  the  house  of  a relative  of  Peck’s, 
about  four  miles  from  Fairfield,  where  they  were  married  and  lodged  for 
the  night.  Upon  his  return  home  Johnson  set  out  in  search  for  them,  came 
to  the  house  where  the  fugitives  were,  near  one  o’clock  at  night,  entered  the 
house,  and  with  drawn  revolver  dragged  Kit  from  the  bed,  compelled  her 
to  dress  herself  and  mount  behind  him  and  ride  thus  to  his  home. 

The  following  evening  about  seven  o’clock  Johnson  was  shot  dead,  through 
a crevice  in  his  cabin,  while  standing  in  front  of  the  fire.  Job  Peck  was 
arrested  on  charge  of  the  murder,  taken  to  Washington  county  and  lodged 
in  jail.  His  lawyers  were  J.  C.  Hall  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  and  Colonel  Tomp- 
son. These  gentlemen  learning  that  a warrant  was  out  from  the  northern 
part  of  the  state,  for  the  arrest  of  u Kit,”  as  being  an  accomplice  of  John- 
son’s, it  was  arranged  that  the  girl  should  be  secreted,  until  she  could  be 
provided  for.  This  was  done,  and  a young  law  student  of  Hall’s,  named 
Wamsley,  was  sent  with  a buggy  to  Mahaska  county,  to  the  girl’s  hiding 
place.  This  Wamsley,  while  fording  the  Skunk  river,  a short  distance  from 
Oskaloosa,  met  a man  on  horseback  in  the  midst  of  the  stream.  The  stranger 
stated  to  Wamsley  that  he  was  in  search  of  a girl,  giving  her  description, 
being  the  same  one  that  Wamsley  was  after.  The  latter,  to  throw  the  offi- 
cer off  the  track,  told  him  that  he  had  seen  such  a girl  in  a certain  house  in 
the  direction  in  which  he  had  come.  The  officer  started  in  pursuit,  and 
Wamsley  proceeded  about  three  miles  and  a half  to  “Kit’s”  hiding  place. 
She  was  taken  to  Burlington,  put  on  a steamboat  and  sent  by  Hall  to  Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania.  Job  Peck  was  acquitted,  having  proved  an  alibi. 
Sometime  after  the  murder,  and  during  Peck’s  imprisonment,  a stranger 
stopped  at  Duncan’s  and  informed  them  that  his  name  was  Bennett;  that  he 
was  one  of  the  men  who  had  stopped  with  them,  and  whom  they  had  so 
kindly  treated;  that  he  and  Johnson  had  been  deadly  foes.  He  told  the 
Duncan’s  that  they  need  not  be  alarmed  in  regard  to  Job’s  acquittal,  as  he 
(Bennett)  knew  Peck  was  not  guilty,  and  gave  the  Duncan’s  to  understand 
that  he  knew  who  was. 

If  we  are  correctly  informed,  and  we  have  good  authority,  the  most 
romantic  part  of  this  story  is  yet  to  come.  During  the  time  that  he  was 
imprisoned  Peck  knew  nothing  of  his  wife’s  whereabouts,  nor  was  he  in- 
formed by  his  lawyer  until  some  months  after  his  release.  Finally  her 
address  was  given  him  and  he  set  out  for  Pittsburgh.  There  he  found  her 
living  with  people  of  the  highest  respectability,  in  most  elegant  style. 
Peck  himself  stated  to  our  informant  that  the  house  was  furnished  with  a 
grandeur  that  he  had  not  dreamed  of;  that  his  wife  was  a fine  musician; 
that  she  had  played  for  him  on  a piano  in  that  house,  and  that  he  had  these 
evidences  of  her  accomplishments  which  he  had  not  before  conjectured. 
She  was  ready  to  come  away  with  him,  did  come,  and  for  several  years 
lived  near  Oskaloosa  with  him.  Parties  now  living  remember  her  well;  say 
that  she  was  a woman  of  fine  education,  of  refinement  and  unblemished 
character,  wrote  a beautiful  letter,  and  gave  every  evidence  of  a good  “bring- 
ing up.”  No  one  believes — she  herself  denies — that  Johnson  was  her  father; 
but  who  she  was,  or  wTho  Johnson  was,  possibly  her  husband,  certainly  her 
husband’s  family  never  knew.  She  lived  happily  with  Peck  in  California, 
until  the  latter’s  death.  She  has  a noble  family,  and  is  again  married  to  a 
devoted  husband.  Her  portrait  of  late  years  has  nothing  of  the  romantic 


302 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


in  it,  but  every  lineament  marks  her  intelligence  and  happiness.  To-day 
this  “ Queen  of  a Thousand  Isles  ” is  queen  of  a happy  household  in  a far 
western  home. 

Since  writing  the  above  we  have  been  cited  to  an  article  in  Scribner’s 
Monthly  for  April,  1878,  entitled  “Among  the  Thousand  Islands.”  From 
this  article  we  make  the  following  extracts. 

“ Of  late  years  perhaps  no  event  caused  such  a stir  of  excitement  in  this 
region  as  the  so-called  Patriot  war  in  1838,  a revolt  of  certain  Canadians 
dissatisfied  with  the  government  of  Sir  Francis  Bond  Head,  then  Governor- 
general  of  Canada,  which  was  joined  by  a number  of  American  agitators, 
ever  ripe  for  any  disturbance. 

* -x-  * ********** 

“It  was  a wild,  insane  affair  altogether,  and  after  some  time  consumed  in 
petty  threats  of  attack,  finally  reached  a climax  in  the  burning  of  the 
Canadian  steamer  ‘ Sir  Robert  Peel,’  one  of  the  finest  vessels  upon  the 
St.  Lawrence.  The  most  prominent  actor  in  this  affair  was  Bill  Johnson 
— a name  familiar  to  every  one  around  this  region — whose  career  forms  a 
series  of  romantic  adventures,  deeds  and  escapes,  followed  by  his  final  cap- 
ture, which  would  fill  a novel.  Indeed,  we  understand  that  a novel  has 
been  written  by  a Canadian  Frenchman  on  this  theme,  though  we  have 
not  had  the  good  fortune  to  find  any  one  who  has  read  it. 
************* 

“Johnson  was  originally  a British  subject,  but  turned  renegade,  serving 
as  a spy  in  the  war  of  1812,  in  which  capacity  he  is  said  to  have  robbed  the 
mails  to  gain  intelligence.  He  hated  his  native  country  with  all  the  bitter- 
ness which  a renegade  alone  is  capable  of  feeling.  He  was  one  of  the 
earliest  agitators  upon  the  American  side  of  the  border,  and  was  the  one 
who  instigated  the  destruction  of  the  ‘ Peel.’  A reward  was  offered  by 
the  governments  of  each  country  for  his  apprehension,  so  he  was  compelled 
to  take  to  the  islands  for  safety.  Here  he  continued  for  several  months, 
though  with  numbers  of  hair-breadth  escapes,  in  which  he  was  assisted  by 
his  daughter,  who  seems  to  have  been  a noble  girl.  Many  stories  are  told 
of  remarkable  acts  performed  by  him,  of  his  choking  up  the  inlet  of  the 
Lake  of  the  Isle  with  rocks,  so  as  to  prevent  vessels  of  any  size  entering 
that  sheet  of  water;  of  his  having  a skiff  in  which  he  could  outspeed  any 
ordinary  sailing  craft,  and  which  he  carried  bodily  across  necks  of  land 
when  his  enemies  were  in  pursuit  of  him,  and  of  his  hiding  in  all  manner 
of  out-of-the-way  spots,  once  especially  in  the  Devil’s  Oven,  previously 
described,  to  which  his  daughter,  who  alone  was  in  his  confidence,  disguised 
as  a boy,  carried  provisions.  He  was  finally  captured  and  sent  to  Albany, 
where  after  suffering  a slight  penalty  for  his  offense,  he  was  subsequently 
released,  although  he  was  always  very  careful  to  keep  out  of  the  clutch  ot 
the  indignant  Canadians.” 


AH  OLD  IOWAN. 

We  have  met  older  residents  in  Mahaska  county,  but  do  not  remember 
seeing  anyone  who  has  a longer  Iowa  record  than  William  B.  Street,  Esq., 
of  Oskaloosa.  His  father  was  Gen.  J.  M.  Street,  so  well  known  as  the 
humane  and  Christian  Indian  agent  among  the  Winnebagos.  Gen.  Street 
read  law  with  Henry  Clay,  was  appointed  Indian  agent  by  Adams,  and 
re-appointed  by  Jackson  and  Yan  Buren.  He  established  the  Winnebago 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


303 


Mission  among  one  of  the  most  unpromising  tribes  of  the  Mississippi 
valley,  and  through  the  early  seed  sown  they  are  now  in  northern  Nebraska, 
perhaps  the  most  civilized  of  the  native  race  of  the  country. 

Gen.  Street  died  in  1840.  William  B.  came  to  Iowa  in  1834,  being  a 
youth  of  fourteen  or  fifteen  summers,  and  was  constantly  among  the  Indians 
till  1843,  part  of  the  time  near  what  is  now  known  as  Agency  City.  He 
is  perhaps  as  thoroughly  posted  in  Indian  customs,  history  and  language 
as  any  man  in  the  state,  and  has  been  already  mentioned  in  connection 
with  the  early  history  of  Mahaska  county.  He  can  give  the  scalp  raising 
whoop  of  the  Sacs  to  perfection,  and  can  even  yet,  at  almost  seventy  years 
of  age,  be  sometimes  induced  to  give  the  Indian  war  dance,  for  the  benefit 
of  his  particular  friends.  He  possesses  a number  of  Indian  antiques,  and 
is  a very  entertaining  talker  on  Indian  matters.  He  settled  in  Oskaloosa 
in  1844,  built  the  first  frame  store  building  within  the  city  limits,  being 
located  on  the  west  side  of  the  square.  He  was  engaged  in  merchandising 
until  1857,  went  into  banking,  met  with  some  reverses,  and  has  since  been 
engaged  in  railroading  on  various  roads. 

At  present  (1878)  he  is  enjoying  the  leisure  merited  by  a life  of  toil  and 
usefulness,  and  we  wish  him  the  continued  blessing  of  a green  and  happy 
old  age. 

MAHASKA  IN  1850-1852. 

At  this  time  Mahaska  had  grown  to  be  quite  a county,  and  Oskaloosa 
bore  the  appearance  of  a thrifty  town.  Upward  of  45,000  bushels  of  wheat 
had  been  harvested  in  1849,  and  the  county  was  in  a prosperous  condition. 
July,  1850,  the  Herald  had  been  started  as  a weekly  county  newspaper, 
and  though,  in  comparison  with  its  present  size  and  appearance,  it  was  an 
insignificant  sheet,  yet  it  no  doubt  was  one  of  the  best  papers  in  Iowa  at 
that  day.  Little  attention  was  given  to  local  matters  for  some  years  by  the 
newspaper  men,  as  then  political  and  national  affairs  were  considered  more 
properly  as  the  province  of  the  editor. 

In  1851  we  find  upward  of  one  thousand  votes  cast  in  the  county,  elect- 
ing a Whig  judge  and  Democratic  sheriff.  At  the  Presidential  election  of 
1852  the  vote  of  the  county  stood:  Scott,  599,  Pierce,  541 — a Whig  majority 
of  58. 

The  assessed  valuation  of  property  in  Mahaska  in  1850  was  $754,170. 
The  population  of  Oskaloosa  two  years  later  is  estimated  at  one  thousand 
persons.  There  were  at  this  time  probably  a score  of  saw-mills  within  the 
limits  of  the  county,  and  the  work  of  improvement  was  going  rapidly  for- 
ward. In  both  town  and  country  houses  were  springing  up,  bridges  and 
fences  were  built,  and  the  work  of  sowing  and  reaping  was  on  the  increase. 
The  virgin  soil  of  the  prairies  and  the  untouched  alluvium  of  the  bottom- 
lands yielded  a ready  reward  to  the  plowman’s  labor,  and  produced  with  a 
richness  and  abundance  which  later  tillage  cannot  rival. 

Even  at  this  day  great  difficulty  attended  the  carrying  of  the  mails  and 
necessary  supplies  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year.  Though  Oskaloosa  had 
an  eastern  and  western  mail  daily,  yet  letters  from  St.  Louis  not  unfre- 
quently  occupied  ten  days  in  transit.  As  an  illustration  of  the  business 
and  intelligence  of  Oskaloosa  we  give  the  following  items: 

Letters  received  at  the  post-office  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1852. . 13,958. 


Letters  mailed  during  same  time 15,762. 

Subscribers  to  newspapers  and  periodicals 429. 


304 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Printing  paper  was  also  very  scarce  at  this  period,  and  the  Herald  was 
at  times  delayed  as  long  as  three  weeks  awaiting  a supply,  which  was  then 
usually  obtained  from  St.  Louis. 

We  give  the  annexed  market  reports,  which  will  prove  interesting  by 
comparison.  The  reader  will  be  struck  by  noticing  the  similarity  in  prices 
between  that  of  1851  and  the  present  time,  July,  1878.  These  reports  are 
taken  from  the  files  of  the  Herald  of  the  different  dates  named: 

OSKALOOSA  PRICE-CURRENT. 


nov.,  1851. 

MAY,  1857. 

jan’y,  1865. 

july,  1878. 

Flour  'fl  bbl. 

$5.40  @6.00 

$ 9.00 

$ 10.25 

$ 6.00@7.50 

Wheat  ^ bu.  - 

60@75 

1.25 

1.35@1.50 

80@90 

Oats  ^ bu.  - 

16  @20 

75 

40 

17@18 

Corn  ^ bu. 

20  @25 

1.00 

60  @70 

25  @30 

Potatoes  ^ bu.  - 

45  @50 

1.00  @1.70 

1.50@2.00 

15@20 

Butter  ^ ft>  - 

10@  12 

20@25 

35  @40 

7 

Eggs  f doz. 

5 

8 @10 

30  @35 

5 

Hay  ^ ton 

4.00@5.00 

15.00@20.00 

13.00@15.00 

Sugar  ^ ft)  - 

9@  11 

28@40 

Coffee  f lb  - 

12@  15 

40  @55 

Salt  ^ bu.  - 

90@1.00 

1.65 

FOURTH  OF  JULY. 

The  4th  of  July,  1852,  came  on  Sunday,  and  the  Saturday  preceding  was 
the  date  of  a considerable  celebration  in  Oskaloosa.  About  2,500  persons 
were  present.  The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  read  by  M.  T.  Wil- 
liams. The  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  normal  school  building  was 
a part  of  the  ceremonies  of  the  day,  and  in  the  hearts  of  the  people  were 
mingled  the  memories  of  the  past  and  the  anticipations  of  times  to  come. 
The  orators  of  the  day  were  Wm.  Loughridge  and  W.  H.  Seevers.  After 
dinner  were  numerous  toasts  and  responses,  among  which  we  note  the 
following  temperate  sentiment  by  S.  S.  Stewart: 

May  the  toper’s  bottles  speedily  be  broken, 

And  the  cause  of  temperance  thrive; 

May  the  old  maids  soon  get  husbands, 

And  the  old  bachelors  wives. 


FLOOD  OF  ’51. 

The  year  1851  is  known  in  Mahaska  county  as  the  year  of  the  flood. 
The  rainfall  throughout  Iowa  in  that  spring  was  unprecedented,  and  the 
smaller  rivers  of  the  State  attained  a high  water  mark  which  has  not  since 
been  reached.  The  overthrow  culminated  May  29th,  and  is  thus  described 
in  the  Herald  of  the  30  th: 

“ One  of  the  heaviest  rains  we  were  ever  privileged  to  witness  occurred  on 
Wednesday  of  last  week.  The  rain  literally  fell  in  torrents  for  over  an 
hour,  causing  the  face  of  the  whole  country  to  present  the  appearance  of 
one  vast  lake  of  rushing  waters.  Much  damage  has  been  done  in  conse- 
quence by  the  floating  away  of  fences,  bridges,  etc.  It  is  said  that  scarcely 
a bridge  or  foot-log  remains  over  a stream  in  the  whole  county. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


305 


“ The  usually  staid  and  sober  Des  Moines  has  been  taking  a regular 
‘swell,’  literally  tearing  down  and  carrying  off  everything  that  happened  to 
come  in  its  current.  Hot  satisfied  with  keeping  in  its  own  channel,  it  has 
made  free  to  invade  every  man’s  premises  in  the  vicinity,  in  many  cases 
literally  driving  away  families  domiciled  in  the  neighborhood.  It  has  left 
its  ‘ mark  ’ on  the  land  near  the  shore  so  that  the  settlers  may  hereafter 
know  how  much  is  claimed  by  it.  It  is  in  many  places  from  two  to  four 
miles  wide.  A number  of  dwellings  were  carried  entirely  away.  This 
calamity  will  be  doubly  hard  on  the  sufferers,  as  it  has  not  only  destroyed 
the  present  crops,  but  has  taken  away  the  old  crop  that  was  in  store  for  the 
present  season. 

“The  Skunk,  too,  not  having  the  fear  of  men  before  its  eyes,  has  been 
spreading  itself  in  every  direction,  taking  along  with  it  every  obstacle  that 
could  not  withstand  a perfect  rush  of  sweeping  waters.  Judging  from  ap- 
pearances one  would  suppose  it  determined  to  declare  itself  navigable  (with- 
out any  act  of  legislature)  by  removing,  without  the  aid  of  civil  law,  every- 
thing calculated  to  hinder  small  crafts  from  taking  an  uninterrupted  voyage 
to  the  Father  of  Waters. 

“ On  Saturday,  a man  named  Sandert  De  Yong,  a native  of  Holland,  was 
drowned  near  Union  Mills.  He  and  a number  of  others  were  engaged  in 
replacing  the  flooring  of  the  bridge  when  he  slipped  through  and  perished 
in  the  waters  without  the  bystanders  being  able  to  assist  him. 

“A  young  man  was  drowned  in  the  Des  Moines  near  Ft.  Des  Moines  on 
Friday,  and  two  small  boys  near  Red  Rock  a few  days  since.” 

During  this  season  flour  or  meal  was  very  difficult  to  obtain,  even  in 
Oskaloosa.  A pair  of  burrs  or  corn  crackers  were  brought  upon  the  front 
carriage  of  a wagon  from  Agency  City,  and  attached  to  the  gearing  of  the 
saw-mill,  which  stood  on  the  present  site  of  Prondfit’s  mill,  and  here  was 
meal  and  hominy  made  for  the  settlement  in  the  midst  of  this  western  sea 
of  mud  and  water. 

RELIGIOUS. 

You  raised  these  hallowed  walls;  the  desert  smiled, 

And  Paradise  was  opened  in  the  wild. — Pope. 

In  this  day  of  missionary  and  benevolent  spirit,  the  Gospel  in  the  West 
rather  precedes  than  follows  the  settlement  of  the  country.  But  in  the 
earlier  days  of  frontier  life  the  progress  toward  public  worship  was  of 
necessity  slow.  Yet  the  devotional  spirit  of  those  who  had  left  godly  homes 
opened  up  here  and  there  an  organized  body  of  worshippers,  many  months 
before  they  had  a regular  building  for  their  services.  It  is  claimed  that 
the  first  religious  organization  in  Mahaska  county  was  in  the  Six  Mile 
Prairie  settlement,  where,  in  the  winter  of  1844,  a Methodist  class  was  or- 
ganized and  Mr.  Chestnut  chosen  as  class-leader. 

In  Oskaloosa  religious  services  were  frequently  held  in  the  frame  court 
house  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  work.  Even  as  late  as  August,  1851, 
we  find  the  following  advertisement: 

The  court  house  will  be  open  for  public  worship  at  all  times,  but  the  different  religious  de- 
nominations must  arrange  the  time  of  holding  their  meetings  among  themselves. 

Many  of  the  old  settlers  will  remember  quite  a lively  theological  discus- 
sion which  was  held  in  the  court  house  in  the  winter  of  ’51,  which  lasted 


306 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


for  several  days,  and  which  would  be  best  described  by  giving  the  published 
terms  of  debate. 


The  undersigned  agree  to  debate  the  following  proposition,  to- wit:  In  the  economy  of 
man’s  salvation  as  revealed  in  the  scriptures,  is  baptism  a condition  of  pardon? 

On  the  first  day  Mr.  Chatterton  affirms  that  it  is,  and  gives  his  arguments  in  favor  of  his 
position  and  Mr.  Teas  replies,  each  party  occupying  thirty  minutes  alternately.  On  the  sec- 
ond day  Mr.  Teas  affirms  that  it  is  not,  and  gives  his  arguments  in  favor  of  his  position,  and 
Mr.  Chatterton  replies,  each  party  occupying  thirty  minutes  alternately. 

Said  debate  to  be  at  the  court  house  in  Oskaloosa,  to  commence  on  Friday,  the  31st  day  of 
January,  1851,  at  10  o’clock,  a.  m.  The  discussion  to  be  conducted  under  the  supervision  of 
Wm.  T.  Smith,  Esq.,  as  chairman,  assisted  by  Esquires  M.  T.  Williams  and  A.  M.  Cassiday, 
and  be  governed  by  parliamentary  rules  and  usages.  No  new  matter  to  be  introduced  into 
the  closing  speech  by  either  party. 

Agreed  to  by  us,  January  17th,  1851. 

A.  CHATTERTON, 

G.  W.  TEAS. 


Mr.  Smith  informs  us  this  debate  was  long  and  excited  considerable  in- 
terest. The  committee  appointed  were  simply  to  moderate  the  discussion 
and  preserve  order,  and  the  committee  made  no  report  upon  the  merits  of 
either  argument.  Another  discussion  of  a similar  nature  took  place  be- 
tween Mr.  Chatterton  and  Mr.  I.  M.  Westfall,  in  October  of  this  same  year. 


INCIDENTS. 


During  the  early  days  in  Mahaska  it  was  customary  for  the  young  law- 
yers of  Oskaloosa,  and  others,  to  go  out  into  the  country  and  enlighten  the 
“bushwhackers  ” upon  the  subject  of  politics,  and  kindred  themes.  On  one 
of  these  occasions  the  accomplished  clerk  of  the  district  court,  with  a party 
of  friends,  went  down  to  hold  a neighborhood  meeting  on  Six  Mile  Prairie, 
in  a settler’s  cabin  of  the  regulation  type,  having  a huge  sod  chimney  out- 
side. The  settler  whose  domicil  this  was,  with  a characteristic  desire  for 
intimacy  with  his  domestics,  had  his  chicken  roost  at  the  end  of  the  house, 
the  roost  being  a pole  laid  from  the  sod  chimney  to  the  eaves.  When  the 
speaking  had  fairly  begun,  and  a young  orator  from  the  capital  of  the 
county  was  pouring  forth  the  eloquence  of  his  soul,  a lively  concert  was 
started  outside.  Dame  “Ke-tah-cut”  and  her  entire  chorus  struck  out,  en- 
tirely drowning  the  metropolitan  speaker,  who  yielded  the  floor  with  bad 
grace,  and  claimed  fowl  play — which  claim  was  not  disputed  by  the 
amused  spectators. 

In  the  midst  of  a mud  embargo,  in  the  days  when  the  frontiersman  of 
the  western  border  went  eighty  miles  to  mill,  Yan  Delashmntt  and  E.  A. 
Boyer  found  themselves  without  flour.  To  go  to  Bonaparte  to  mill  was 
impossible.  About  a week  after  the  barrel  of  meal  had  wasted,  they  heard 
of  a rustic,  several  miles  up  the  Des  Moines,  who  had  manufactured  a hand- 
mill,  so  they  sent  a few  bushels  of  wheat  up  there  to  be  ground,  but  the 
grist  arrived  just  in  time  to  find  the  mill  broken.  Their  case  was  getting 
unpleasant.  However,  on  the  following  day  Dr.  Boyer  saw  a steamboat 
ascending  the  Des  Moines,  carrying  a cargo  of  flour  to  soldiers.  He  hailed 
her,  but  to  no  purpose.  Manning  a large  canoe  with  a couple  of  his  men 
he  was  soon  alongside,  and  demanded  two  barrels  of  flour,  saying  he  was 
ready  to  pay  for  it.  The  captain  refused,  said  it  was  government  property 
and  he  could  not  sell  it.  Boyer  told  him  it  made  no  difference;  his  family 
was  starving,  and  he  proposed  to  have  the  flour  or  sink  the  boat.  The  cap- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


307 


tain  was  not  hard  to  persuade,  and  lowered  two  barrels  of  flour  into  the 
craft,  for  which  he  was  fifteen  dollars  richer,  and  the  government  probably 
none  the  wiser.  Boyer  got  his  cargo  to  land,  and  rolled  it  up  behind  his 
cabin  and  covered  it  with  some  boards.  Presently  Yan  came  up  to  canvass 
the  discouraging  situation  with  his  friendly  neighbor,  who  took  him  around 
the  house  and  showed  him  a sight  which  probably  suggested  to  Yan’s  mind 
the  story  of  Elijah  and  the  ravens,  if  he  had  ever  read  it,  for  it  seemed  a 
profound  mystery  where  Boyer  could  have  obtained  400  weight  of  flour  in 
the  midst  of  that  wilderness.  The  pirate  explained,  and  Yan  got  one 
barrel  of  the  flour. 

MISSISSIPPI  AND  MISSOUKI  K.  R.  LOAN. 

Sometime  about  1850  a great  air-line  railroad  route  was  projected 
through  Iowa  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Missouri  river.  A company 
named  the  Mississippi  and  Missouri  Railroad  Company  undertook  the 
project,  and  began  work  at  Muscatine.  The  route  was  proposed  through 
Mahaska  county.  One  hundred  thousand  dollars  of  county  bonds  in  sub- 
scription were  voted  to  the  company  during  Judge  Crookham’s  adminis- 
tration, but  were  not  issued. 

Shortly  after  Judge  Rhinehart  was  elected  county  judge,  in  answer  to 
petition  of  more  than  one-fourth  the  voters  of  Mahaska  county,  under  act 
of  the  legislature  of  January  25,  1855,  he  submitted  to  the  people  the 
question  of  whether,  in  addition  to  the  subscription  of  $100,000  already 
subscribed,  he  should,  in  the  name  of  the  county,  subscribe  $150,000  more, 
in  bonds  payable  in  twenty  years,  at  ten  per  cent,  payable  semi-annually, 
and  to  be  issued  at  the  rate  of  ten  per  cent  per  month.  The  subscription 
was  voted  March,  1856,  by  a majority  of  961.  The  judge  refused  to  deliver 
the  bonds  without  security  on  the  part  of  the  company  that  the  road  should 
be  built.  This  security  was  not  given,  and  the  bonds  were  not  delivered. 
Judge  Rhinehart  made  a second  proclamation  in  March,  1859,  declaring 
that  an  opportunity  would  be  given  to  the  citizens  to  decide  on  the  matter 
of  rescinding  the  loan.  The  result  showed  848  ballots  for  rescinding  and 
1,610  against.  Bonds  to  the  amount  of  $200,000  were  delivered  to  John 
A.  Dix,  president,  on  the  understanding  that  the  road  was  to  be  completed 
to  Oskaloosa  before  September,  1860  (it  was  then  finished  to  Washington); 
that  the  company  would  expend  a sum  not  less  than  $15,000  in  Mahaska 
county  during  the  summer  of  1859;  that  the  county  should  pay  the  interest 
on  $100,000  of  the  bonds  until  the  road  was  completed  to  Oskaloosa,  etc. 
The  company  gave  its  bond  for  the  execution  of  the  contract,  and  its  cer- 
tificate of  stock  to  the  amount  of  the  subscription.  Some  parts  of  this 
agreement  not  being  complied  with  the  sale  of  the  bonds  was  soon  enjoined, 
and  thus  the  only  loan  ever  made  by  the  county  to  any  corporation  was 
annulled. 

The  bonds  remained  in  the  possession  of  the  company  until  1870,  when 
measures  were  taken  to  secure  them  by  the  county.  In  June  of  that  year 
the  Board  of  Supervisors  authorized  its  chairman  to  take  steps  for  the  re- 
covery of  the  bonds,  at  an  expense  not  to  exceed  $500.  This  amount  was 
paid  the  railroad  company  for  their  expense  in  printing  the  bonds,  etc.,  and 
at  the  Septemb  r meeting  Wm.  G.  Briggs,  chairman,  reported  possession 
of  the  documents,  and  also  of  a receipt  of  the  company  in  acknowledg- 


308 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


ment  of  certificate  of  stock.  Mr.  Briggs  and  the  auditor  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  burn  the  bonds,  which  they  did. 


COUNTY  FINANCES. 


The  financial  management  of  Mahaska  county  has  always  been  an  eco- 
nomical one.  Opposed  to  running  the  county  in  debt,  its  financiers  have 
never  permitted  useless  extravagance,  and  in  the  opinion  of  many  have  ig- 
nored the  best  interests  of  the  county  by  a too  conservative  management. 
The  county  taxes  have  been  light  in  comparison  with  other  counties  of  the 
State,  and  they  have  been  judiciously  expended.  In  the  early  days  county 
orders  were  sometimes  considerably  below  par,  selling  at  from  sixty  to  sev- 
ety  cents  on  the  dollar;  but  this  was  years  ago,  and  the  present  high  stand- 
ard of  county  warrants  brings  contract  bids  down  to  a cash  basis,  and  se- 
cures for  the  county  full  work  for  orders  drawn.  No  money  has  ever  been 
paid  out  of  the  county  treasury  for  any  railroads  through  the  territory  of 
the  county,  nor  has  any  considerable  amount  ever  been  spent  for  public 
buildings.  The  first  court  house  and  jail  were  built  from  proceeds  of  sale 
of  Oskaloosa  town  lots.  A rather  badly  mixed  financial  transaction  is  re- 
lated in  regard  to  the  commissioners  of  the  early  day.  After  the  building 
of  the  court  house  there  remained  a considerable  surplus  of  the  lot  fund, 
and  the  regular  treasury  was  empty.  The  commissioners,  understanding 
that  the  lot  fund  was  not  available  for  other  purposes,  borrowed,  in  the 
name  of  the  commissioners  of  Mahaska  county,  the  sum  of  $3,000  from  the 
commissioners  of  Mahaska  county,  and  gave  as  security  the  official  pledge 
of  the  commissioners  of  said  county.  This  surplus  from  sale  of  lots  was 
afterward  invested  in  a new  county  jail. 

The  present  year  found  a mortgage  on  the  county  poor  farm  of  $7,000 
and  a certain  amount  of  accumulated  interest.  The  law  does  not  permit  a 
sufficient  levy  to  cancel  this  debt  immediately,  and  in  consequence  it  was 
decided  by  the  supervisors  that  the  same  should  be  funded.  Accordingly 
bonds  to  the  amount  of  $8,000  have  been  issued,  bearing  the  date  July  1, 
1878,  payable  in  three,  four  and  five  years,  or  earlier  at  the  option  of  the 
county,  drawing  eight  per  cent  interest,  payable  semi-annually.  These 
will  probably  be  redeemed  within  two  years  from  date  of  issue. 

The  outstanding  county  warrants  July  1,  1878,  were  near  $14,000,  of 
which  $8,600  belonged  to  bridge  fund,  and  are  not  due  till  April  1,  1879. 
Thus  it  will  be  seen  the  county  indebtedness  is  the  merest  trifle,  and  this 
exhibit  should  force  upon  its  citizens  the  duty  of  building  at  an  early  day 
a court  house  which  will  be  a glory  to  Mahaska  county  and  an  ornament 
to  the  county  seat. 

From  the  auditor’s  books  we  make  the  following  quotations  of  the  tax 
lists  for  1877 : 


No.  of  polls  in  county 

Acres  of  land  (taxed) 

Assessed  valuation  of  land 

Assessed  valuation  of  lots 

Assessed  valuation  or  personal  property 

Exempted  from  taxation 

Total  value  (less  exemption) 

Consolidated  tax  for  the  county 


5,758 

359,981 

$4,079,293 

738,631 

1,775,985 

28,139 

6,565.770 

150,485.50 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


311 


State  tax $13,131.75 

County  tax 19,697.82 

School  tax 6,565.95 

Bridge  tax 19,697.78 

Poor  tax 6,565.93 

Insane  tax 6,565.93 

School  house 11,153.07 

School  district 36,105.54 

Contingent 15,882.66 

Judgment  tax 3,283.11 

City  tax 12.967.15 

Poll  tax 2,879.00 

Irregular  school  tax 638.00 

Road  tax 3,471.30 


Total  tax $158,604.99. 


The  assessment  for  1878  is  as  follows: 

358,703  acres  of  land  valued  at $3,772,177 

Town  lots 738,631 

Railroad  s 309 , 367 

Personal  property 1,593,300 

Total  valuation $6,413,475. 


BRIDGES. 

Few  counties  have  been  called  upon  for  larger  expenditure  for  bridges 
than  Mahaska,  and  in  this  respect  the  response  of  the  people  has  been  lib- 
eral. Crossed  as  the  county  is  by  three  large  streams  and  a number  of 
smaller  ones,  the  expense  of  building  and  maintaining  bridges  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  public  has  been  considerable.  In  most  cases  substantial 
iron  bridges  have  been  constructed,  and  there  are  now  in  the  county  about 
thirty  iron  structures,  both  arch  and  truss,  costing  amounts  varying  from 
$900  to  $5,000.  These  do  not  include  the  handsome  iron  bridge  built  across 
the  Des  Moines  river  at  Wilson’s  Ferry,  a point  near  the  Des  Moines  and 
Jefferson  township  lines.  This  was  built  in  1877  by  Messrs.  McKay  & 
Kelson,  of  Ft.  Wayne,  Ind.,  at  an  expense  of  $25,200.  It  is  a heavy  iron 
truss  bridge,  with  substantial  stone  abutments  and  piers.  It  consists  of  four 
spans  of  162^-  feet  each,  or  650  feet  in  all.  This  bridge  has  brought  in  di- 
rect and  convenient  communication  the  southwestern  part  of  the  county 
with  the  county  seat  and  surrounding  country — an  advantage  and  improve- 
ment worth  twice  the  money  expended.  As  above  stated  the  outstanding 
warrants  on  this  bridge  are  $8,600,  due  April  1,  1879,  the  money  for  pay- 
ment of  which  is  now  ready  in  the  treasury. 

POOR  HOUSE. 

Asjdums  for  the  poor,  the  disabled  and  the  orphans,  are  distinctively 
Christian  institutions.  It  has  been  frequently  remarked,  that  among  heathen 
nations,  Rome,  Greece  and  Macedon,  no  state  institutions  were  ever  estab- 
lished for  the  use  of  the  destitute.  Mahaska  county  has  performed  its 
duty  of  public  benevolence  in  providing  an  excellent  poor  farm  for  its 
paupers;  and  not  only  so,  but  this  institution  by  its  last  report  has  been 
shown  to  be  self-sustaining,  thus  solving  in  a practical  way  a problem 
which  has  puzzled  continental  economists  for  centuries. 

20 


312 


HISTOKY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  question,  “ Shall  Mahaska  county  have  a poor  farm?”  was  probably 
submitted  to  the  people  for  the  first  time  in  April,  1861.  The  question 
was  negatived.  The  matter  was  again  agitated  in  a meeting  of  the  board 

ft  toft  to 

of  supervisors  .November,.  1866,  but  without  action. 

A popular  vote  was  again  taken  in  1867,  which,  being  favorable,  resulted 
in  the  purchase  of  80  acres  on  sec.  30,  tp  75  north,  15  west,  being  about 
three  miles  southeast  of  the  city  of  Oskaloosa,  and  known  as  the  Stanley  farm. 
This  was  secured  at  a cost  of  $4,000,  being  improved  by  a good,  frame 
dwelling  house;  this  was  fitted  up  for  the  occupancy  of  the  county  poor. 
The  first  board  of  directors  having  in  charge  the  poor  farm  was  elected  by 
the  board  of  supervisors  in  January,  1868,  and  was  composed  of  M.  Kins- 
man, W.  S.  Edgar  and  C.  Houtz.  Allen  Williamson  was  chosen  first  steward, 
being  the  lowest  bidder  of  fourteen  applicants  for  the  position.  Mr.  Wil- 
liamson proved  a very  efficient  steward,  and  retained  his  office  until  1871. 
The  report  of  the  directors  for  1868  showed  the  expenses,  including  price 
of  the  farm,  to  be  $7,983.40.  Proceeds  from  farm  products,  $132.43. 
Omitting  amounts  paid  for  permanent  fixtures,  the  amount  paid  for  keep- 
ing the  poor  at  farm  was  $972.05.  The  average  number  of  paupers  cared 
for  was  5 1-7  persons. 

January,  1869,  lots  nos.  27,  28,  33  and  34  were  purchased  in  Forest 
Cemetery  as  burial  ground  for  paupers. 

The  directors  for  1869  were  W.  S.  Edgar,  M.  Kinsman  and  C.  Houtz. 
For  1870  the  same  were  continued.  In  1871  a single  individual,  John 
Jeffries,  was  appointed  director.  He  resigned  June,  1872,  and  C.  Houtz 
was  appointed  to  fill  vacancy.  Mr.  N.  P.  Weaver  was  steward  from  1871 
till  1873,  when  T.  W.  Hyde  was  appointed,  who  gave  good  account  of  his 
stewardship  until  the  farm  was  sold  in  1876. 

Late  Sabbath  evening,  Dec.  12,  1875,  after  all  the  paupers  had  retired, 
it  was  discovered  by  the  steward  that  the  house  was  on  fire,  having,  it  is 
supposed,  caught  from  a spark  on  the  roof.  Eleven  paupers  were  asleep  in 
the  building,  all  of  whom  were  roused  only  in  time  to  escape  with  their 
lives,  and  in  a few  minutes  an  insurance  policy  for  $1,200  was  all  that  the 
supervisors  had  to  show  for  the  first  county  poor  house. 

Here  was  a quandary.  The  paupers  were  to  be  taken  care  of,  and  the 
county  needed  a poor  house,  but  this  could  not  be  built  without  submitting 
the  question  to  a vote  of  the  people,  with  doubtful  result.  Another  county 
in  Iowa  was  in  the  same  predicament.  So  a special  act  of  the  Sixteenth 
General  Assembly  was  secured,  by  which  the  board  was  authorized  to  pro- 
vide a new  poor  house,  without  submitting  the  question  to  the  people. 
After  a prolonged  discussion  of  matters,  it  was  decided  to  buy  a new  farm. 
Accordingly  on  March  8,  1876,  the  board  bought  from  A.  M.  Coonrod  a 
farm  of  320  acres,  being  south  \ sec.  24,  in  Scott  township.  On  this  farm 
was  a large  brick  house,  which  is  now  used  as  a county  poor  house.  The 
price  paid  was  $16,000 — $1,000  and  the  old  poor  farm  at  a valuation  of 
$4,000  on  date  of  purchase,  4,000  in  August,  1876,  and  the  remainder 
secured  by  mortgage,  $7,000  As  the  law  does  not  allow  a lev}'  sufficient 
to  liquidate  this  it  was  deemed  best  to  fund  the  debt,  and  bonds  to  the 
amount  of  $8,000  have  been  issued,  as  already  mentioned  more  particularly 
under  the  head  of  county  finances.  The  payment  of  these  bonds  will  prob- 
ably be  anticipated,  and  two  or  three  years  hence  the  poor  farm  will  be 
substantially  without  expense  to  the  county.  T.  H.  Lucas  is  the  present 
steward  who  has  had  charge  ever  since  the  new  farm  was  bought.  The  num- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


313 


ber  of  paupers  averages  at  present  about  twenty-five,  a number  of  whom 
are  aged,  infirm  and  unable  to  work. 

LIST  OF  COUNTY  OFFICERS. 

We  regret  to  be  compelled  to  give  this  list  to  the  public  in  an  incomplete 
form.  We  were  unable  to  find  any  record  of  elections  prior  to  1857,  and  the 
list  given  previous  to  that  was  picked  up  by  piecemeal  and  doubtless  con- 
tains inaccuracies  which  were  unavoidable  as  we  were  sometimes  obliged 
to  rely  upon  the  unaided  memory  of  old  settlers. 

The  financial  affairs  of  the  county  were  first  managed  by  a board  of  com- 
missioners, viz: 

April  to  August,  1844 — A.  S.  Nichols,  Wilson  Stanley,  Robert  Curry. 

August,  1844,  to  August,  1845 — A.  S.  Nichols,  Harmon  Davis,  Simeon 
D row  i Hard. 

August,  1845,  to  August,  1846 — A.  S Nichols,  Simeon  Drowillard,  Jacob 
H.  Majors. 

August,  1846,  to  August,  1847 — A.  S.  Nichols,  Harmon  Davis,  Jacob  H. 
rs. 

[gust,  1847,  to  August,  1848 — Jacob  H.  Majors,  Harmon  Davis,  Nathan 
Brown. 

August,  1848,  to  August,  1849 — Harmon  Davis,  Theo.  Cox,  Nat.  Brown. 

August,  1849,  to  August,  1850 — Nathan  Brown,  Theo.  Cox,  M.  W.  Well- 
man. 

August,  1850,  to  August,  1851 — Nathan  Brown,  Thos.  Ross,  Sylvester 
Phelps. 

This  was  the  last  board  of  commissioners  and  by  act  of  the  legislature  the 
county  affairs  were  managed  by  a county  judge. 

COUNTY  JUDGES. 

Judge  John  A.  L.  Crookham,  August,  1851,  to  August,  1855;  Jas.  Rhine- 
liart,  August,  1855,  to  January,  1864;  Samuel  Thompson,  January,  1864,  to 
January,  1870,  when  the  office  was  abolished.  The  management  of  county 
affairs,  however,  was  virtually  taken  out  of  the  hands  of  the  county  judge, 
in  1861,  being  given  into  the  hands  of  sixteen  supervisors,  by  Art.  11, 
Chap.  22,  Revised  Code  of  Iowa,  enumerated  below,  and  the  judge’s  office 
was  confined  to  probate  business. 

SUPERVISORS. 

Sixteen  were  first  elected,  of  whom  one-lialf  were  for  two  years,  and  the 
remainder  for  one  year,  divided  by  lot. 

1861. 

Thos.  Paul,  Wm.  G.  Briggs,  E.  Munsell,  P.  G.  Butler,  Thomas  Jones,  P. 
Loughridge,  Orange  Hollister,  E.  IT.  Bobbitt,  Thos.  Connor,  A.  N.  Atwood, 
Wm.  Ankeney,  S.  A.  Aiken,  Thos.  B.  Campbell,  L.  Osborne,  J.  J.  Kinker, 
J.  N.  Dixon. 


314 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


1862. 

E.  Munsell,  P.  Loughridge,  E.  H.  Bobbitt,  Thos.  Connor,  A.  H.  Atwood, 
Wm.  Ankeny,  J.  J.  Klinker,  J.  X.  Dixon,  G.  B.  McFall,  P.  G.  Butter, 
Wm.  G.  Briggs,  Thos.  Jones,  S.  A.  Aiken,  Lauren  Osborne,  John  Hiatt, 
Orange  Hollister. 

CORONERS. 

Ho  early  records  preserved  except  1844. 

Britain  Edwards,  April  to  August,  1844. 

James  E.  Alexander,  August,  1851,  to  August,  1853. 

Alonzo  Moore,  August,  1853,  to  August,  1855. 

, August,  1855,  to  August,  185T. 

A.  T.  Young,  August,  1857,  to  January,  1860. 

Joseph  Kelly,  1860-1861. 

W.  C.  Cummings,  1862-1863. 

Robert  Miller,  1864-1865. 

. 1866-1867. 

G.  W.  Horton,  1868-1869. 

David  Heedbam,  1869-1873. 

D.  M.  Gunn,  1874-1875. 

J.  M.  Byers,  1876 — present  incumbent. 

COUNTY  SURVEYORS. 

David  Stump,  April,  1844-1846. 

Silas  Sawyer,  1846-1848. 

I.  H.  Seevers,  1848-1853. 

Samuel  Bresslar,  August,  1853,  to  August,  1855. 

A.  T.  Wright,  August,  1855,  to  August,  1857. 

Samuel  Thompson,  1857-1864. 

H.  Caven,  1864-1873. 

Samuel  Thompson,  1874;  present  incumbent,  1878. 

DRAINAGE  COMMISSIONERS. 

Yan  B.  Delasbmutt,  1857-1859. 

S.  H.  Berry,  1860-1861  (never  qualified). 

E.  E.  Herbert,  1862-1863  (never  qualified). 

(By  appointment)  Samuel  Thompson,  1861,  1862,  1863. 

Hat.  Caven,  1864-1873  (office  abolished.) 

ASSESSORS. 

Mahaska  county  had  one  county  assessor,  Isaac  J.  Faucett,  1857-1858, 
when  the  office  was  abolished. 

PROSECUTING  ATTORNEY. 

A.  M.  Cassiday,  1851-1855. 

PROBATE  JUDGES. 

John  White,  1844-1849. 

Jno.  Bond,  1849-1851. 

The  probate  business  then  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  county  judge. 
(See  above.) 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


315 


DELEGATES. 

First  Constitutional  Convention,  1844,  Yan  B.  Delashmutt,  S.  B.  Shelle- 
day. 

Second  Constitutional  Convention,  1846,  Stephen  B.  Shelleday. 

Third  Constitutional  Convention,  1857,  James  A.  Young. 

LEGISLATIVE  ASSEMBLIES. 

Council  Delegate — Enoch  Boss. 

u u u u 


G.  B.  McFall,  P.  G.  Butler,  Wm.  G.  Briggs,  Thos.  Jones,  S.  A.  Aiken, 
Lauren  Osborne,  Jno.  Hiatt,  Orange  Hollister,  D.  H.  Hybarger,  P.  Lough- 
ridge,  E.  H.  Bobbitt,  Thos.  T.  Tinsley,  A.  N.  Atwood,  W.  Ankeny,  S.  W. 
Lewis,  Martin  Hawk. 

1864. 

D.  H.  Hybarger,  P.  Loughridge,  E.  H.  Bobbitt,  Thos.  T.  Tinsley,  A.  N. 
Atwood,  W.  B.  Ankeny,  S.  W.  Lewis,  Martin  Hawk,  Solomon  Shaw,  B.  A. 
Haller,  P.  G.  Butler,  B.  Y.  Clark,  James  Bhinehart,  Terry  Mays,  Cyrus  H. 
Tolbert,  B.  E.  Burden. 

1865. 

Solomon  Shaw,  B.  H.  Haller,  P.  G.  Butler,  B.  Y.  Clark,  James  Bhine- 
hart, Terry  Mays,  Cyrus  H.  Talbert,  B.  F.  Burden,  P.  Loughridge,  A.  Ag- 
new,  W.  C.  Bhinehart,  J.  A.  Stewart,  Wm.  H.  Darland,  Andrew  Buby, 
Wm.  B.  Ankeny,  Jehu  Hiatt,  J.  H.  Fry. 

1866. 

P.  Loughridge,  A.  Agnew,  W.  C.  Bhinehart,  J.  A.  Stewart,  Wm.  H.  Dar- 
land, Andrew  Buby,  Wm.  B.  Ankeny,  Jehu  Hiatt,  J.  H.  Fry,  J.  Y.  Simp- 
son, Aaron  Oldham,  P.  G.  Butler,  J.  F.  Hildreth,  C.  P.  Searle,  B.  F.  Bur- 
den, Hardin  Tice. 

1867. 

Jehu  Hiatt,  J.  Y.  Simpson,  Aaron  Oldham,  P.  G.  Butler,  J.  F.  Hildreth, 
C.  P.  Searle,  Bobert  F.  Burden,  Hardin  Tice,  Stephen  Lewis,  Mahlon 
Stanton,  Andrew  Buby,  Geo.  Lay,  James  S.  Chew,  Martin  Hawk,  James 
Odem,  M.  Kinsman,  Samuel  Harlan. 


House  Delegate- 


’s. B.  Shelleday,  1845. 
“ “ 1846. 


1863. 


1868. 

Mahlon  Stanton,  Andrew  Buby,  Geo.  Lay,  James  S.  Chew,  Martin  Hawk, 
James  Odem,  M.  Kinsman,  Samuel  Harlan,  Bobert  Wharton,  Samuel  Gil- 
more, Wm.  G.  Briggs,  D.  M.  Gunn,  W.  J.  Jackson,  B.  F.  Burden,  Geo. 
Hill. 


1869. 

Bobert  Wharton,  Samuel  Gilmore,  Wm.  G.  Briggs,  D.  M.  Gunn,  W.  J. 
Jackson,  B.  F.  Burden,  Geo.  Hill,  J.  A.  Llarrold,  Mahlon  Stanton,  C.  J. 


316 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Jackson,  E.  H.  McCann,  Wm.  Stewart,  ¥m.  Freeman,  S.  G.  Gary,  J.  S. 
Chew,  El  wood  Fisher. 

1870. 

J.  A.  Harrold,  Mahlon  Stanton,  C.  J.  Jackson,  E.  H.  McCann,  ¥m. 
Stewart,  Wm,  Freeman,  S.  G.  Gary,  J.  S.  Chew,  Elwood  Fisher,  John  War- 
ner, Nelson  Cone,  Chas.  Stoddard,  James  Hiatt,  Wm.  G.  Briggs,  W.  J. 
Jackson,  D.  A.  Hurst. 

1871. 

In  1870  the  law  was  again  changed,  and  the  county  affairs  placed  in  the 
hands  of  three  commissioners.  The  first  board  took  their  seats  in  Janu- 
ary, 1871. 

Jno.  B.  Barnes,  1871-187  ? 

James  K.  Woods,  1871-1874,  inclusive. 

Jehu  Hiatt,  1871-187  ? 

L.  P.  Shriver,  1873-1875,  inclusive. 

W.  F.  Schee,  1874-1876. 

Wm.  Stewart,  1875-1877. 

Samuel  Knowlton,  1876-1878. 

Samuel  Gilmore,  1877 — term  expires  1879. 

E.  W.  Myrick,  1878 — term  expires  1880. 

COUNTY  AUDITORS. 

The  first  auditor  under  the  laws  of  Iowa  took  his  office  in  January,  1869. 

Samuel  Thompson,  county  judge — ex-officio  auditor  for  1869. 

James  Kuan,  1870-1873. 

Geo.  A.  Boss,  1874 — present  incumbent. 

COUNTY  TREASURERS  AND  RECORDERS. 

These  two  offices  were  included  under  one  person  until  1865,  except  in 
first  election. 

Wm.  D.  Canfield,  treasurer,  April  till  August,  1844. 

Wm.  Pilgrim,  recorder,  April  till  August,  1844. 

TREASURERS  AND  RECORDERS. 

Wm.  Pilgrim,  August,  1844,  to  August,  1846. 

Bichard  Parker,  1846-1847. 

Geo.  W.  Baer,  August,  1847,  to  August,  1849. 

H.  Blackburn,  August,  1849,  to  August,  1855. 

Wesley  Moreland,  August,  1855,  to  August,  1857. 

John  H.  Shoemake,  August,  1857,  to  January,  1860. 

John  N.  Kinsman,  January,  1860,  to  January,  1862. 

James  A.  Young,  January,  1862,  to  January,  1864. 

At  this  date  the  offices  wrere  divided : 

RECORDERS. 

John  Farmer,  1865-1872. 

W.  B.  Cowan,  1873 — present  incumbent  (1878). 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


317 


TREASURERS. 

James  A.  Young,  1865-1871. 

Henrv  R.  Kendig,  1872-1877. 

John  R.  BarneS,  1877 — present  incumbent  (1878). 

CLERKS  OF  COURT 

M.  T.  Williams,  April,  1844,  to  August,  1854. 

Win.  S.  Edgar,  August,  1854,  to  January,  1863. 

Richard  Dumont,  1863-1866. 

Capt.  C.  P.  Searle,  1867-1874. 

David  R.  Moore,  1875 — present  incumbent  (1878). 

SHERIFFS. 

Win.  Edmundson,  1844,  to  August,  . 

Kinsman  August,  1851,  to  August,  1853. 

D.  J.  Swearingen,  August,  1853,  to  August,  1855. 

J.  K.  Kennedy,  elected  August,  1855 — served  several  months. 

Win.  Edmundson,  elected  to  till  vacancy,  1856-1859. 

Jas.  H.  Macon,  1860-1862. 

J.  F.  Allnmbaugh,  1862-1863. 

J.  W.  Hinesley,  1864-1873. 

Jas.  E.  Hetherington,  1874-1877. 

Marquis  Barr,  1878 — present  incumbent  (1878). 

COUNTY  SUPERINTENDENTS. 

(Office  established  April,  1858.) 

J.  M.  Loughridge,  1858-1865. 

J.  E.  Everett,  1866-1869. 

Geo.  T.  Carpenter,  1870-1871. 

E.  Baker,  1872-1 873. 

Jasper  Hull,  1874-1875. 

J.  W.  Johnson,  1876-1877. 

J.  C.  Williams,  1878 — present  incumbent. 

STATE  SENATORS  FROM  THIS  DISTRICT. 

R.  R.  Harbour,  1847-1850. 

Jos.  Lowe.  1850-1851, 

Jno  R.  Needham,  1852-1855. 

Win.  Loughridge,  1856-1859. 

II.  H.  Williams,  1860-1863. 

J.  A.  L.  Crookham,  1864-1867. 

Jno.  R.  Needham,  1868-1869. 

Jno.  N.  Dixon,  1870-1871. 

Jas.  A.  Young,  1872 — resigned  1873. 

T.  R.  Gilmore,  1874 — present  incumbent;  term  expires  1879. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

Jno.  W.  Smith,  1846-1848  (died).  Wm.  Edmundson  was  elected  to  till 
vacancy,  1847-48. 

Wm.  Jacobs,  1848-1849. 


318 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA.  COUNTY. 


Wm.  Jacobs,  R.  R.  Harbour,  1850-1851  (including  Keokuk  and  Powe- 
shiek counties). 

Win.  R.  Ross,  1852-1853. 

Samuel  Coffin  and  M.  T.  Williams,  1854-1855. 

R.  M.  Wilson  and  Jno.  H.  Fry,  1856-1857. 

A.  M.  Cassidayand  W.  H.  Seevers,  1858-1859. 

Mahlon  Stanton  and  Tlios.  Barnes,  1860-1861. 

M.  T.  Williams  and  Samuel  G.  Castor,  1862-1863. 

J.  FT.  H.  Campbell  and  Ephiram  Munsell,  1864-1865. 

T.  H.  Barnes  and  S.  G.  Gary,  1866-1867. 

Chas.  Stanley  and  Thos.  Ballinger,  1868-1869. 

Jno.  F.  Lacey  and  M.  E.  Cutts,  1870-1871. 

L.  F.  Ellsworth  and  W.  L.  McAllister,  1872-1873. 

Thos.  C.  Beach  and  Kelson  Cone,  1874-1875. 

Win.  H.  Seevers  and  Hardin  Tice,  1876-1877. 

H.  W.  Gleason  and  Jno.  R.  Hicliol,  1878-1879. 

ILLUSTRIOUS  DEAD. 

STEPHEN  B.  SHELLEDAY. 

Among  those  of  the  “illustrious  dead”  of  Mahaska  county  we  can 
scarcely  sketch  a more  prominent  career  than  that  connected  with  the  name 
of  Stephen  B.  Shelleday.  He  came  to  the  state  in  1843,  spent  the  first  win- 
ter in  Henry  county,  and  the  next  year  moved  to  Mahaska. 

With  Yan  B.  Delaslimutt,  he  represented  Washington,  Keokuk  and 
Mahaska  counties  in  the  first  constitutional  convention,  which  convened  at 
Iowa  City,  October  7,  1844.  He  was  elected  from  these  counties  to  the 
House  of  Representatives  of  the  Seventh  Territorial  Assembly,  met  May 
5,  1845,  at  Iowa  City,  and  was  re-elected  to  the  Eighth  Assembly,  May  4, 
1866.  He  served  as  a delegate  from  Mahaska  county  to  the  second  consti- 
tutional convention,  at  the  same  place.  In  1849,  during  President  Taylor’s 
administration,  he  was  appointed  U.  S.  Marshal  for  Iowa,  which  position 
he  held  for  several  years.  He  moved  to  Jasper  county  in  1849,  and  later 
served  two  terms  in  the  Legislature,  and  was  the  first  Speaker  of  the  House 
after  the  capital  was  removed  to  Des  Moines. 

During  the  war  he  served  about  two  years  in  the  greybeard  regiment, 
being  promoted  from  the  ranks  to  first  lieutenant,  Company  C.  He  was 
found  dead  in  the  field  on  his  farm  in  Jasper  county,  December  17,  1S70, 
of  heart  disease,  being  nearly  seventy  years  of  age. 

HENRY  C.  LEIGHTON. 

Occasionally  we  find  a man  who  has  been  the  pride  of  a community  in 
his  youth,  a brother  and  friend  to  his  neighbors  in  manhood,  and  venerated 
as  a father  in  his  old  age,  who,  when  in  the  fullness  of  years  and  honor 
has  wrapped  the  “drapery  of  his  couch  about  him, and  lain  down  to  pleas- 
ant dreams,”  an  entire  section  of  country  sincerely  mourns  his  loss,  and 
experiences,  in  common  with  his  kinsmen,  the  feeling  of  genuine  affliction. 
But  rare,  very  rare,  is  the  case  in  which  one  so  young  as  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  is  so  universally  mourned  as  was  Henry  C.  Leighton,  who  died 
January  31,  1878,  at  the  age  of  thirty-five.  We  realize  that  the  com- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


319 


munity  which  so  honored  him  in  his  life  and  remembered  him  in  death, 
will  appreciate  a sketch  of  his  life  in  the  History  of  Mahaska  county. 

Henry  C.  Leighton  was  born  in  Mt.  Sterling,  111.,  November  21,  1842, 
his  parents  removing  to  Oskaloosa  in  1847.  With  only  the  common  school 
education  which  has  furnished  equipment  for  some  of  the  greatest  jour- 
nalists of  the  country,  he  entered  the  Oskaloosa  Herald  office  at  seventeen 
years  of  age,  in  which  he  worked  as  a typo.  In  August,  1862,  when  not 
yet  twenty  years  of  age,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  D.,  of  the 
gallant  Thirty-third  Iowa  Infantry,  and  soon  took  his  place  among  those 
who  manifested  their  love  for  the  Union  by  facing  the  enemy’s  guns.  Im- 
mediately after  his  enlistment  he  was  appointed  second  corporal,  and  from 
there  through  the  office  of  second  to  that  of  first  lieutenant.  As  adjutant 
of  his  regiment  he  mustered  out  August  7, 1865,  just  three  years  after  date 
of  his  enlistment. 

Upon  his  return  from  the  army  he  re-entered  the  Herald  office  as  one  of 
its  proprietors,  and  from  that  time  till  the  day  of  his  death  his  devotion  to 
his  profession  was  most  constant  and  untiring.  He  sacrificed  to  his  paper, 
probably  his  life.  Chivalrous  in  editorial  debate,  enterprising  in  manage- 
ment, first  in  every  moral  reform,  his  journalistic  career  made  him  the  idol 
of  his  friends,  the  admired  of  his  rivals  and  opponents. 

In  1870  he  was  chosen  chairman  of  the  Republican  Central  committee 
of  Mahaska  county,  and  subsequently  served  two  years  as  chairman  of  the 
State  Central  committee,  and  for  his  management  received  the  encomiums 
of  the  press  throughout  the  state.  He  was  post-master  at  Oskaloosa  at  the 
time  of  his  death. 

As  secretary  of  Triluminar  Lodge  in  Oskaloosa,  from  1872  to  1874;  as 
Senior  Warden  from  1874  till  1876;  from  1876  to  1877  as  its  Master,  he 
grew  in  high  esteem  among  his  fellow  Masons.  He  was  Eminent  Com- 
mander of  He  Payen’s  Commandery  from  1874  to  1876. 

His  death  at  the  date  above  mentioned  was  sudden  and  unexpected.  The 
Herald  issued  just  one  week  previously,  January  24,  was  in  part  the  work 
of  his  hands,  and  a copy  of  the  same  wTas  fixed  in  their  cold  clasp  under 
the  coffin  lid.  Inside  was  a paper  on  which  was  written  the  following 
stanza : 

The  good  alone  are  truly  great, 

To  him  will  virtue  yield  the  prize, 

Who  seeks  to  better  man’s  estate, 

And  renders  earth  a paradise. 

A meeting  of  citizens,  another  of  fellow-soldiers,  his  brother  Sir  Knights, 
and  members  of  Lodge,  hastened  to  assemble  upon  his  death  to  do  honor 
to  his  memory,  and  express  sympathy  to  his  family.  The  press  of  the  en- 
tire state  contained  expressions  of  mourning  and  regret.  But  the  tes- 
timony of  esteem  which  surrounded  his  bier  was  the  most  tender  and 
touching  of  all.  No  such  a concourse  ever  before  attended  a Mahaska  cit- 
izen to  his  grave.  The  secretary  and  auditor  of  state,  and  the  lieutenant- 
governor,  his  fellow-editors  from  Keokuk,  Des  Moines,  Ottumwa,  Pella, 
Marshalltown,  Knoxville,  Albia,  Eddyville,  Montezuma,  New  Sharon  and 
elsewhere,  testified  their  mourning  by  their  presence  on  the  Monday,  Feb- 
ruary 4,  appointed  for  his  funeral.  Two  hundred  Sir  Knights  and  four 
hundred  Master  Masons  from  various  parts  of  the  state  assisted  in  the  cer- 
emony at  the  open  grave,  including  the  recitation  of  the  Lord’s  Prayer 
by  the  entire  assembly,  a service  never  to  be  forgotten  by  those  present. 


320 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Thus  did  Iowa  bury  one  of  her  representative  men,  and  Iowa  journalism 
lost  one  of  its  brightest  ornaments. 


BENJAMIN  ROOP. 

Every  early  settler  of  Mahaska  will  recognize  this  name  as  one  of  the 
county’s  earliest  and  most  enterprising  citizens.  Mr.  Hoop  came  to  Oska- 
loosa  from  Ohio  in  1845,  a poor  man,  but  was  in  the  prime  of  life.  He 
was  one  of  those  individuals  who  seem  to  have  been  made  business  men. 
He  was  in  various  enterprises  until  about  1850,  when  he  engaged  in  build- 
ing the  Steam  Flouring  Mill  now  occupied  in  West  Oskaloosa  by  Messrs. 
Seibel  & Co.  This  establishment,  however,  was  owned  by  the  firm  Hoop, 
Harbour  & Co.,  and  was  completed  in  1852,  at  a cost  of  about  $20,000.  To 
the  mill  was  attached  a distillery,  and  to  this  source  of  revenue  Mr.  Roop 
was  indebted  for  much  of  the  money  so  generously  spent  for  the  benefit  of 
those  around  him.  About  1856  he  built  the  building  now  used  as  the 
National  House,  for  his  residence,  and  occupied  it  about  ten  years. 
Shortly  after  the  building  of  his  mill,  the  problem  of  fuel  to  furnish  its 
power  engaged  his  attention.  He  employed  a man  named  Dascom  to 
prospect  for  coal  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present  town  of  Beacon,  and  there 
was  first  discovered  by  this  agency  a suitable  vein  for  mining  purposes. 
In  1861  he  established  a large  grocery  and  liquor  house  in  Colorado,  and 
inaugurated  the  business  of  freighting  produce  across  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains. Once  or  twice  per  year  trains  of  twelve  to  fifteen  large  wagons  were 
started  from  Oskaloosa  across  the  Plains.  Every  enterprise  undertaken  by 
Mr.  Roop  seemed  to  succeed  by  magic,  until  he  engaged  in  building  the 
Eureka  Mills  at  Beacon.  Built  in  1865,  when  everything  was  at  a high 
figure,  furnished  with  the  most  splendid  machinery,  its  distillery  attach- 
ment interfered  with  by  the  government,  the  genius  of  Mr.  Roop  failed  to 
save  his  business  from  financial  disaster.  With  broken  fortunes  he  re- 
moved in  1871  to  Springfield,  Missouri,  and  engaged  in  milling  operations 
there,  and  with  a reasonable  degree  of  success.  Death,  however,  soon  over- 
took him,  and  January  25, 1872,  he  fell  a sudden  victim  to  apoplexy,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-two  years. 

Mr.  Roop  was  one  of  the  most  public  spirited  men  Mahaska  county  ever 
had,  and  to  his  liberality  and  business  capacities  many  laborers  have  been 
indebted  for  good  living  and  comfortable  homes.  The  poor  man  never 
applied  to  Mr.  Roop  in  vain,  and  he  enjoyed  one  of  the  surest  evidences  of 
nobility  of  disposition,  the  esteem  and  affection  of  his  employes. 

JOHN  R.  NEEDHAM. 

This  gentleman  was  a representative  Mahaska  citizen.  Not  brilliant 
and  scintillating,  seldom  or  never  surprising  his  friends  by  any  pyrotechnic 
display,  he  was  one  of  those  men  who,  like  the  silent  forces  of  nature,  did 
his  life  work  without  sound  of  trumpets,  holding  ever  the  calm  and  even 
tenor  of  his  way,  continually  bringing  to  mind  the  truthful  saying,  u still 
waters  flow  deep.”  Mr.  Needham  lived  a life  among  the  early  generation 
of  Mahaska  county,  such  as  only  true  men  can  live,  that  of  an  unshaken 
friend,  an  uncompromising  enemy  of  evil,  an  enterprising  citizen  and  a 
Christian  gentleman. 

He  was  born  in  Guernsey  county,  Ohio,  December  18, 1824.  He  entered 
public  service  quite  young.  His  father  being  sheriff  of  the  county  while 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


321 


he  was  yet  a minor,  liis  son  John  was  appointed  deputy.  While  serving  in 
this  capacity,  he  entered  a law  office  as  student,  in  Cambridge,  Ohio,  where 
he  was  admitted  to  practice. 

Emigrating  to  Mahaska  county  in  1849,  soon  after  his  arrival  he  taught 
a three  month’s  school  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church.  July  2d 
of  the  following  summer  he  commenced  the  publication  of  the  Herald , 
under  the  firm  of  Needham  & McNeely.  He  continued  his  interest  in  the 
paper  until  1865,  with  such  change  of  partners  as  we  have  noticed  in  the 
history  of  the  Herald. 

Mr.  Needham  was  an  original  Whig,  and  was  the  first  Whig  senator 
ever  elected  from  Mahaska  county.  His  election  occurred  in  August,  1852. 
Soon  after  his  settlement  in  the  county  he  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law, 
and  when  he  devoted  his  time  to  his  profession  enjoyed  a good  practice. 
In  October,  1861,  he  was  elected  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the  state  of  Iowa, 
and  took  his  seat  in  January,  1862,  discharging  the  duties  of  his  office  with 
credit  to  himself,  and  honor  to  the  state.  At  the  close  of  the  legislative 
session  was  passed  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved , That  the  Senate  hereby  tender  to  Lieut.  Governor  Needham,  their  thanks  for 
the  able,  dignified,  courteous  and  impartial  manner  in  which  he  discharged  the  duties  of  pre- 
siding officer  during  this  session. 

He  was  elected  senator  a second  time,  October,  1867,  which  office  he  held 
at  the  time  of  his  decease.  He  was  universally  respected  and  lamented  by 
his  fellow  senators,  and  the  eulogies  pronounced  upon  the  occasion  of  his 
death  are  testimonials  which  few  men  earn.  We  will  allow  one  of  his  fel- 
low legislators  who  knew  him  well,  speak  through  these  pages  of  his  vir- 
tue of  mind  and  heart. 

Senator  Dixon  said:  “After  an  acquaintance  of  twelve  years,  I can  truly 
say  it  has  been  my  fortune  to  know  few  such  men.  Affable  and  easy  in 
his  address,  mild  and  unassuming  in  his  manners,  conscientious  in  every- 
thing he  did  and  said,  with  a heart  as  tender  as  that  of  a child,  to  know 
him  was  but  to  love  and  respect.  Honesty  was  his  policy;  but  policy  was 
not  his  honesty.  To  those  of  you  who  knew  him,  there  is  nothing  strange 
about  it,  that  he  occupied  so  high  a place  in  the  affections  and  confidence  of 
the  people  of  his  county  and  state.  His  constituents  never  had  any  fears 
about  their  interests  while  entrusted  to  his  care. 

“Senator  Needham  was  a moral  hero.  He  overcame  evil  with  good. 
The  pathway  of  his  life  he  strewed  with  those  jewels  that  do  most  adorn  the 
human  heart;  he  was  God’s  noblest  work — an  honest  man.  Nothing  I 
could  say  would  add  to  the  luster  of  his  fame,  or  the  endearment  of  his 
memory.  His  monuments  are  planted  deeply  in  the  hearts  of  those  who 
knew  him.” 

As  an  illustration  of  his  ability  and  fairness  as  a parliamentarian,  it  might 
be  stated  that  he  was  the  only  president  of  the  Iowa  Senate  whose  decision 
was  never  reversed. 

As  president  of  the  Oskaloosa  school  board  during  several  years,  as  mayor 
of  the  city  in  1860  and  1861,  as  trustee  during  three  years  of  the  Iowa 
Insane  Asylum,  he  discharged  lesser  public  duties  with  a care,  a kindness, 
and  enterprise  in  keeping  with  his  character  and  good  name. 

But,  not  alone  in  political  life  did  Gov.  Needham  receive  the  suffrages 
of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  the  encomiums  of  his  friends.  To  him  belonged 
the  two  rarely  united  qualities,  of  good  statesmanship  and  a practical  chris- 


322 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


tianity.  He  was  an  earnest  worker  in  the  M.  E.  Church,  of  which  he  was 
both  officer  and  member,  and  in  the  Sunday  school.  As  president  for  a 
time  of  the  County  S.  S.  Association,  and  as  superintendent  of  the  Sabbath 
school  of  his  own  church  he  was  recognized  as  among  the  foremost  of  those 
engaged  in  the  Christian  education  of  the  youth. 

Mr.  Needham  was  an  invalid  for  some  fifteen  years  previous  to  his  death, 
a fact  which  made  his  public  services  the  more  praiseworthy  and  remarka- 
ble. His  disease  was  pulmonary  consumption,  from  which  his  death  occur- 
red July  9,  1868. 

His  widow,  Evaline  Houtz  Needham,  who  had  been  the  partner  of  his 
life  since  September  29,  1852,  still  survives  him  and  lives  in  Oskaloosa, 
esteemed  not  alone  on  account  of  her  own  graces,  but  also  in  memory  of 
him  whose  death  she  has  not  mourned  alone. 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  SAMUEL  A.  RICE. 

From  the  work  on  “Iowa  Colonels  and  Regiments,”  by  Captian  A.  A. 
Stuart,  we  draw  the  following  sketch : 

“Samuel  A.  Rice,  who  received  his  death  wound  at  the  battle  of  Jenkins 
Ferry  is  the  most  distinguished  officer  our  gallant  state  has  lost  in  the  war 
of  the  rebellion.  Sprung  from  the  great  middle  class,  without  name  or 
wealth,  he  had,  at  the  age  of  thirty-five,  attained  such  distinction  as  to  make 
his  death  a national  calamity. 

“General  Rice  was  born  in  Cattaraugus  county,  New  York,  January  27, 
1828,  but  passed  his  boyhood  in  Belmont  county,  Ohio,  where  his  parents 
removed  when  he  was  quite  young.  The  death  of  his  father  when  he  was  a 
lad,  deprived  him  of  the  privileges  of  more  than  a common  school  education 
in  his  youth,  and  placed  upon  his  shoulders,  at  an  early  age,  the  partial 
support  of  a family.  Accordingly  he  engaged  in  boating  on  the  Ohio  and 
Mississippi  rivers,  as  the  most  remunerative  employment,  and  as  flat  boat- 
man he  made  one  or  more  trips  to  New  Orleans.” 

Subsequently  the  enterprise  of  young  Rice  secured  for  him  a college 
education.  Defraying  his  own  expenses  he  graduated  at  Union  College, 
New  York,  in  the  literary  department  of  the  institution,  and  attended  law 
school  one  year  in  the  University. 

Immediately  removing  to  Iowa  he  first  settled  at  Fairfield,  where  he 
practiced  law  and  occasionally  assisted  in  the  editorial  room  of  the  Whig 
paper,  at  that  point.  In  the  fall  of  1851  he  removed  to  Oskaloosa. 

His  first  public  office  in  Mahaska  county  was  that  of  prosecuting  attorney, 
which  office  he  filled  with  such  ability  as  to  pave  the  way  to  higher  civil 
attainments.  He  was  accordingly  nominated  and  elected  attorney -general 
of  the  State  in  1856  when  but  twenty-eight  years  of  age.  Re-elected  in  1858, 
the  beginning  of  the  war  found  him  in  j ust  possession  of  the  term,  “ one  of  the 
best  lawyers  of  the  state.”  He  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the  Republi- 
can party  in  Mahaska  county,  and  was  formost  in  advocating  the  Republi- 
can principles. 

Gen.  Rice  was  commissioned  Colonel  of  the  33d  Regiment  of  Iowa  In- 
fantry, on  the  10th  day  of  August,  1862,  and  late  in  November  left  with 
his  regiment  for  St.  Louis.  Of  the  work  of  that  regiment,  and  the  com- 
mand of  Col.  Rice,  we  have  occasion  to  speak  more  fully  in  the  History  of 
the  33d.  He  was  commissioned  brigadier-general  August,  1863,  a dis- 
tinction which  he  earned  by  his  gallant  conduct  in  the  battle  of  Helena. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


323 


The  early  part  of  the  battle  of  Jenkins’  Ferry  was  a most  trying  one  to 
our  troops.  Capt.  Comstock  was  quite  severely  wounded  in  the  midst  of 
the  engagement,  and  tells  us  that  as  Gen.  Rice  rode  over  the  field,  he  dis- 
mounted and  shook  hands  witli  the  wounded  men,  and  with  tears  in  his 
eyes  expressed  both  his  sympathy  and  his  fears  that  the  day  would  be  lost. 

It  was  in  the  enemy’s  last  and  unsuccessful  charge  that  Gen.  Rice  re- 
ceived the  wound  which  resulted  in  his  death.  Riding  down  his  left  wing 
he  was  shot  by  a musket  ball  through  the  right  foot,  the  ball  passing  under 
the  instep  just  in  front  of  the  ankle  and  driving  the  buckle  of  the  spur  be- 
fore it. 

He  left  Little  Rock  for  his  home  in  Iowa  on  the  18tli  day  of  May. 
For  a considerable  time  after  reaching  his  home,  he  supposed  he  was  conva- 
lescing, but  the  virus  of  his  wound  had  permeated  his  whole  system, 
poisoning  the  vital  fluids  and  putting  his  case  beyond  the  reach  of  human 
aid.  He  died  July  6,  1864. 

The  night  before  the  general’s  death,  Judge  Loughridge,  of  Oskaloosa, 
his  warm  and  tried  friend,  watched  by  his  bedside.  His  pain  seemed  to  be 
intense,  making  the  night  drag  heavily,  and  as  he  turned  restlessly  in  his 
bed,  the  judge  inquired:  “General,  how  do  you  feel  now?  Are  you  will- 
ing to  die?”  Looking  up,  and  his  eyes  brightening,  he  replied:  “I  am 
ready.  4 Though  I walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I will 
fear  no  evil:  for  thou  art  with  me;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me.’  ” 

Of  the  many  eulogies  called  forth  by  his  death,  we  can  give  but  two  or 
three. 

Captain  Stuart  says:  44  My  admiration  of  the  character  of  this  noble 
man,  I am  unable  to  express.  Few  as  able  and  deserving  as  he  have  been 
sacrificed  to  the  Moloch  of  Slavery.”  An  army  companion:  “But  above 
all,  and  over  all,  stands  the  name  of  one,  whom  Iowa  will  be  proud  to  own, 
General  Samuel  A.  Rice.  I have  never  seen  his  equal,  either  on  the  field 
or  in  the  camp.” 

“The  general  was  kind-hearted  and  unassuming.  He  was  scarcely  with- 
out a smile  upon  his  face,  and  no  one  could  be  embarrassed  in  his  presence. 
Few  promised  him  the  success  he  met  in  the  service.  He  was  as  successful 
with  the  sword  as  he  had  been  in  his  civil  profession.  He  was  a noble  ex- 
emplar of  our  Free  State  Chivalry.” 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The  schools  of  our  county  are  sharing  with  the  newsboys’  bundle  the 
title  of  44  universities  of  the  poor,”  and  not  only  so,  but  they  are  in  a large 
proportion  the  final  educators  of  the  rich.  A close  observation  of  the  work- 
ing of  the  public  schools  shows  that  if  the  induction  of  facts  be  complete 
it  could  be  demonstrated  that,  in  fact , the  public  schools  turn  out  more 
better  fitted  for  business  and  for  usefulness  than  most  of  our  colleges.  The 
freedom  and  liberty  of  our  public  schools  affords  less  room  for  the  growth 
of  effeminancy  and  pedantry;  it  educates  the  youth  among  the  people,  and 
not  among  a caste  or  class,  and  since  the  man  or  woman  is  called  upon  to 
do  with  a nation  in  which  we,  the  people,  are  the  only  factor,  the  education 
which  the  common  schools  afford,  especially  where  they  are  of  the  superior 
standard  reached  in  Mahaska  county  do,  fit  their  recipients  for  a sphere  of 
usefulness  nearer  the  public  heart,  that  can  be  attained  by  private  schools 
or  academies. 

Mahaska  county  educational  affairs  are  in  a flourishing  condition.  The 


324 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


contrast  between  the  settlers  school  and  the  present  accommodations  has 
been  marked.  The  puncheon  floor  and  desks,  and  doorless  aperture  for 
entrance,  have  given  place  to  more  finished  edifices,  in  some  cases  elegant 
ones,  possibly  not  more  thoroughly  ventilated,  but  more  comfortably  so. 
Mahaska  county  teachers  believe  in  interchange  of  thought,  and  in  com- 
munity of  effort.  In  few  counties  have  institutes  been  so  well  attended 
and  normals  so  well  sustained.  The  profession  of  teaching  has  been  made 
a study,  and  when  other  counties  have  reached  the  standard  of  Mahaska,  it 
will  cease  to  be  a disputed  point  as  to  whether  teaching  is  craft  or  profes- 
sion. The  superintendent’s  examination  grade  is  of  such  a standard  that 
all  applicants  do  not  attain  it.  It  will  be  noticed  that  170  were  refused 
during  the  past  year,  a showing  which  is  creditable  to  the  standing  of  those 
who  have  been  successful. 

The  first  teachers’  institute  was  held  in  December,  1856,  and  a teachers’ 
association  was  formed.  This  was  before  the  office  of  county  superintend- 
ent was  created.  The  meeting  was  held  in  the  Normal  School  Building, 
with  Henry  Thorndike  as  president,  and  Charles  Ball  as  secretary.  The 
lecturers  appointed  for  next  meeting  were  Geo.  W.  Drake,  W.  L.  Johnson, 
and  Henry  Thorndike. 

The  first  normal  under  the  Iowa  law  was  held  in  Oskaloosa  in  1873,  and 
has  been  continued  from  year  to  year  since  that  time.  The  lecturer  last 
year  was  Mr.  H.  II.  Seerley,  superintendent  of  the  Oskaloosa  schools,  and  he 
also  conducted  the  Normal  of  1878.  The  number  in  attendance  at  last  Nor- 
mal was  271.  Mr.  J.  C.  Williams  is  the  present  county  superintendent, 
and  is  endeavoring  to  secure  a somewhat  uniform  course  of  study  through- 
out the  schools  of  the  county. 

The  Iowa  State  Teacher’s  Association  was  in  session  at  Oskaloosa,  Au- 
gust, 22d,  23d,  24th,  and  25th,  1865.  The  lecturers  were  O.  Faville,  State 
Superintendent,  Prof.  W.  F.  Phelps,  of  Minnesota,  Prof.  W.  O.  Hickey,  of 
Davenport,  Hon.  Newton  Bateman,  of  Illinois.  The  association  was  not 
so  complete  a success  as  some  later  meetings  have  been,  but  yet  was  a time 
of  profit  to  those  in  attendance. 

A teachers’  county  library  has  recently  been  established  in  the  office  of 
the  county  superintendent.  Three  branch  libraries  are  established  at  Fre- 
mont, Peoria,  and  New  Sharon,  where  associations  are  formed,  an  initia- 
tion fee  of  $1.00  and  annual  dues  of  50  cents,  constituting  a membership. 
Each  branch  is  entitled  to  have  on  hand  from  the  central  library,  one-half 
more  books  than  members  enrolled,  and  these  books  thus  held  in  the 
branch  are  exchanged  for  a fresh  supply  from  the  superintendent’s  office. 
This  library  has  only  been  in  existence  a short  time,  and  is  as  yet  an  infant. 

There  are  about  330  volumes  in  its  possession,  and  something  over  200 
members. 

There  are  three  towns  in  the  county  which  have  a system  of  Graded 
Schools:  Oskaloosa,  New  Sharon,  and  Beacon.  These  will  be  more  fully 
described  under  the  sketches  of  towns. 

The  following  Normal  Institutes  have  been  held  in  Mahaska  county  since 
the  passage  of  the  state  law  giving  assistance  to  the  same: 


YEAR. 

PLACE  OF  HOLDING. 

CONDUCTOR. 

TEACHERS  ATTENDING. 

1874. 

Oskaloosa. 

Prof.  J.  W.  Woody. 

141. 

1875. 

“ 

Prof.  S.  P.  Lucy. 

138. 

1876. 

44 

Prof.  Eldridge. 

175. 

1877. 

CC 

Prof.  H.  H.  Seerley. 

44  44  44  44 

271. 

1878. 

44 

240. 

HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


325 


It  should  be  noticed  with  pleasure  by  the  citizens  of  the  county  that  the 
attendance  upon  these  Normals  is  quite  large,  and  that  the  teachers  are 
taking  a decided  interest  in  their  work,  determined  to  give  their  schools  the 
benefit  of  all  that  can  be  attained  by  co-operation.  That  the  teachers  have 
led  their  patrons  in  this  county  in  some  cases  is  shown  in  a rather  ludicrous 
manner  by  the  following  documents,  which  do  not  belong  to  the  present 
decade,  however: 

A teacher  was  dismissed  by  the  board  after  three  days’  trial  in  a certain 
district  in  this  county,  and  four  reasons  were  given  in  writing  as  the  cause 
of  dissatisfaction. 

1.  Doing  away  with  oral  spelling,  and  substituting  therefor  spelling  on 
slates. 

2.  Requiring  all  the  smaller  children  to  have  slates  and  pencils,  and 
having  them  draw  lines,  letters,  pictures,  etc. 

3.  Would  not  teach  the  names  of  the  twenty-six  letters  at  first  to  the 
children. 

4.  Taking  up  too  much  time  with  the  recitations,  and  asking  too  many 
questions  on  the  lessons. 

Yerily,  here  is  a modern  Galileo  and  the  inquisition.  However,  they 
gave  the  young  man  a good  recommendation,  and  before  a progressive 
school  committee  he  could  present  no  more  creditable  credentials  than  the 
above. 

Not  many  years  ago,  in  Union  township,  a school-master,  finding  he  had 
about  five  different  series  of  text  books,  and  thinking  the  parents  would 
not  object  to  having  old  books  exchanged  for  new  ones,  he  requested  a 
meeting  of  the  patrons  of  the  school,  for  the  purpose  of  deciding  what 
kind  of  books  should  be  adopted.  He  received  the  following  note  from  one 
fond  “parient”: 

“Mister  liuffmier,  I well  inform  you  that  we  hav  hairred  you  two  teach 
the  skool,  and  if  you  Can’t  teach  My  Childrin  in  the  books  that  they  bring, 
send  them  home  and  you  goe  two  hell,  where  all  of  linken  purps  owt  two 
be,  and  I will  inform  you  that  you  are  hairred  two  teach  the  skol,  and  you  git 
the  pay  for  hit,  and  1 wont  you  two  make  your  own  fires  and  I want  them 
that  haint  got  noe  books  two  stay  at  home  and  let  my  child’s  books  alone. 

You  sed  that  the  superin  tender  would  be  a round  to  exZamen  your  skool 
and  you  want  them  two  have  books  all  alike  I don’t  Cair  a damn  for  him 
and  you  notlier  that  damnable  pairty  has  tride  two  ruin  our  Country  in 
Chertz  and  in  poletekel  a fares. 

I must  Cloes. 

from  J. M r.” 

From  the  last  report  of  the  county  superintendent  (1877)  we  quote  as 
follows: 

“ The  People  and  the  Schools. — In  America  the  people  are  the  makers 
and  builders  of  laws  and  institutions.  Whatever  the  thoughts  and  con- 
sciences of  society  dictate,  that  is  our  life  and  condition  as  a people.  The 
schools  are  pleasant,  efficient  and  progressive,  if  the  people  make  them  so, 
not  otherwise.  Anything  which  can  be  done  by  educators  to  awaken  closer 
sympathy  and  a deeper  interest  in  the  public  mind,  should  be  done.  We 
must  have  for  the  schools  devoted  labor  and  a liberal  purse. 

“ Course  of  Study. — The  weakness  of  country  schools  is  their  lack  of 
system.  To  overcome  this  evil  the  teachers  of  this  county  voted,  at  the 


326 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


institute  of  1876,  that  the  county  superintendent  should  write  a course  of 
study  for  the  country  schools,  and  that  they  would  do  what  they  could  to 
introduce  and  use  it.  The  course  has  been  printed,  and  put  into  the  hands 
of  school  boards  and  teachers.  Its  suggestions  have  been  adopted  by  some, 
and  by  others  carefully  considered.  By  this  the  question  of  classifying 
country  schools  has  been  brought  forward,  and  is  favorably  received.  If 
the  educators  of  the  state  will  discuss  the  matter  and  try  it,  a much-needed 
reform  will  be  commenced. 

“ Normal  Institutes  and  Normal  Schools. — Every  institute  held  in 
Mahaska  shows  the  wisdom  of  the  law.  The  attendance  this  year  was  two 
hundred  and  seventy-one.  Among  this  number  were  one  hundred  persons 
without  any  experience  in  teaching,  while  more  than  fifty  of  them  held 
first-class  certificates,  from  a careful  examination.  While  young  persons 
learn  the  theory,  older  teachers  understand  their  profession  better.  Our 
colleges  at  Oskaloosa  have  organized  normal  departments,  and  are  furnish- 
ing good  training  for  teachers.  We  need  more  normal  schools  in  Iowa. 

“ Educational  Association , Library , etc. — In  the  latter  part  of  1876  an 
educational  association  was  formed  among  the  teachers  of  the  county  for 
general  improvement,  and  the  discussion  of  educational  topics.  Two  meet- 
ings are  held  annually  for  the  county  at  large,  beside  local  meetings  in  the 
townships.  This  is  the  best  means  yet  discoverred  for  rousing  the  people. 
This  association  also  planned  a library  to  circulate  among  the  members. 
It  now  contains  almost  three  hundred  books,  is  kept  at  the  county  superin- 
tendent’s office,  and  does  great  good  among  the  teachers.  Recently  branch 
libraries  have  been  formed,  to  reach  every  part  of  the  county. 

“For  more  than  three  years  the  teachers  have  kept  a department  in  some 
of  the  county  papers.  In  this  school  questions  have  been  freely  discussed. 
Experience  teaches  that  the  library  and  educational  column  should  be  sup- 
ported in  every  county  in  the  state.” 

Of  those  who  have  received  State  certificates  we  note  three  Mahaska 
count}7  teachers,  Miss  Amanda  E.  Rodgers  and  Laura  Hanson,  graduates  of 
the  normal  department  of  the  State  University  in  1871,  and  Prof.  H.  H. 
Seerley,  graduate  of  same  in  1873. 

Some  idea  of  the  present  condition  of  the  schools  may  be  gain.ed  from 
the  following  table: 

1877. 

EDUCATIONAL  STATISTICS  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Humber  of  .districts  in  township 8 

“ “ independent  districts 75 

“ “ sub-districts 63 

“ “ ungraded  schools 133 

“ “ graded  “ . ..  11 

Average  number  of  months  taught  in  1877 7.80 

Humber  of  male  teachers  employed Ill 

“ “ female  “ “ 191 

Average  compensation  of  males  per  month $35.97 

“ “ “ females  “ 30.67 

Humber  of  pupils  between  ages  of  five  and  twenty-one 9,792 

“ “ “ enrolled  in  public  schools 7,589 

Average  attendance 4,468 

“ cost  of  tuition  per  month $1.26 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


329 


Number  of  school  houses  

Yalue  of  same 

Number  of  professional  certificates  issued 

“ “ 1st  grade  u u males.. 

“ u « « “ “ females 

“ “ 2d  “ “ “ males . . 

a a u a it  a females 


“ u applicants  examined 

u “ certificates  issued 

Average  age  of  applicants,  males 

“ “ “ u females 

Number  of  schools  visited  by  superintendent 

Compensation  of  superintendent,  1877 

Private  schools  in  county 

Pupils  attending 


139 

$200,405.00 

none 

40 

46 

95 

100 

451 

281 

25 

22 

100 

$939.00 

4 

245 


SCHOOL  HOUSE  FUND. 

Paid  for  school  houses  and  sites $19,534.78 

u “ library  and  apparatus 145.31 

“ on  bonds  and  interest 6,902.31 

On  hand i 5,847.61 


CONTINGENT  FUND. 


Paid  for  rent,  fuel,  repairs,  etc ........  $19,402.23 

On  hand,... 4,097.33 

teachers’  fund. 

Paid  teachers $43,910.37 

On  hand 19,037.65 

Total  expenditures  in  the  three  funds  for  1877 $89,895.00 

“ amounts  on  hand  “ “ “ “ 28,982.59 


Of  the  permanent  school  fund  belonging  to  the  State  of  Iowa  $35,000  is 
in  the  hands  of  the  auditor  of  Mahaska  county,  whose  duty  it  is  to  keep 
it  loaned  out  on  good  security  and  report  interest  to  the  State  auditor. 

The  following  is  an  official  list  of  the 

TEACHERS  IN  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY,  1877. 


NAMES. 

ADDRESS. 

Terms 

taught. 

Institutes 

attended. 

NAMES. 

ADDRESS. 

Terms 

taught. 

Institutes 

attended. 

Jasper  Hull 

Oskaloosa . . . 

40 

10 

Theophilus  White 

Oskaloosa. . . 

1 

1 

Alie.fi  Simmons 

44 

3 

3 

Marv  E R.ont 

4 4 

1 

1 

J.  W.  Sargent 

“ 

7 

2 

Hattie  Vicroy 

44 

Nannie  Russell 

i 4 

5 

A rmfl.  Rnyel  i 

44 

7 

4 

Becca  E.  Fisher 

U 

14 

9 

Clara  Clyde  Lacey 

11 

6 

Mary  Pike 

ii 

2 

Lottie  H.  Gay 

4 4 

1 

Emma  Whod 

<< 

11 

2 

Susie  J Jones 

44 

May  E.  Eastman 

44 

9 

2 

Ida  M.  Perry 

44 

2 

2 

Laura  Morrow 

44 

3 

3 

0.  H.  Brain erd 

44 

3 

Nora,  Kemble 

44 

10 

6 

R.pt.tfl,  TTarnhletrvi'i 

4 4 

3 

Ervilla  Harris 

44 

2 

1 

Lyda  Hartman 

44 

2 

A.  M.  Bavenport 

44 

6 

2 

Emma  Way  nick 

44 

15 

5 

21 


330 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


TEACHERS  IN  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY,  1877 CONTINUED. 


NAMES. 

ADDRESS. 

Terms 

taught. 

Institutes 

attended. 

NAMES. 

ADDRESS. 

Terms 

taught. 

Institutes 

attended. 

Ella  H Kimball 

Oskaloosa. . . 

<4 

1 

2 

c s Hull 

Oskaloosa. . • 

1 

3 

1 

AY  J BrpwsW 

2 

2 

Mollio  J.  Stanley 

u 

2 

1 

Tfida  Collins 

<< 

31 

13 

Sarah  E.  Lindley 

4 4 

4 

2 

Carrie  M.  Hawkins  . . . 

< < 

14 

6 

44 

1 

2 

G S Slagle 

<< 

4 

3 

Jennie  MoNpila.n 

44 

2 

1 

pal Up  Cror 

<< 

10 

5 

H H Seerley 

44 

15 

4 

Jnsip  Rakor 

a 

15 

8 

K.  R.  Hanson 

44 

8 

12 

Jennie  Corse 

«« 

28 

12 

Mary  Baughman 

4 4 

1 

O.  W.  Wade 

u 

28 

5 

44 

1 

Rida  J P1" nkprpl  1 

30 

15 

Solomon  Hull 

44 

6 

3 

J p Ontla-nd  

u 

6 

3 

44 

J Hawkins 

u 

23 

12 

Helen  M.  Hull 

44 

Alta  L Orvis 

Beacon 

44 

15 

Clara  Ryers 

4 4 

2 

Pt.pl la,  Y Orvis 

18 

10 

Mint, a Ryers 

4 4 

3 

5 

ISMhp  E Jon ps 

* 4 4 

4 

1 

3 

1 

Laura  Carppntor 

44 

3 

2 

Anna  McLansborough 

44 

1 

Lizzie  Jones 

44 

4 

1 

Wm.  A.  Clymer 

44 

C.  E.  Ketner 

44 

4 

2 

M W.  Rea, eh 

44 

1 

J W Godfrey 

4* 

2 

2 

Wilford  Hull 

44 

8 

3 

AY.  A.  Loughridge 

44 

7 

3 

Charles  Stanley .... 

44 

20 

8 

Susie  E.  Jones 

44 

T C.  Craven 

<< 

6 

3 

Flora,  Currie 

*4 

1 

Gpo  H Stone 

44 

1 

i 

Sarah  G Oopp 

New  Sharon. 

11 

5 

44 

25 

12 

J M Hiatt 

16 

12 

M.°L~Hufl 

44 

1 

1 

Levi  M Hartley 

44 

2 

1 

Maggie  AYeltner 

44 

13 

10 

Lottie  Kibbe 

44 

8 

3 

B H McGrew 

44  , 

3 

2 

Limy  J Carson 

44 

16 

6 

Ben  Y.  Garwood 

44 

2 

3 

Eliza,  B Styles 

4 4 

S.  E.  Pugh 

44 

23 

17 

Alio.P  Kirk 

44 

T.  Corwin  Young 

44 

5 

3 

Li 7,7,1  p Adamson 

44 

Maggie  Y.  Sciple. . . . 

44 

2 

1 

Lizzie  Johnson 

44 

M.  D.  Hayes 

44 

6 

5 

Mattie  J.  Michner 

44 

4 

1 

Albert  Stringfellow  . . . 

44 

5 

6 

Belle  Smith 

44 

3 

1 

Rebecca  Johnson 

44 

18 

6 

A J Wales 

44 

34 

8 

Z AY  Thomas 

44 

1 

2 

E P Miehnor 

44 

3 

1 

Alpheus  Hunt 

44 

5 

3 

J S Dean 

44 

4 

2 

Geo.  Hull 

44 

3 

1 

AYm  Dorr 

4< 

2 

Jeptha  Hunt 

44 

2 

6 

Robert  Styles 

44 

41 

10 

T.  B.  White 

44 

9 

16 

R E Busby 

44 

4 

3 

Rebecca  Bailey 

44 

8 

3 

C E Hilson 

44 

J.  T.  Uavenport, 

44 

1 

Oarrio  R,  Stylos 

44 

10 

7 

J.  D.  Yocum 

44 

*20 

12 

Hattie  Lippart 

Indianapolis. 

11 

9 

Sadie  M.  Wright 

44 

7, 

3 

F.  D.  Reid 

44 

6 

3 

Kate  A.  Wright 

44 

16 

5 

Rian  oh  Rpid 

ii 

3 

2 

R.  Anna  Morris. . . 

44 

15 

7 

Lizzio  Johnson 

44 

2 

2 

T C Ha.mhleton 

44 

28 

10 

Sylvia  Henslpy 

44 

3 

2 

H.  T.  Pickerell 

44 

8 

4 

Abija  Hands 

44 

1 

M.  P.  Gilchrist 

44 

32 

16 

D A Bakpr 

4 4 

7 

6 

W.  D.  Richardson 

4 4 

5 

4 

Annie  Miller 

Agricola .... 

C.  A.  Sawin 

44 

50 

9 

G T Darland 

1 

Clara  M.  Gadd 

44 

1 

2 

T H Bradbury 

44 

12 

6 

Alice  Collins 

44 

13 

6 

S J Jaok 

4 4 

10 

8 

Amelia  Ehlers 

44 

2 

2 

Frank  McCabe 

Leighton. . . . 

2 

1 

Ella  Hollister 

44 

9 

4 

A 0 Ross 

16 

12 

Lizzie  McDonough. . . . 

44 

1 

2 

Geo.  Fansher 

44 

2 

1 

H.  H.  Gay 

44 

7 

4 

W H Price 

44 

1 

1 

Clemmie  Perdue 

44 

1 

2 

Ella  Lamor 

44 

1 

Alice  Sellers 

44 

1 

1 

El  1 a Robprtson 

44 

3 

2 

P L Kendig 

44 

25 

10 

Mollip  Malp . . - 

Eddyville. . • . 

2 

G.  H. Zane 

44 

3 

2 

S A AYilhams 

44 

16 

7 

E.  0.  Davis 

44 

4 

2 

Ina  M.  Miller 

44 

3 

2 

♦ Years  instead  of  terms, 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


331 


TEACHERS  IN  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY,  1877 CONTINUED. 


NAMES. 

ADDRESS. 

J,  IT  Mc.Elroy 

Eddyville 

<< 

n 

44 

4 4 

Terzie  Stephenson  .... 

Cedar  

4 4 

44 

Mary  McFall 

Fremont 

J W Slater 

Nettie  it  ait®  ell 

44 

M W Byram 

44 

f!  Q-  Byram 

44 

James  L By  ram 

44 

J A.  Baitsell 

44 

Emma  Baitsell 

44 

Emma  Z.  McAuley 

Cleo  McAuley 

Peoria 

Tva  J Ijpwntz 

44 

Geo.  W.  Hamilton 

Dcrar  Eii  11  p>r 

Rose  Hill  . . . 

4 4 

C.  C.  Wroughton 

Ella  Myers 

44 

44 

Adella  Athearn 

Union  Mills. 

Jos.  E.  Smith 

Belle  Kisor 

u 

W.  H.  Ogborn 

4 4 

M.  S.  Grace 

MauchChunk 

44 

Daniel  Zumwalt  .... 
Heed  Brown 

E.  T.  Lakin 

Muchakinoc’ 

Terms 

taught. 

Institutes 

attended. 

NAMES. 

ADDRESS. 

Terms 

taught. 

Institutes 

attended. 

3 

1 

Luella  Whited 

Albia 

3 

1 

Lizzie  Moore 

1 

3 

1 

Luella  Humphreys. . . . 

Fairfield  .... 

5 

3 

1 

1 

J.  K.  Yorhees 

Pella 

2 

1 

2 

W.  W.  Koek 

1 

1 

A.  C.  Bell.  '. 

“ 

2 

1 

7 

8 

F.  E.  Craven 

« i 

18 

2 

1 

2 

Dora  Brown 

Tracy. ...  . . 

2 

1 

3 

2 

Lena  McCormick  ...  . 

2 

1 

17 

8 

Sadie  Carpenter 

Ferry 

4 

2 

9 

12 

Geo.  Hinton 

Lovilla, 

1 

3 

8 

5 

W.  A.  Wray 

20 

1 

41 

8 

Clara  L.  Gilmore 

Knoxville... . 

3 

18 

4 

Alice  Glenn 

“ 

2 

5 

2 

S.  M.  Brewster 

Bloomfield  . . 

6 

4 

6 

5 

W.  J.  Brewster 

“ 

2 

2 

15 

9 

Mattie  Miller 

Montezuma  . 

9 

4 

12 

5 

Mamie  Carter 

Mt.  Pleasant 

7 

3 

Belle  Stevenson 

Keotn, 

2 

2 

1 

1 

Sarah  J.  Hellings 

Lacey 

1 

9 

2 

Mattie  Woods 

9 

10 

12 

6 

Jacob  A.  Garner 

Grandville  . . 

H.  B.  Fortney 

44 

7 

33 

6 

J.  L.  Billings 

44 

30 

10 

2 

H.  A.  YanWie 

Hopewell 

1 

1 

6 

2 

Alice  Lord 

2 

1 

3 

2 

Emma  Tanner. 

6 

7 

2 

1 

Albert  Richardson 

Springfield . . 

33 

12 

J.  C.  Burkes 

Flint 

1 

x 

5 

4 

J.  E.  King 

Coal  Creek. . 

1 

1 

Hannah  Edmunclson. . 

“ 

7 

9 

19 

8 

Hannah  Warrington.. 

44 

1 

Total  number  of  teachers,  210. 


To  those  within  her  own  boundaries,  and  to  others  from  abroad  wishing 
to  pursue  their  studies  beyond  the  curriculum  of  the  public  schools,  Ma- 
haska county  offers  two  excellent  institutions,  Oskaloosa  College  and  Penn 
College,  both  of  which  receive  full  notice  elsewhere. 


THE  PRESS. 

No  more  infallible  index  to  the  state  of  society  or  the  thrift  of  a com- 
munity can  be  found  than  the  press  it  supports.  Decide  the  question  as 
you  may,  whether  the  press  is  the  power  behind  the  throne,  or  simply  the 
mirror  of  public  thought,  the  newspaper  does  not  thrive  in  a virgin  soil, 
but  prospers  only  in  a cultivated  garden.  There  are  no  less  than  ten 
monthly  and  weekly  publications  in  Mahaska  county,  and  of  these  and 
their  predecessors  we  take  pleasure  in  mentioning  at  length. 

The  first  newspaper  established  in  the  county  was  the  Herald , which 
issued  its  first  sheet  in  July,  1850.  It  was  then  but  a little  more  than  one- 
half  its  present  size,  and  was  called  for  a time  the  Iowa  Herald , and  after- 
ward changed  to  the  OsJcaloosa  Herald , which  name  it  still  retains.  The 
first  proprietors  were  John  R.  Needham  and  Hugh  McNeely,  and  it  was 
run  as  a Whig  paper  until  the  Republican  party  was  organized,  since  which 


332 


HISTOKY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


time  it  lias  been  a strong  supporter  of  the  principles  of  that  party.  The 
place  of  its  original  publication  was  in  an  old  frame  building  on  the  south- 
east corner  of  the  square,  which  was  in  marked  contrast  with  the  present 
complete  and  comfortable  quarters  of  the  journal.  Type,  presses,  and  gen- 
eral appearance  of  the  paper  have  kept  growth  with  the  rapid  development 
of  the  country,  changing  a small  folio  in  pica  and  primer  type,  to  a large, 
ten  column  journal  in  nonpareil,  brevier  and  primer.  A year  or  two  after 
the  paper  was  started  McNeely  sold  out  to  John  W.  Murphy,  and  the  office 
was  moved  to  the  west  sid„e  of  the  square,  in  the  second  story  of  Street’s 
block.  Murphy  sold  to  James  H.  Knox;  he  to  James  Brown;  the  latter, 
about  the  close  of  1857,  to  Charles  Beardsley— during  all  of  which  time 
John  R.  Needham  continued  as  a partner. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  a daily  was  issued  for  some  weeks.  There 
was  no  telegraph  station  nearer  than  Eddyville,  where  a courier  was  sent  to 
await  the  arrival  of  the  train  with  the  Burlington  Hawlceye,  this  being  the 
great  newspaper  of  Iowa  in  that  day.  The  courier  secured  a copy,  mounted, 
and  rode  like  a Jehu  to  the  Herald  office,  where  the  principal  items  were 
almost  ready  for  the  press  of  the  Oskaloosa  daily  before  the  stage-coach, 
the  usual  mail  carrier,  arrived.  Four  times  during  the  war,  we  are  in- 
formed, every  employe  in  the  office  of  this  loyal  paper  enlisted,  leaving  the 
proprietors  to  lind  new  recruits,  whom  they  might  apprentice  for  the  service 
of  Uncle  Sam.  In  the  spring  of  1865  .Needham  and  Beardsley  sold  to  a 
company  in  which  C.  W.  Fisher  was  one  of  the  principal  stockholders,  and 
C.  W.  Fisher  and  W.  E.  Shepherd  were  editors.  Shortly  afterward,  John 
W.  Murphy  again  bought  an  interest.  November  16,  1865,  Mr.  Murphy 
sold  to  H.  C.  Leighton  and  W.  H.  Needham.  In  January,  1867,  W.  A. 
Hunter  bought  the  interest  of  Colonel  Fisher,  and  in  March,  1870,  sold  out 
his  share  of  property  to  his  partners,  and  the  firm  became  Leighton  and 
Needham.  August  2,  1877,  W.  H.  Needham  was  bought  out  by  Geo.  R. 
Lee  and  Win.  M.  Leighton,  who,  with  the  remaining  partner,  formed  the 
firm  of  Leighton,  Lee  and  Leighton.  Henry  C.  Leighton,  of  whom  we 
make  mention  elsewhere,  was  universally  lamented  in  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred January  31,  1878.  Charles  Leighton  has  been  appointed  adminis- 
trator of  the  estate  of  Henry  C.  Leighton,  and  the  firm  continues  under 
the  old  name,  with  Charles  as  business  manager,  and  Geo.  IL  Lee,  editor- 
in-chief.  Both  men  are  practical  printers,  have  served  their  days  as  typos 
and  journeymen.  Mr.  Lee  was,  in  his  day  at  the  types,  one  of  the  most 
rapid  workmen  in  the  state.  Wm.  Leighton  is  manager  of  the  job  office, 
and  is  recognized  as  second  to  none  of  his  rivals  in  that  department. 

The  Herald  is  the  largest  weekly  issued  from  a country  press  in  Iowa, 
and  is  now  printed  in  its  own  building,  20x120  feet  on  Main  street,  and  is 
most  complete  in  facilities  for  newspaper  printing  and  job  work.  This 
paper  lives  near  the  hearts  of  its  patrons,  and  among  its  two  thousand  sub- 
scribers it  has  many  warm,  personal  friends,  who  do  not  forget  to  manifest 
their  friendship  in  a tangible  manner.  This  mutual  good  feeling  has  been 
the  occasion  of  the  growth  in  the  Herald  office  of  one  of  the  finest  cab- 
inets of  specimens  in  the  state.  In  1872  the  Herald  requested  Mahaska 
county  coal  men  to  bring  in  specimens  of  their  coal,  that  they  might  have 
on  exhibition  in  the  office  the  coal  products  of  this  banner  coal  county. 
The  response  was  hearty  and  prompt.  Specimens  of  other  kinds  came  in, 
and  without  design  began  the  Herald  cabinet.  This  now  contains  probably 
15,000  specimens  in  geology,  war  relics,  entymology,  coins,  shells,  natural 


.HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


333 


history,  agriculture,  archaeology,  etc.  These  have  been  the  result,  for  the 
most  part,  of  voluntary  contribution,  the  only  considerable  purchase  made 
by  the  Herald  office  being  a private  collection  of  O.  P.  Hays,  Natural 
Science  professor  in  Oskaloosa  college,  some  years  ago.  The  cabinet  con- 
tains about  1,500  rare  coins,  gold,  silver,  and  copper,  a medal  in  memory 
of  the  battle  of  Culloden,  most  of  the  one  cent  pieces  for  each  year  since 
1793,  and  many  curious  specimens  from  other  lands.  Numerous  old  books 
and  newspapers  have  found  their  way  into  this  collection,  among  which  is 
a copy  of  the  Boston  News  Letter , the  first  newspaper  published  in 
America,  and  an  old  book,  from  the  title  page  of  which  we  read: 

DE  REBUS  GESTIS 
ALEXANDER  MAGNI, 

TYPIS. 

JOHANNIS  BAPTISTAE  FONTANAE, 

Taurini  mccxxvi. 

John  Fontana  was  one  of  the  first  printers,  and  this  book  was  probably 
issued  in  the  latter  part  of  the  fifteenth  century,  the  date  being,  perhaps, 
that  of  the  composition  of  the  work.  The  cabinet  also  contains  a fragment 
of  the  great  Iowa  meteor  of  a few  years  ago,  secured  at  an  expense  of 
about  fifty  dollars.  But  general  mention  of  individual  specimens  is  im- 
possible. The  problem  now  with  the  Herald  is,  how  to  find  room  for  their 
specimens.  A fine  walnut  case,  covering  the  whole  side  of  the  office  from 
floor  to  ceiling,  contains  the  most  valuable  contributions  upon  one  hundred 
and  sixty  feet  of  shelving,  but  accommodations  are  yet  lacking  for  a satis- 
factory display  of  many  of  their  relics.  Undoubtedly  they  will  be  pro- 
vided for,  as  the  Herald  men  are,  and  justly  so,  quite  proud  of  their  free 
museum. 

Most  of  the  time  since  1854,  Oskaloosa,  or  Mahaska  county,  more  prop- 
erly speaking,  has  supported  a Democratic  paper.  The  first  sheet  of  this 
party  was  the  Oskaloosa  Times , being  the  second  paper  in  the  county,  and 
established  January,  1854,  by  Messrs.  Cameron  & Ingersoll.  The  junior 
partner  was  the  well-known  L.  D.  Ingersoll,  or  familiarly  ‘‘Link.,”  the  fa- 
mous Washington  correspondent  for  various  metropolitan  papers,  and  who, 
in  later  days  as  a radical  Republican,  probably  looks  back  with  regret  upon 
the  time  when  he  enlivened  Central  Iowa  by  Democratic  leaders  and  Jack- 
sonian paragraphs.  After  a time  the  paper  changed  hands,  and  was  ably 
conducted  by  R.  R.  Harbour  and  David  Cootnes.  Samuel  Bressler  next 
bought  Coomes’  interest.  A.  A.  Wheelock  subsequently  bought  out  Mr. 
Harbour,  and  the  firm  in  1857  was  Bressler  and  Wheelock.  Bressler’s  share 
in  the  concern  soon  passed  into  the  hands  of  Richard  Wellslager,  then 
post-master.  From  him  Mr.  Wheelock  purchased  entire  control  of  the  pa- 
per, who  ran  it  until  1864,  when  the  veteran  troops  were  here  on  a fur- 
lough, and  they,  not  appreciating  the  bitter  criticrsips  of  the  editor  upon 
the  Union  cause,  etc.,  pitched  the  concern  into  the  street,  from  which  vio- 
lence it  never  recovered.  We  shall  have  occasion  elsewhere  to  make  fur- 
ther mention  of  this  occurrence. 

The  next  Democratic  paper  was  the  Watchman , edited  by  Rev.  Ira  C. 
Mitchell,  owned  by  a stock  company.  Its  race  was  soon  run,  having  suffered 
from  starvation  for  some  weeks  before  its  demise.  In  1865  Samuel  B.  Evans 


334 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


so  far  exhumed  the  Watchman  as  to  issue  one  number  of  the  paper,  when 
he  abandoned  the  enterprise  Geo.  W.  Seevers  and  Russel  Higgins,  both 
men  of  prominence,  made  use  of  the  materials  of  the  old  Watchman  office 
to  start  a Democratic  paper  called  the  Reveille , early  in  1865,  but  issued 
only  one  or  two  numbers.  Thus  in  several  instances  men  of  some  means 
and  experience  had  attempted  the  re-establishment  of  a Democratic  paper 
and  failed.  Hence,  all  the  more  credit  to  the  next  attempt,  made  by  a 
young  man  from  the  plow  and  grain  field — Mr.  Porte  C.  Welch.  Without 
capital,  with  little  encouragement,  in  ill  health,  this  persevering  genius 
seemed  to  make  a paper  out  of  nothing,  save  his  own  talents  and  energy. 
The  paper  first  established  by  Mr.  Welch  was  the  Democratic  Conservator , 
Aug.  2,  1866.  In  1869  this  paper  took  active  steps  in  advocacy  of  the 
organization  of  a new  party,  and  the  name  wras  changed  to  that  of  the  Pro- 
gressive Conservator.  This  paper  continued  with  more  or  less  success 
until  June  29,  1871,  when  the  last  number  was  issued.  During  1867,  in 
this  office,  was  published  “ Proud  Mahaska ,”  a monthly  advertising  sheet. 
During  1870  was  issued  the  Battle  Field , a liberal  monthly  paper,  devoted 
to  the  discussion  of  all  questions,  and  to  which  contributors  were  invited  of 
all  kinds.  Mr.  Welch  also  published  a paper  at  Sigourney  called  the  loiva 
Phenix,  commencing  September,  1870,  and  continuing  until  June,  1871. 

Almost  immediately  following  the  suspension  of  the  Conservator , Mr. 
Welch  started  in  the  same  office  The  Iowa  Reform  Leader , the  first  num- 
ber being  issued  July  13,  1871.  This  paper  in  its  prospectus  and  on  its 
title  page  set  forth  as  its  object  “the  organization  of  a new  party  in  Iowa,” 
and  such  was  its  avowed  object  so  long  as  it  was  published.  It  was  in  1872 
identified  with  the  Greeley  movement,  though  stubbornly  contending  that 
that  was  not  the  kind  of  a reform  movement  that  was  calculated  to  succeed. 
In  1873  was  identified  with,  but  not  in  complete  harmony,  the  anti- 
monopoly  party.  In  February,  1874,  a branch  office  of  the  Leader  was 
established  at  Albia  in  Monroe  county.  April  2d,  of  this  year,  Mr.  Welch 
sold  the  lead  and  cast  iron  of  the  Leader  office  to  M.  G.  Carleton,  retaining, 
however,  to  himself  the  name  Reform  Leader.  During  the  same  month  he 
established  the  Malcom  Magnet  at  Malcom,  Poweshiek  county,  which  he 
conducted  for  a short  time,  and  in  the  fall  of  1874  removed  his  office  back 
to  Oskaloosa,  and  December  3,  1874,  resumed  publication  of  the  Reform 
Leader,  which  he  continued  until  July  12,  1877,  when  it  suspended.  The 
paper  in  1876  supported  Cooper  for  the  presidency. 

M.  G.  Carleton,  having  purchased  Welch’s  material,  issued  the  first  num- 
ber of  the  Oskaloosa  Standard , April  9,  1874.  Shortly  afterward  he  sold 
a half  interest  to  Dr.  D.  H.  Hare,  and  in  1875  Carleton  sold  his  interest  to 
Nelson  D.  Porter.  Soon  after  Dr.  Hare  sold  his  interest  to  L.  H.  Boydston. 
The  style  of  the  firm  is  now  N.  D.  Porter  & Co.  Counting  from  the  issue 
of  the  Conservator , the  Standard  is  now  publishing  volume  thirteen.  The 
Standard  is  an  independent  Democratic  paper,  issued  in  large  folio  sheets, 
and  is  well  conducted.  The  present  circulation  is  one  thousand  copies. 

Temperance  Gem. — This  was  a paper  issued  monthly  during  1867,  first 
conducted  by  the  I.  O.  G.  T.,  and  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  by  F.  M. 
Call  and  H.  C.  Leighton. 

Under  the  caption  of  “ the  press”  is  properly  recorded  the  work  of  the 
Central  Book  Concern.  This  extensive  establishment  had  its  rise  from  a 
a private  publishing  firm,  formed  in  1870,  Messrs.  Call  & Bristol.  These 
gentlemen  published  a weekly  religious  paper,  and  also  some  books.  This 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


335 


firm  was  succeeded  in  1873,  by  a joint  stock  company,  composed  of  some 
twenty-five  or  thirty  gentlemen,  mostly  members  of  the  denomination  known 
as  the  Christian  Church.  These  stockholders  lived  in  various  parts  of 
Iowa,  Illinois  and  Minnesota.  While  the  Book  Concern  is  not  under  con- 
trol of  the  church,  nor  is  there  any  organic  connection  between  the  church 
and  the  publishing  company,  yet  the  Central  Book  Concern  is  generally 
regarded  as  the  authorized  literary  depot  and  publishing  house  of  the  denom- 
ination in  the  West.  Here  are  published  the  various  newspapers  and  mag- 
azines of  the  church,  the  theological  works  of  its  divines,  and  the  supplies 
of  its  Sabbath  Schools. 

The  Concern  was  incorporated  in  1873,  and  the  present  capital  stock  is 
$30,000.  Printing  is  done  by  steam,  and  five  presses  are  kept  in  almost  con- 
stant use,  affording  employment  to  about  twenty-five  persons.  The  Concern 
have  the  only  book  press  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Some  idea  of  the  busi- 
ness of  the  establishment  may  be  had  from  the  knowledge  that  these  presses 
have  spread  ink  over  about  $17,000  worth  of  paper  during  the  past  year,  and 
the  postage  paid  on  mailed  publications  for  the  same  time,  was  $1019.82. 
Quite  a number  of  books  have  been  issued  by  the  Concern,  including  some 
models  of  neatness  in  typography  and  binding.  An  enumeration  of  these 
works  would  be  tedious.  It  is  sufficient  to  know  that  the  stereotype  plates 
in  possession  of  the  Concern  were  secured  at  a cost  for  stereotyping  alone 
of  $8,500,  and  the  illustrations  of  various  publications  at  an  expense  of 
$2,000.  During  the  summer  of  1878,  15,000  copies  of  a single  Sabbath 
School  singing  book,  published  by  the  Book  Concern,  have  been  sold.  An- 
other work  of  a similar  kind  has  had  editions  to  the  number  of  25,000. 
The  present  officers  are  G.  H.  Laughlin,  president,  M.  P.  Collins,  secretary, 
though  the  Concern  is  practically  owned  by  F.  M.  Call,  J.  B.  Johnson  and 
G.  T.  Carpenter.  The  sale  was  made  to  these  gentlemen  of  the  Concern, 
about  a year  ago,  though  some  of  the  old  stockholders  still  retain  their 
interest. 

The  publications  of  the  Book  Concern  includes  the  following: 

The  Evangelist , a religious  paper  of  the  Christian  denomination,  first 
issued  in  Oskaloosa  in  1865,  as  a monthly  magazine,  and  edited  by  G.  T. 
and  W.  J.  Carpenter.  A sale  of  the  paper  was  afterward  made  to  Allen 
Hickey,  who  removed  it  for  a short  time  to  Adel,  then  back  to  Oskaloosa, 
changed  it  to  a semi-monthly  folio,  in  1869,  and  one  year  later  it  was  sold 
to  Call,  Bristol  & Co.,  with  B.  W.  Johnson  as  editor,  who  published  it  as  a 
weekly.  Soon  after  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Book  Concern.  In 
1875  it  was  consolidated  with  the  Record , a paper  published  in  Bedford, 
Indiana,  the  oldest  in  the  church.  The  name  given  the  consolidated  sheet 
is  Record  and  Evangelist , which  is  now  published  in  a weekly  quarto,  31x 
44  inches,  and  has  a circulation  of  6000  copies.  The  editors  are  B.  W. 
Johnson,  G.  T.  Carpenter,  and  J.  M.  Mathes. 

The  Christian  Monitor  was  purchased  by  the  Central  Book  Concern  in 
August,  1877,  and  is  a ladies’  monthly  magazine,  which  had  been  published 
in  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  for  fifteen  years.  It  is  an  octavo  of  48  pages  and 
has  a circulation  of  2500  copies  per  month.  It  is  edited  by  Mrs.  M.  M.  B. 
Goodwin. 

The  Little  Christian  is  an  illustrated  paper  for  the  Sunday  school,  and 
is  issued  in  weekly,  semi-weekly,  and  monthly  editions,  being  in  fact  three 
different  papers.  It  has  a circulation  of  12,000  copies  and  is  edited  by  B. 
W.  Johnson.  Its  publication  began  in  January,  1876. 


336 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Cotemporary  with  the  publication  of  the  Little  Christian , was  begun  a 
monthly  magazine  known  as  the  Christian  Sunday  School  Teacher , by  B. 
W.  Johnson,  a magazine  devoted,  as  its  name  indicates,  to  Sunday  school 
instruction  and  interests.  This  is  a monthly  publication  of  32  octavo  pages. 

Lesson  Leaves  is  a small  sheet  issued  monthly  for  the  use  of  Sabbath 
school  scholars  to  aid  in  studying  the  international  series  of  lessons.  Its 
circulation  is  20,000  copies,  edited  by  B.  W.  Johnson. 

It  is  the  purpose  of  the  management  to  establish  two  more  monthlies  at 
the  beginning  of  1879,  for  the  infant  classes  of  Sunday  schools. 

In  addition  to  its  own  publications,  the  company  does  the  press  work  for 
the  Temperance  Reformer , a paper  established  in  the  interest  of  Temper- 
ance, by  C.  IT.  Browning,  in  June,  1878.  This  is  a monthly  quarto  and 
disposes  of  an  issue  of  2000  copies. 

They  also  do  the  press  work  for  the  Inter-State  Normal  Monthly , pub- 
lished at  Moulton,  Iowa,  and  for  Common  School  Teacher , at  Bedford, 
Indiana.  Thus  far  has  the  fame  of  the  Book  Concern  extended  as  a prompt 
and  reliable  publishing  house. 

In  1867  at  Oskaloosa  was  started  a paper  called  the  Central  Iowa  Citi- 
zen, published  by  M.  G-.  Carleton  and  B.  P.  Bacon.  It  was  Republican  in 
its  politics,  and  during  the  time  of  its  existence  it  shared  with  the  Herald 
the  readers  of  that  party.  After  continuing  about  two  years  it  passed  into 
the  hands  of  Samuel  L.  and  Joseph  R.  C.  Hunter,  who  continued  its  pub- 
lication about  two  months.  On  account  of  limited  patronage,  they  were 
compelled,  December  7, 1869,  to  display  the  following  head  lines:  “Good- 
bye! Suspended!  Fizzled!  Busted!  Petered!  Collapsed!  The  running  out 
process  kinder  gin  eout!  Gone  up  the  spout  generally!  Grand  Finale.” 

Thus  facetiously  the  Central  Iowa  Citizen  took  its  place  among  the 
illustrious  dead  of  western  journalism — starved  to  death. 

New  Sharon  Star.  The  publication  of  this  excellent  country  paper  was 
commenced  by  H.  J.  Yail,  January  22,  1873,  at  New  Sharon.  Two  years 
previous,  Mr.  Yail  had  “started  in”  at  the  printer’s  case  to  learn  the 
business,  and  his  success  in  newspaper  publishing  and  editing  shows  that 
he  not  only  served  a faithful  apprenticeship  at  the  types,  but  knows  how 
to  push  a pencil  for  the  satisfaction  and  encouragement  of  his  patrons. 

The  Star  began  its  career  as  a seven  column  folio,  and  when  an  infant 
of  six  weeks’  existence,  was  enlarged  to  eight  columns.  December  8, 1875, 
it  became  a six  column  quarto,  which  is  its  present  size.  Its  circulation 
varies  from  700  to  1,000  copies,  being  very  considerably  larger  in  the  win- 
ter, when  its  former  subscribers  have  more  time  to  read.  It  has  ever  been 
republican  in  politics,  but  violently  opposes  the  present  administration, 
neither  appreciating  Mr.  Hayes,  nor  his  policy. 

carrier’s  address. 

The  following  is  the  first  “ carrier’s  address  ” ever  issued  in  Mahaska 
county,  and  was  written  by  Geo.  W.  See  vers,  of  Oskaloosa.  It  made  its 
appearance  January  1,  1851,  and  was  addressed  to  the  patrons  of  the 
Herald: 

All  hail!  and  good  morning-!  kind  patrons  I’m  here, 

To  wish  you  a healthy  and  happy  New  Year. 

Once  more  has  the  annual  circuit  been  driven, 

And  all  are  another  year  closer  to  Heaven; 


HISTOKY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


337 


Rejoice  and  be  happy,  and  hail  with  a cheer 
The  glorious  birth  of  the  welcome  New  Year. 

It  is  a glad  morning;  so  hail  it  with  joy, 

And  hand  out  your  dimes  to  the  carrier  boy. 

I’ve  served  you.  kind  patrons,  in  days  that  are  gone, 
And  hope,  if  I live,  to  keep  serving  you  on. 

I’ve  brought  you  the  news  from  the  east  and  the  west, 
And  the  north  and  the  south;  whatever  was  best, 

And  newest,  and  rarest,  was  brought  you  by  me, 

And  poetry  written  by  Uncle  Boozee, 

And  other  great  bards  in  the  muses’  employ; 

So  open  your  hearts  to  the  carrier  boy. 

“ Mysterious  rappings  ” are  heard,  it  is  said; 

The  living  are  learning  to  talk  with  the  dead; 

The  east  is  enchanted  with  Jenny  Lind’s  voice; 

The  “Fugitive  Slave  Law’’  is  raising  a noise; 

And  great  California  is  fooling  mankind', 

And  making  them  seek  what  but  few  of  them  find, 
And  news  of  all  this  you  shall  have,  to  enjoy; 

So  fork  out  your  dimes  to  the  carrier  boy. 

The  “ Herald  ” does  all  that  it  can  for  your  town, 

And  by  it  your  village  is  gaining  renown  ; 

The  world  is  beginning  to  think  its  location 
Is  “right  in  the  center  of  all  creation  ”; 

And  this  right  impression  is  more  or  less  made 
By  facts  in  the  “ Herald  ’’  correctly  portrayed; 

And  bearing  the  “ Herald  ’’  shall  be  my  employ; 

So  spare  a few  dimes  for  the  carrier  boy. 

A railroad  to  run  from  the  east  to  the  west, 

Through  fair  Oskaloosa  is  no  longer  a jest; 

Besides,  that  the  capital  ought  to  come  here, 

Still  plainer  and  plainer  begins  to  appear; 

And  surely  this  state  of  affairs,  more  or  less, 

Is  caused  by  the  aid  of  your  own  County  Press; 

So  while  such  a state  of  affairs  you  enjoy, 

Pray,  be  not  unkind  to  the  carrier  boy. 

Ye  lawyers  so  witty,  ye  sages  so  wise, 

Ye  preachers  well  fed  on  fat  chickens  and  pies; 

Ye  doctors  who  kindly  relieve  us  from  pain, 

Or  fix  us,  at  least,  so  we  cease  to  complain; 

Ye  store-keepers,  tailors  and  carpenters  too, 

Be  manly  and  give  the  poor  ‘ ‘ devil  his  due  ’ ’ ; 

And  you,  ye  sweet  lassies,  so  lovely  and  coy, 
Remember  what’s  due  to  the  carrier  boy. 

But  this  I will  say,  ye  enchanting  young  misses, 

Your  debt’s  easy  paid,  for  I’ll  take  it  in  kisses; 

So  crack  away  freely,  and  be  not  afraid, 

But  only  remember,  if  thus  it  is  paid, 

To  keep  it  untold,  or  you’ll  raise  a great  evil, 

For  people  would  plague  you  ’bout  kissing  the  devil, 
And  thus  would  they  grieve  you  and  sorely  annoy, 

For  harmlessly  kissing  the  carrier  boy. 

And  now,  in  conclusion,  kind  patrons  and  friends, 

My  prayer  for  all  of  you  humbly  ascends. 

May  Heaven  grant  all  of  you  virtue  and  health, 

And  Plutus  consign  you  a part  of  his  wealth, 

And  the  muses  and  graces  and  fates  be  your  friends, 
’Till  a long,  happy  life  in  sweet  Paradise  ends. 

So  now  worthy  patrons  1 wish  you  much  joy, 

And  return  you  the  thanks  of  the 

CARRIER  BOY. 


338 


HISTORY  OP  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


TEMPERANCE. 


The  question  of  temperance  has  been  pretty  thoroughly  ventilated  in  all 
the  days  of  Mahaska  count}7.  To  discover  the  different  phases  of  the  tem- 
perance cause  in  all  the  times  since  the  day  in  which  men  were  indicted 
for  selling  fire-water  to  the  Indians,  would  be  almost  an  impossibility. 
From  the  commissioners’  books,  we  find  that  in  May,  1844,  the  cost  of  a 
grocery  license  was  $25  per  year.  Why  a grocery  should  be  compelled  to 
pay  license,  and  what  groceries  have  to  do  with  the  cause  of  temperance, 
will  not  be  a question  to  those  who  lived  in  pioneer  times  in  Iowa.  Shortly 
after  this  the  Washingtonian  temperance  movement  struck.  Mahaska 
County.  A temperance  society  was  organized  at  Oskaloosa;  its  meetings 
were  held  in  the  court  house;  its  silver  tongued  speakers  were  the  judge 
on  the  bench  and  the  pleaders  at  the  bar;  it  was  quite  a judicial  affair,  and 
from  the  record,  at  the  July  term  of  court,  1845,  we  make  the  following 
curious  extract. 


“On  motion  of  William  W.  Chapman,  Esq.,  ordered  that  the  following  proceedings  of  the 
temperance  meeting  of  Oskaloosa  be  spread  upon  the  records  of  this  court,  to- wit: 

“At  a meeting  of  Oskaloosa  Washingtonian  Temperance  Society  held  at  Oskaloosa, 
Mahaska  county,  and  Territory  of  Iowa,  on  Thursday  evening,  July  24,  A.  D.,  1845.  Present, 

M.  T.  Peters,  President. 

“ The  meeting  was  ably  addressed  by  the  Hon.  Joseph  Williams,  Judge  of  the  District 
Court,  by  Messrs.  Wright,  Ives  and  May,  Esqs.  The  following  pledge  was  submitted  for 
signatures,  and  the  following  names  thereto  subscribed,  to-wit: 

“We,  the  undersigned,  pledge  our  sacred  honor  each  to  the  other,  to  abstain  from  all 
intoxicating  drinks  as  a beverage : 


Mrs.  Lee, 

Mrs.  Baer, 

Mrs.  Garrison, 
Miss  Cameron, 
Miss  Wellman, 
Miss  Cameron, 
Mrs.  Ash, 

Mrs.  Sheperd, 
Miss  D.  Garrison, 
George  W.  Baer, 
Levi  Bainbridge, 
Mrs.  Long, 

Miss  Murphy, 

N.  Mosier, 

M.  S.  Garrison, 

C.  Mosier, 

Mosier, 

Wellman, 

Nichols, 

E.  C.  Owen, 

S.  A.  Roop, 

Eliza  Owen, 

R.  I.  Baer, 

M.  C.  Roop, 

Jane  Wilkins, 
Wilson, 

C.  Frederick, 
Cameron, 

A.  E.  Wright, 
Sarah  Jones, 


0.  Wright, 

S.  Gandy, 

S.  Kinsman, 

S.  Knight, 

1.  Rupert, 

Knight, 

Martin  Lyon, 

George  G.  Wright, 
Adam  Tool, 

Samuel  McFall, 

Green  T.  Clark, 

Allen  Lowe, 

M.  T.  Williams, 
Matthew  Edmundson, 
Charles  Currier, 

John  Vance, 

E.  Muncell, 

A.  G.  Phillips, 

J.  B.  Hamilton, 

Lewis  Pitts, 

Edward  Long, 

H.  W.  Chapman, 
George  May, 

R.  S.  Lowry, 

A.  C.  Shorpe, 

George  Gillaspy, 

T.  A.  Springer, 

Jasper  Koons, 

John  Montgomery, 
Leonard  Fowler, 


Daniel  Altman, 

Henry  Blockburn, 
Moses  Knowles, 

M.  S.  Morris, 

John  Miller. 

Wesley  H.  Freel, 

A.  B.  Miller, 

Parrish  Ellis, 

Andrew  Gossage, 
James  Spurlock, 

S.  W.  Babbot, 
Thomas  McMurry, 
John  R.  Sparks, 
Andrew  Ham, 
Wellington  Nossman, 
Randolph  Harber, 

C.  G.  Owen, 

J.  N.  Edgar, 

Isaac  Miller, 

F.  S.  Cleaves, 

Joseph  Gossage, 
George  Gossage, 
Johnathan  Garrison, 
J.  S.  Fredricks, 
William  Edgar, 
William  Drummer, 
Joseph  B.  Roy  ale, 
William  Windsor, 

H.  D.  Ives, 

James  Edgar, 


Joseph  Williams, 
Absalom  Myers, 
Thomas  Black, 

R.  M.  McPherson, 
Matthew  D.  Springer, 
James  M.  Dixon, 
Harry  Horton, 

R.  M.  Billips, 

Andrew  Storts, 
Samuel  Morgan, 
Lewis  Murphy, 

C.  S.  Stedman, 

John  D.  Crane, 

A.  W.  Blair, 

Enos  Myers, 

G.  S.  Lathrop, 

W.  D.  Canfield, 

Noah  Whitlash, 

H.  B.  Owen, 

Jacob  H.  Majors, 
William  Williams, 
Andrew  Stephenson, 
Henry  Humphrey, 
Joseph  Dronellard, 
John  M.  Cameron, 

J.  W.  Bailey. 

Charles  Blackburn, 
Miss  A.  Wright, 

Mrs.  E.  J.  Jolly. 


On  motion  of  W.  W.  Chapman,  Esq: 


Resolved , By  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  meeting,  that  as  a testimony  of  the  respect  due 
to  the  Hon.  Joseph  Williams,  judge  of  the  second  judicial  district  of  the  territory  of  Iowa, 
for  his  eminent  and  distinguished  services  in  the  temperance  cause,  and  as  a memorial  of  the 
unprecedented  revival  of  total  abstinence  from  the  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  as  a beverage, 
and  that  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  signed  by  the  president  and  secretary,  and, 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


339 


together  with  the  pledge  and  names,  be  placed  upon  the  minutes  of  the  district  court  of  said 
county  of  Mahaska. 

W.  H.  Seevers,  Secretary.  M.  T.  Peter,  President. 

Probably,  as  a result  of  this  movement,  the  question  of  license  or  no  li- 
cense was  submitted  to  the  people  in  April,  1847,  and  was  decided,  no  license, 
by  a majority  of  sixty-five  votes.  This  expression  of  opinion,  however,  does 
not  seem  to  have  been  followed,  or,  if  so,  the  decision  was  soon  set  aside  in 
some  manner;  for  in  1848  we  find  the  county  commissioners  issuing  grocery 
licenses  at  $3JJ  per  annum,  or  proportion  thereof  for  shorter  time. 

In  Oskaloosa  city  prohibition  was  voted  in  May,  1868,  and  a prohibition 
ordinance  framed,  but  it  soon  afterward  became  of  no  effect.  In  the 
spring  of  1874  was  the  women’s  crusade.  Quite  an  organization  was  ef- 
fected in  Oskaloosa,  and  shortly  after  the  beginning  of  the  excitement  a 
band  of  sixty  women  sometimes  collected,  holding  prayer  meetings  in  the 
saloons,  etc.  This  method  of  work  did  not  accomplish  a great  deal  among 
the  saloon  keepers,  who  were  not  thus  easily  induced  to  leave  their  profita- 
ble business.  On  February  17,  1874,  a Women’s  Temperance  band  was 
formed,  with  a membership  of  two  hundred.  In  June  a Mahaska  county 
temperance  organization  was  formed,  and  a mass  convention  was  held  in 
Oskaloosa.  In  the  latter  town  a second  prohibition  ordinance  was  framed, 
which  has  been  pretty  generally  enforced  since  its  passage.  Murphy  was 
here  and  lectured  in  1875,  and  though  he  awakened  considerable  interest 
during  the  time  of  his  stay,  the  temperance  cause  did  not  thrive  after  his 
departure — at  least  the  movement  he  attempted  to  inaugurate  did  not  at- 
tain to  any  great  proportions.  However,  the  blue  ribbon  movement  which 
he  started  in  the  East  during  the  latter  part  of  1876,  reached  Oskaloosa 
about  fifteen  months  later.  In  February,  1878,  the  well-known  temperance 
lecturer  and  organizer,  Jno.  W.  Drew,  made  his  appearance  in  Oskaloosa, 
and  held  meetings  every  night  for  one  week.  Part  of  the  time  he  was  as- 
sisted by  Fred.  Getchell,  of  Des  Moines,  who  has  taken  great  interest  in  the 
temperance  reform  of  Iowa.  On  the  Saturday  evening  closing  Mr.  Drew’s 
sta}r  was  organized  the  Mahaska  County  Temperance  Reform  club,  with  all 
signers  of  the  pledge  as  members.  The  officers  elected  were  Wm.  H. 
Heedham,  president;  M.  T.  Williams,  W.  S.  Ken  worthy  and  T.  J.  Hay- 
wood, vice-presidents;  M.  H.  Waring,  secretary;  Jno.  M.  Huber,  treasurer. 
The  secretary,  Mr.  Waring,  has  since  resigned,  and  Jno.  M.  Huber  elected 
to  fill  vacancy.  The  success  of  this  movement  in  Oskaloosa,  as  elsewhere, 
has  been  remarkable.  Within  twenty-four  hours  after  the  pledge  book  was 
opened  there  were  six  hundred  names  attached — at  the  close  of  the  week, 
or  upon  the  organization  of  the  society,  there  were  three  thousand  and  sev- 
enty persons  in  and  about  Oskaloosa  who  had  signed  the  following 

REFORM  CLUB  PLEDGE: 

“We,  the  enrolled  members  of  the  Mahaska  County  Temperance  Reform  club,  do  solemnly 
promise,  with  the  divine  help,  and  in  the  presence  of  these  witnesses,  that  we  will  never  make, 
buy,  sell,  or  use  as  a beverage  any  spirituous  or  malt  liquors,  wine  or  cider,  and  that  we  will 
in  all  proper  ways  discourage  the  manufacture,  sale  and  use  of  the  same.” 

At  this  writing,  six  months  after  the  inauguration  of  the  movement, 
there  have  been  very  few  cases  of  violation  of  the  pledge,  and  among  those 
who  were  hard  drinkers  before,  we  might  say,  none  have  backslidden.  The 
club  holds  meetings  in  Oskaloosa  every  Tuesday  evening,  for  the  transaction 
of  business  and  the  hearing  of  a lecture  from  some  home  or  foreign  speaker. 
Members  of  the  club  have  been  sent  out  through  the  county  to  organize 
associations  in  the  different  communities,  and  thirteen  subordinate  clubs 


340 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COHNTY. 


have  been  established;  at  Leighton,  Fairview  Church,  Beacon,  East  Center 
S.  H.,  West  Center  S.  H.,  Union,  Mills,  Coffin’s  S.  H.,  Rose  Hill,  Indian- 
apolis, Wing’s  S II.,  Peoria  and  Bellefontaine.  There  is  an  independent 
club  at  New  Sharon.  The  total  membership  in  the  county  in  August, 
1878,  is  six  thousand  and  thirty.  Will  the  readers  of  this  sketch,  in  ten 
years  from  now  have  occasion  to  look  back  on  this  movement  wdtli  a sneer, 
and  justly  pronounce  it  a failure,  in  that  it  has  not  accomplished  its  pur- 
pose— a permanent  moral  reform?  Will  a few  months  bring  about  a reac- 
tion, and  an  indifference  to  this  vice,  which  stalks  in  tremendous  and  alarm- 
ing proportions  from  one  end  of  our  land  to  another,  from  city  to  hamlet, 
and  from  hamlet  to  country  home;  or,  will  the  moral  forces  of  this  people 
continue  in  united  phalanx,  determined  to  slay  the  monster  under  their 
feet?  These  are  questions  which  the  philanthropist  must  face,  and  they  are 
hard  questions  to  answer  satisfactorily  in  this  world  of  sin  and  death,  where 
evil  seems  permanent  and  good  almost  transitory,  where  the  tendency  is 
downward,  and  abstinence  a victory. 

POLITICAL. 

In  recording  the  political  history  of  the  county  it  will  be  our  endeavor 
to  avoid  giving  any  partisan  coloring  to  the  facts  related,  which  coloring 
might  arise  from  prejudices  of  the  historian  himself,  or  those  parties  from 
whom  he  drew  his  information. 

As  is  well  known,  in  the  early  history  of  the  county  there  were  but  two 
parties  in  the  field,  the  Democratic  and  the  Whig.  Mahaska  county 
usually  gave  a Whig  majority,  and  did  so  in  the  Presidential  elections  of 
1844  and  1848.  However,  in  local  politics,  attention  was  given  to  the 
qualities  of  men  rather  than  to  their  politics,  and  in  almost  every  county 
election  for  a number  of  years  the  result  was  divided  between  the  different 
parties.  The  Democrats  had  treasurer  and  recorder  for  some  five  or  six 
terms,  besides  some  other  county  offices.  As  is  related  elsewhere,  in  1851 
a Whig  majority  was  voted  for  judge  and  a Democratic  majority  for  sheriff. 

About  1852  we  have  the  first  intimation  of  a new  factor  in  politics.  At 
this  time  most  of  the  trading  by  Oskaloosa  merchants  was  through  St. 
Louis.  Some  of  these  men  who  were  at  the  metropolis  buying  goods  be- 
came connected  with  a Know  Nothing  lodge  there,  and  came  back  home 
to  organize  a similar  movement  among  their  neighbors.  A lodge  was 
formed  in  Oskaloosa,  and  in  town  developed  considerable  strength,  having 
in  secret  conclave  over  one  hundred  voters,  which  was  a very  considerable 
portion  of  the  voting  population  of  Oskaloosa  in  1852.  The  movement  did 
not  extend  to  any  great  distance  throughout  the  county,  nor  were  the  far- 
mers in  any  considerable  number  drawn  into  sympathy  with  the  Know 
Nothing,  or  as  it  was  afterward  called,  the  American  party  The  move- 
ment hung  along  on  the  “ ragged  edge  ” for  two  or  three  years,  and  a short 
time  after  its  failure  it  was  almost  impossible  to  find  a man  in  the  county 
who  was  free  to  acknowledge  his  Know  Nothing  proclivities.  Those  who 
had  been  in  sympathy  with  the  American  party  divided  into  Old  Line 
Whigs  and  the  New  Republicans.  Of  the  rise  of  this  latter  party  we  shall 
have  occasion  to  speak  next. 

The  first  intimation  of  a local  Republican  movement  was  in  the  Herald 
of  April  18,  1856.  In  this  paper  appeared  the  following  call: 

The  citizens  of  Mahaska  county  opposed  to  the  political  principles  of  the  present  adminis- 
tration, and  to  the  introduction  of  slavery  into  territory  now  free,  are  requested  to  meet  in 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


341 


mass  convention  in  Union  Hall,  Oskaloosa,  the  3d  day  of  May,  at  1 o’clock  p.  m.,  for  the 
purpose  of  affecting  a more  thorough  organization  of  the  Republican  party,  of  appointing  a 
central  committee  and  electing  delegates  to  attend  the  ensuing  congressional  convention,  and 
for  such  oth$r  business  as  may  come  before  the  convention. 

This  was  signed  by  quite  a number  of  citizens,  but  when  the  appointed 
day  and  hour  came  only  nine  persons  assembled  in  the  hall,  though  a num- 
ber were  on  the  sidewalk  below,  but  did  not  wish  to  place  themselves  on 
record  as  members  of  the  convention;  their  faith  was  weak.  Those  pres- 
ent have  been  since  quite  prominently  engaged  in  the  movements  of  the 
party  which  they  then  adopted,  and  were  the  following  named  gentlemen: 
S.  A.  Rice,  Wm.  H.  Seevers,  J.  A.  Young,  Jos.  Kelly,  Jno.  R.  Needham, 
Jas.  H.  Knox,  Butler  Dunbar,  Oliver  Smith  and  Harvey  Cruzen.  If  we 
are  correctly  informed  there  are  but  four  of  this  number  now  living,  and 
three  of  them  in  Mahaska  county. 

Of  this  convention  Oliver  Smith,  Sr.,  was  appointed  president,  and  J.  H. 
Knox,  secretary.  The  committee  on  resolutions,  Jno.  R.  Needham,  J.  A. 
Young  and  Harvey  Cruzen,  reported  the  following: 

United  by  a common  purpose  to  maintain  Right  against  Wrong,  and  believing  in  the  abil- 
ity of  a virtuous  and  intelligent  people  to  sustain  justice,  we  declare: 

1.  That  governments  are  instituted  among  men  to  secure  the  inalienable  rights  of  life, 
liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness,  in  the  equality  of  civil  privileges  and  the  free  exercise 
of  religious  belief  and  worship. 

. 2.  That  Freedom  is  National,  Slavery  Local,  and  that  involuntary  servitude,  except  for 
the  punishment  of  crime,  should  not  exist  in  any  territory  of  the  United  States. 

3.  That  while  we  regard  the  “peculiar  institution ' ’ as  productive  of  evil — as  antagonis- 
tic to  Republicanism — a disgrace  to  humanity  and  a curse  to  the  world,  we  do  not  deem  that 
Congress  should  interfere  with  it  in  States  where  it  already  exists,  but  we  do  demand  that  our 
National  Legislature  should  prevent  its  extension  into  territory  now  free. 

4.  That  the  mission  of  the  Republican  party  is  to  maintain  the  Liberties  of  the  People, 
the  Sovereignties  of  the  States,  and  the  Perpetuity  of  the  American  Union. 

5.  That  the  repeal  of  the  Missouri  Compromise  and  the  refusal  of  the  Slave  Power  to 
abide  by  the  principle  on  which  that  repeal  was  professedly  based,  makes  the  National  do- 
main the  battle-ground  between  Freedom  and  Slavery;  and  while  true  Republicans  stand 
on  a National  basis,  and  endeavor  to  cultivate  a National  spirit,  they  will  shrink  from  no 
necessary  conflict,  and  shirk  no  responsibility  on  this  issue. 

6. _  That  we  ask  no  conformity  of  opinion,  and  no  unity  of  belief,  in  minor  matters  State  or 
National,  but  we  cordially  invite  men  of  all  political  parties  who  sanction  these  principles  to 
unite  with  us  in  the  present  contest. 

A central  committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of  Jno.  R.  Needham, 
Judge  Seevers,  A.  E.  Dnnsmore,  Z.  T.  Fisher,  J.  A.  Young  and  Dr.  J.  H. 
Fry.  It  will  be  noticed  that  some  members  of  this  committee  had  not 
been  present  at  the  convention,  but  all  acquiesced  in  the  action  of  the  meet- 
ing, and  the  work  of  organizing  was  rapid.  During  the  ten  days  preceed- 
ing  the  Presidential  election  sixteen  township  meetings  were  appointed  by 
this  committee,  and  the  resulting  vote  in  Mahaska  county  was:  Fremont, 
1,224;  Buchanan,  940;  Fillmore,  268.  The  Republican  party  maintained 
its  ascendency  until  1873. 

The  “New  Party”  reform  movement  in  Mahaska  county  took  its  rise 
among  the  first,  if  not  the  first  counties  in  the  Union.  This  movement  was 
inagurated  in  1869,  its  leading  spirit  being  Porte  C.  Welch,  at  that  time 
the  editor  of  the  Conservator,  at  Oskaloosa.  Welch  was  dissatisfied  with 
the  action  of  the  State  Democratic  Convention  of  that  year,  and  advocated 
the  formation  of  a new  party  in  Iowa.  The  division  continued  with  indif- 
ferent success  until  1871,  when  it  culminated  in  what  was  known  as  the 
“Reform  Movement.”  “The  proceedings  of  the  County  Mass  Conven- 
tion of  May,  1871,  were  headed  6 Anti-Monopoly,’  and  the  first 4 Anti-Monop’ 


342 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


platform  in  Iowa  was  written,  for  the  most  part,  by  R.  R.  Harbour.’’ 
June  24,  1871,  a county  ticket  was  placed  in  nomination.  A resolution  was 
adopted  favoring  the  call  of  a State  Reform  Convention  at  an  early  day,  for 
the  purpose  of  forming  a State  Reform  Party.  In  July  Welch  changed 
the  name  of  this  paper,  which  was  the  Reform  party  organ,  to  that  of  the 
“ Iowa  Reform  Leader whose  purpose  was  announced,  “ the  organization 
of  a new  party  in  Iowa,”  advocating  no  special  financial  policy  at  that  time 
but  the  “burial  of  old  leaders,  the  adoption  of  free  trade,”  and  economic 
management  of  public  affairs.  Of  the  county  ticket,  the  Reform  party 
succeeded  only  in  electing  one  candidate,  Prof.  E.  Baker  for  county  super- 
intendent. In  1872  this  local  movement  merged  into  the  Liberal  or  Gree- 
ley movement,  and  the  victory  of  the  Republican  party  was  overwhelming, 
being  1,281  majority  in  the  county. 

In  the  fall  of  1872  one Wilkinson  came  into  Mahaska  county  and 

commenced  organizing  Granges  of  the  order  “ Patrons  of  Husbandry.”  At 
the  beginning  of  this  work  it  was  stoutly  denied  that  the  Grange  would  be 
a political  organization,  but  it  was  soon  perceived  that  the  movement  would 
be  fruitless  without  some  political  tendency.  Finally,  in  1873,  the  several 
granges  proceeded  to  select  candidates  to  a county  convention,  and  to  place 
in  nomination  a county  ticket.  When  the  convention  assembled  the  move- 
ment was  without  any  newspaper  organ,  and  the  only  paper  in  the  county 
that  was  hopefully  in  sympathy  with  them,  was  the  Reform  Leader.  The 
editor,  Mr.  Welch,  who  had  been  announced,  as  is  claimed  for  a strategic 
purpose,  as  candidate  for  the  legislature,  withdrew  his  name  after  this 
convention,  and  gave  the  support  of  his  paper  to  the  Anti-Monoply  (grange) 
ticket. 

The  Reform  party  followed  with  their  support,  and  the  result  was  the 
election  of  Anti-Monop  candidates  as  follows:  The  two  members  of  legis- 
lature (lower  house),  county  auditor,  county  supervisor,  superintendent  of 
schools  and  county  surveyor,  the  republicans  electing  by  small  majorities 
their  candidates  for  treasurer,  sheriff,  the  latter  by  a majority  of  thirteen 
votes.  This  was  the  first  campaign  in  which  Mahaska  republicans  were 
defeated  since  the  organization  of  the  party. 

To  a real  or  imaginary  attempt  by  democratic  politicians  made  in  1874, 
to  “ capture  ” the  anti-monopoly  movement,  is  attributed  by  the  friends  of 
that  party  the  defeat  they  suffered  in  that  campaign.  The  republicans 
elected  their  entire  ticket.  This  caused  divisions  in  the  grange,  and  conse- 
quent apathy  toward  grangepolitics,  which  ceased  to  be  a factor  in  Mahaska 
county  political  affairs  in  1875. 

For  a number  of  years  previous,  there  was  a large  element  which  regarded 
the  financial  questions  as  the  issue  on  which  a new  party  should  be  organ- 
ized and  in  1875  important  steps  were  taken  in  that  direction.  A thor- 
ough organization  was  effected  in  1876,  and  now  known  as  the  “National 
Greenback  Labor  Party.”  In  the  campaign  of  1877  the  party  polled 
from  nine  to  eleven  hundred  votes  on  the  straight  greenback  ticket,  and 
through  a combination  with  the  democratic  element,  they  elected  county 
treasurer,  auditor,  and  superintendent  of  schools.  In  the  spring  of  1878 
the  greenback  element  and  workingmen  combined  in  Oskaloosa,  and  elected 
their  city  ticket. 

In  the  campaign  of  1878  there  was  a combination  of  the  Democrats  with 
the  Greenback  Labor  Party,  on  County,  Judicial,  Congressional  and  State 
tickets,  which  caused  a dissatisfaction  in  the  latter  party,  and  resulted  in 
the  success  of  the  Republicans. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


343 


STATISTICS. 

The  following  are  the  votes  cast  for  presidency  in  Mahaska  since  1852: 
1852.  Pierce,  541;  Scott,  599;  Hale,  45. 

1856.  Buchanan,  940;  Freemont,  1,224;  Fillmore,  268. 

1860.  Lincoln,  1,640;  Douglas,  1,332. 

1864.  Lincoln,  1,836;  McClellan,  954. 

1868.  Grant,  2,646;  Seymour,  1,511. 

1872.  Grant,  2,532;  Greeley,  1,176;  O’Connor,  75. 

1876.  Hayes,  3,218;  Tilden,  1,701;  Cooper,  338. 

In  1876  the  following  is  an  abstract  of  the  official  vote: 


NAMES  OF  CANDIDATES. 

No.  Votes. 

names  of  candidates. 

No.  Votes. 

Presidential  Electors  at  large. 

Judge  Supreme  Court. 

John  Van  VAT/KENTumo 

3218 

VT TT.TiT  A TT  S EEVER S 

3209 

WlTiLTAM  P.  Hf.PTUTRN 

3218 

Walter  T If  ay  pa 

1644 

Daniel  F.  Miller 

1701 

John  P.  Irish 

1686 

Supreme  Judge— Vacancy  1879. 

Porte  C.  Welch 

328 

QQQ 

James  H.  Rothrock 

3215 

ooo 

William  Graham 

1697 

District  Electors , 6th  District. 

Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction. 

W.  0.  Crosby 

3216 

1 AQA 

Carl  W.  yon  Coelln 

3214 

T AAf  lHnvrvViTT 

10UU 
CM  A 

J.  A.  Nash 

332 

j . vv  . lviuipny 

Secretary  of  State. 

o4U 

Representative  in  Congress. 

T n C T K TT  T V ATTATn 

3217 

1 7AQ 

E.  S.  Sampson 

3167 

dUSIAH  ± . 10UNG 

H.  B.  Hendershott 

1838 

A 1VI  QorDQrliT 

1 (06 

QQQ 

James  Mathews 

...4 

660 

D.  M.  Conley 

169 

Auditor  of  State. 

H.  H.  Trimble 

Buren  R.  Sherman 

3219 

Circuit  Judge. 

William,  Groneweg 

T jpnrm.rrl  Rrnwn 

1698 

QQO 

L.  C.  Blanchard 

3224 

66c j 

D.  P.  Stubbs 

1730 

Treasurer  of  State. 

Representative. 

George  W.  Bemis 

0 Q# P it  STfWkDQ 

3219 

1 £QQ 

John  Dodds 

3168 

Georfrp  fl  Frv 

10^0 

QQO 

Dr.  J.  A.  Lucy 

1711 

Register  of  State  Land  Office. 

66Z 

Clerk  of  Court. 

Da vrn  Spaat? 

3217 

i onn 

D.  R.  Moore 

3210 

AT  fT 

Geo.  L.  Shinnick 

1985 

Geo.  M.  Walker 

loy  ( 
332 

Recorder. 

Attorney  General. 

William  R.  Cowan 

3199 

JohnF.  McJunkin 

qoiq 

John  A.  Proudiit 

2013 

J.  C.  Cook 

OulO 

1701 

Board  of  Supervisors. 

Supreme  Judge— Cole  Vacancy. 

Samuel  Gilmore 

3202 

William  H.  Seevers 

2876 

G B McFall 

2010 

Walter  I.  Hayes 

1600 

Republicans  in  small  capitals;  Democrats  in  Italics ; Greenbackers  in  Roman  type. 
Republican  majority  1522;  Republican  gain  over  vote  on  Governor  in  1875,  906. 


344 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


OFFICIAL  YOTE 

OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY  AT  GENERAL  ELECTION  HELD  OCTOBER  9,  1877. 


Names  of  Candidates. 

Cedar. 

Harrison. 

Des  Moines. 

Jefferson. 

Scott. 

Oskaloosa. 

White  Oak. 

Monroe. 

Adams. 

Madison. 

Black  Oak. 

Richland. 

Prairie. 

Union. 

P.  Grove, 

Total. 

Majorities. 

Governor. 

1 

John  H.  Gear 

101 

109 

61 

45 

73 

555 

91 

95 

100 

78 

70 

86 

194 

99 

66 

2327 

737 

John  P.  Irish  

89 

38 

16 

55 

33 

290 

96 

88 

54 

18 

34 

100 

65 

42 

68 

1086 

D.  P.  Stubbs 

12 

43 

154 

55 

83 

339 

18 

20 

30 

36 

74 

75 

30 

32 

10 

1011 

♦Elias  Jessup 

17 

31 

4 

21 

5 

361 

2 

8 

6 

31 

5 

7 

82 

13 

3 

596 

JLieut.  Governor. 

Frank  T.  Campbell 

111 

134 

61 

53 

76 

880 

92 

104 

104 

102 

76 

97 

263 

115 

70 

2338 

1255 

W.  0.  James 

90 

37 

16 

64 

30 

299 

96 

88 

50 

19 

35 

100 

64 

27 

68 

1083 

A.  Macready 

18 

50 

158 

59 

87 

379 

21 

18 

36 

41 

72 

75 

39 

45 

10 

1108 

Judge  Sup.  Court. 

James  G.  Day 

110 

134 

61 

53 

76 

873 

92 

104 

104 

102 

76 

97 

268 

116 

70 

2336 

1251 

H.  E.  J.  Boardman  

90 

37 

16 

64 

30 

302 

96 

90 

50 

19 

35 

100 

64 

24 

68 

1085 

John  Porter 

19 

50 

158 

59 

87 

383 

21 

16 

36 

42 

72 

75 

40 

45 

10 

1114 

Sup.  Public  Instruc’n. 

Carl  Von  Coelln 

109 

132 

60 

53 

77 

822 

92 

103 

103 

102 

77 

95 

262 

116 

70 

2273 

1185 

G.  H.  Cullison  

90 

37 

16 

64 

30 

303 

96 

91 

50 

19 

35 

100 

64 

25 

68 

1088 

S.  T.  Ballard 

20 

52 

158 

59 

86 

394 

21 

16 

36 

41 

71 

75 

39 

46 

10 

1124 

Representatives. 

H.  W.  Gleason 

102 

124 

65 

53 

71 

688 

88 

95 

89 

75 

71 

93 

256 

112 

69 

2051 

498 

J.  R.  Nichol 

101 

111 

51 

51 

7? 

733 

90 

102 

84 

90 

76 

95 

211 

106 

70 

2050 

497 

B.  V.  Seevers 

106 

73 

31 

69 

40 

58j 

100 

97 

68 

35 

38 

107 

91 

50 

68 

1553 

Mahlon  Stanton.  

68 

76 

156 

67 

91 

518 

31 

33 

69 

85 

71 

83 

97 

57 

16 

1508 

G.  W.  Houver 

9 

33 

153 

66 

77 

307 

17 

10 

24 

34 

102 

86 

17 

25 

23 

983 

Auditor. 

D.  H.  LeSuer 

101 

114 

68 

52 

63 

729 

82 

100 

99 

84 

70 

99 

265 

103 

70 

2099 

iGeo.  A.  Boss 

117 

106 

167 

117 

128 

815 

127 

no 

91 

79 

112 

172 

108 

84 

78 

j2411 

312 

Treasurer. 

J.  H.  Fry 

98 

116 

61 

38 

63 

745 

87 

100 

106 

87 

68 

96 

256 

131 

66 

12148 

t John  B.  Barnes 

118 

100 

174 

138 

129 

798 

118 

107 

84 

74 

113 

173 

113 

52 

74 

2365 

247 

Sheriff. 

Marquis  Barr 

99 

114 

51 

45 

75 

756 

82 

104 

121 

114 

62 

95 

276 

128 

59 

'2181 

833 

T.  J.  Shipley 

108 

71 

36 

80 

18 

520 

87 

88 

45 

16 

6 

102 

66 

26 

79 

1348 

I.  N.  Leidy 

9 

35 

145 

50 

98 

270 

4 

15 

21 

34 

115 

75 

29 

42 

9 

| 951 

Supt.  Com.  Schools. 

I 

J.  W.  Johnson 

57 

114 

60 

52 

64 

877 

90 

95 

102 

90 

76 

97 

263 

118 

67 

12222 

t J.  C.  Williams 

155 

101 

175 

123 

127 

674 

117 

109 

85 

72 

106 

175 

109 

67 

78 

2273 

51 

Member  of  Board. 

E.  W.  Myrick 

no 

132 

65 

49 

71 

860 

92 

104 

105 

100 

76 

96 

266 

114 

70 

2310 

1173 

A.  L.  Shangle 

92 

31 

11 

64 

30 

286 

95 

90 

49 

20 

34 

103 

75 

29 

67 

1076 

W.  J.  McFall 

18 

50 

159 

60 

93 

411 

20 

15 

36 

42 

73 

73 

32 

44 

11 

1137 

Coi’oner. 

J.  M.  Byers 

no 

124 

61 

53 

75 

832 

90 

105 

104 

102 

76 

96 

268 

115 

70 

2281 

1050 

J.  P.  Gruwell 

91 

36 

16 

64 

30 

271 

93 

50 

19 

34 

99 

63 

25 

68 

959 

David  Evans 

19 

52 

158 

55 

88 

418 

23 

102 

36 

42 

72 

70 

40 

46 

10 

1231 

Surveyor. 

A.  F.  Tracy 

103 

112 

65 

51 

78 

819 

88 

107 

89 

40 

75 

89 

234 

108 

69 

1812 

t Samuel  Thompson 

117 

101 

170 

124 

116 

732 

120 

101 

96 

123 

107 

172 

137 

77 

79 

2237 

245 

Court  Bouse  Vote. 

“ 

For  bonds  and  tax 

8 

5 

61 

6 

12 

760 

49 

12 

13 

10 

23 

13 

19 

4 

989 

Against  bonds  and  tax 

202 

189 

123 

157 

167 

527 

153 

173 

153 

99 

147 

228 

255 

161 

132 

2876 

1887 

Republicans  in  small  capitals.  Greenbackers  in  Italics.  Democrats  in  Roman  type. 

^Prohibition  ticket. 

+On  both  Democratic  and  Greenback  tickets . 

Scattering  votes  were  cast  as  follows:  H.  W.  Maxwell  for  Governor,  1 vote  in  Richland;  E.  Baker  for  Supt. 
Public  Instruction,  1 vote  in  Adams;  Fred  Nelson  for  Lieut.  Governor,  6 votes  in  Prairie;  E.  B.  Kephart  for 
Supt.  Public  Instruction,  6 votes  in  Prairie  and  8 in  Oskaloosa;  N.  R.  Hook  for  Representative,  2 votes  in 
White  Oak;  A.  L.  Shangle  for  Auditor,  1 vote  in  Richland;  H.  R.  Kendig  for  Treasurer,  1 vote  in  Pleasant 
Grove;  J.  W.  Johnson  for  Coroner,  8 votes  in  Oskaloosa;  S.  T.  Ballard  for  Supt  Common  Schools,  1 vote  in 
Cedar. 


RAILROADS. 


CENTRAL  RAILROAD  OF  IOWA. 

As  early  as  1858  the  subject  of  a north  and  south  line  through  Central 
Iowa  was  agitated,  and  the  project  was  canvassed  by  Hon.  J.  B.  Grinnell 
and  others.  At  this  early  day  the  wealth  of  coal  deposits  in  this  section 
was  recognized,  as  well  as  the  demand  for  fuel  among  the  railroads  about 
to  be  built  in  Minnesota  and  Northern  Iowa.  But  the  rebellion  breaking 


. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


347 


out,  this  project  slumbered  along  with  hundreds  of  other  northern  enter- 
prises. In  1864  a Quaker  named  David  Morgan  (who  had  come  from  Ten- 
nessee to  Hew  Sharon),  with  a limited  number  following,  formed  an  incor- 
poration with  headquarters  at  Oskaloosa,  under  the  name  of  Iowa  Central 
Railroad  Company.  This  company  was  organized  at  Hew  Sharon,  January 
5,  1865,  with  the  following  officers:  David  Morgan,  president;  A.  C.  Will- 
iams, vice-president;  Z.  T.  Fisher,  secretary;  Wm.  T.  Smith,  treasurer.  Di- 
rectors: David  Morgan,  H.  P.  Pickerell,  W.  T.  Smith,  W.  H.  See  vers,  Daniel 
Anderson,  A.  C.  Williams,  Peter  Melendy,  Z.  T.  Fisher  and  Reuben  Mickel. 
After  a few  meetings  Mr.  Fisher  resigned  his  secretaryship,  and  Judge 
Thompson,  of  Oskaloosa,  was  elected  to  that  office,  which  he  filled  for  a long 
time.  During  the  year  1865  a railroad  convention  of  several  counties  was 
called  in  Oskaloosa  to  consider  the  mutual  interests  of  the  different  delega- 
tions. The  question  was  discussed  by  delegates  from  Monroe,  Tama,  Black 
Hawk,  Appanoose  and  Poweshiek  counties,  and  it  was  generally  resolved  to 
be  the  interest  of  this  section  to  lend  its  aid  to  the  Iowa  Central  Company,  al- 
ready formed.  Thus  encouraged,  President  Morgan  threw  the  first  spade- 
ful of  dirt  near  Cedar  Falls,  and  at  the  same  time  let  twenty  miles  of  grad- 
ing. This  grading  lias  never  been  occupied  by  the  company,  as  the  loca- 
tion of  the  road  was  afterward  changed  to  pass  through  Marshall  county  on 
account  of  the  indifferent  aid  of  the  Black  Hawk  and  Tama  county  citizens. 
At  the  January  meeting  of  1866  Wm.  T.  Smith  was  elected  president,  and 
to  his  enterprise  and  push  the  citizens  of  Mahaska  county  are  largely  in- 
debted for  the  Iowa  Central  road.  This  gentleman  held  meetings  in  various 
school  houses,  churches  and  court  houses,  in  company  with  others,  through 
the  various  counties,  and  private  subscriptions  were  secured  to  a surprising 
amount.  Mahaska  county  contributed  upward  of  $130,000  in  local  sul> 
scriptions.  June,  1866,  grading  was  commenced  at  the  State  line,  and  with 
one  foot  in  Iowa  and  the  other  in  Missouri,  he  threw  the  first  shovelful  of 
dirt  on  the  southern  part  of  the  road.  Under  Mr.  Smith’s  administration 
a large  amount  of  grading  was  done,  and  the  road  began  to  attract  consid- 
erable attention.  At  the  end  of  two  years  Mr.  Smith  was  succeeded  by 
Jno.  White,  who  resigned  in  two  or  three  weeks,  leaving  vice-president 
Melendy  in  charge  of  the  road.  From  this  time  on  until  the  election  of 
J udge  Seevers,  the  project  was  at  a stand-still.  With  J udge  Seevers’  election 
the  enterprise  revived,  but  all  efforts  to  get  responsible  parties  to  iron  and 
run  the  road  were  without  avail.  Finally  a consolidation  was  effected, 
through  President  Gilman,  with  the  Iowa  River  R.  R.  Co.,  under  the  name 
of  Central  Railroad  of  Iowa.  The  work  of  the  road  was  then  pushed  for- 
ward with  all  possible  speed,  and  on  February  4,  1871,  the  road  was  com- 
pleted from  Albia  (about  thirty  miles  north  of  the  State  line)  to  Mason  City, 
Iowa.  . This  is  the  present  extent  of  the  road  (July,  1878).  The  last  spike 
was  driven  February  4, 1871,  near  the  bridge  across  Horth  Skunk  river,  and 
the  ceremony  is  thus  described  by  the  Oskaloosa  Herald: 

The  last  rail  was  down  and  a polished  spike,  represented  as  that  famous  last  spike,  of 
which  all  have  read  and  all  longed  to  hear,  was  driven.  At  5:15  o’clock  President  Gilman 
took  the  sledge  to  which  was  attached  the  telegraph  wire,  and  handed  it  to  F.  W.  H.  Shef- 
field president  of  the  construction  company,  who  struck  the  spike  a fine  lick  and  surrendered 
the  sledge  to  Judge  Seevers,  who  swung  it  around,  to  the  great  risk  of  all  bystanders,  hit  the 
nail  a lively  whack  that  would  have  done  credit  to  any  Irishman  on  the  line,  and  then  tried 
to  play  “ shenanigan  ” and  get  another  lick  at  it,  but  after  several  ineffectual  attempts  to  hit 
it,  gave  up  to  Hon.  G.  M.  Woodbury.  He  was  followed  by  Hon.  J.  B.  Grinnell,  who  spotted 
it  after  a tnal  or  two,  and  then  President  Gilman  took  the  hammer  and  drove  home  the 

22 


348 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


spike  amid  cheers,  shouts,  screeches  of  five  locomotives,  music,  etc.  The  spike  was  driven 
about  thirty  feet  this  side  of  the  county  line. 

Though  the  Central  Railroad  lias  done  a good  business,  it  has  shared  a 
disastrous  financial  state  in  common  with  most  new  western  roads,  and  is 
now  in  the  hands  of  a receiver.  The  first  receiver  appointed  was  D.  K. 
Pickering,  about  1875;  succeeded  by  J.  B.  Grinnell,  and  more  recently  by 
H.  L.  Morrill,  appointed  during  the  present  year  (1878).  Mr.  Morrill  now 
manages  the  road  pending  an  appeal  before  the  U.  S.  Supreme  Court,  after 
the  decision  of  which  the  probabilities  are  that  the  road  will  be  secured  in 
the  interest  of  the  bondholders. 

CHICAGO,  ROCK  ISLAND  AND  PACIFIC. 

The  terminus  of  this  branch  was  for  a considerable  time  at  Sigourney. 
In  the  summer  of  1875  Superintendent  Riddle  proposed  to  the  citizens  of 
Oskaloosa  that  the  company  would  build  the  road  to  that  place  immediately 
if  the  citizens  would  furnish  the  right  of  way  and  raise  the  sum  of  $20,000. 
This  w^as  done  by  local  subscription,  and  the  trains  were  running  to  Oska- 
loosa in  February,  1876.  The  road  extends  across  the  county  through 
townships  range  75  north,  and  is  now  completed  to  Knoxville. 

KEOKUK  AND  DES  MOINES. 

This  road  was  built  through  the  southwestern  part  of  Mahaska  county, 
up  the  valley  of  the  Muchakinock,  during  the  summer  of  1864.  It  had 
been  completed  from  Keokuk  as  far  as  Eddyville  for  some  years  previous, 
and  was  in  that  day  known  as  the  Keokuk,  Des  Moines  and  Minnesota 
Railroad  Company.  This  was  changed  to  that  of  the  Des  Moines  Yalley 
Railroad  Company,  and  several  years  since,  to  that  of  the  Keokuk  and  Des 
Moines  Railroad  Company. 

This  road  has  a station  at  Beacon,  two  and  one-half  miles  southwest  of 
Oskaloosa,  and  for  several  years  this  was  the  only  railroad  station  near  the 
county  seat,  a fact  which  has  long  been  a source  of  regret,  not  only  to  the 
friends  of  the  road,  but  likewise  to  the  citizens  of  Oskaloosa.  It  will  be 
remembered  that  it  was,  and  has  been,  a question  of  a good  deal  of  interest 
why  the  road  was  not  built  through  Oskaloosa,  and  we  will  endeavor  to 
answer  the  same. 

During  the  legislature  of  1863-4  Geo.  W.  McCrary,  of  Keokuk,  was 
chairman  of  the  railroad  committee  in  the  Senate,  and  B.  S.  Merriam,  of 
the  same  place,  was  chairman  of  the  railroad  committee  in  the  House. 
The  building  of  the  Des  Moines  road  was  largely  in  the  interest  of  Keokuk, 
and  as  that  was  the  only  road  pressing  legislative  aid  during  that  session, 
the  influence  of  the  Gate  City  was  very  considerable.  While  the  road  was 
under  the  name  of  the  K.,  D.  M.  & M.  R.  R.,  the  men  who  furnished  the 
capital  and  really  owned  the  road,  were  Gilman  & Son,  of  Hew  York  City. 
As  has  been  already  mentioned,  the  road  was  completed  to  Eddyville  pre- 
vious to  1864.  At  this  session  of  the  legislature  it  was  the  desire  of  the 
company  to  secure  such  legislation  as  would  secure  them  such  a title  to 
certain  lands,  granted  them  by  the  state,  that  they  might  raise  capital  by 
mortgaging  the  same,  and  continue  the  building  of  the  road.  These  lands 
were  certain  alternate  sections  along  the  Des  Moines  river  which  had  been 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


349 


granted  by  Congress  to  the  Des  Moines  River  Improvement  Company, 
but  in  the  failure  of  which  company  were  transferred  to  the  K.  D.  M.  & 
M.  R.  R.,  on  condition  of  their  assuming  certain  claims  of  the  improve- 
ment company.  These  lands  were  within  ten  miles  of  the  Des  Moines 
river,  for  the  most  part,  though  certain  indemnity  lands  were  also  granted 
to  the  company  in  some  of  the  northern  counties  of  the  State.  The  grade 
being  easy  up  the  Des  Moines,  and  their  lands  being  located  there,  it  was 
to  the  interest  of  the  company,  or  rather  to  Gilman  & Son,  to  build  along 
the  high  water  mark  of  the  river.  Messrs.  Reid  & Kilbourne,  of  Keokuk, 
were  the  western  managers  and  builders  of  the  road.  They  acted,  however, 
under  instructions  from  Gilman  & Son.  While  the  proposed  bill  was 
being  shaped  in  the  room  of  the  Senate  committee,  a very  decided  opposi- 
tion was  developed  by  the  Mahaska  county  delegation,  and  others,  who 
wished  the  road  to  pass  through  Oskaloosa.  Mahaska  county  was  repre- 
sented by  Judge  Crookham,  and  Poweshiek  and  Iowa  counties  by  M.  E. 
Cutts,  who  gave  his  influence  in  favor  of  Oskaloosa.  These  gentlemen, 
while  they  favored  the  grant,  and  wanted  to  see  the  road  built,  determined 
to  fight  the  bill  in  order  to  force  the  road  through  Oskaloosa  and  away 
from  the  Des  Moines.  A correspondence  with  Gilman  & Son  gained  the 
consent  of  those  gentlemen  to  build  the  road  up  Muchakinock  creek  to 
the  present  town  of  Beacon,  and  then  back  to  the  Des  Moines  river,  mak- 
ing about  a mile  greater  distance,  this  to  be  done  with  the  understanding 
that  Oskaloosa,  or  the  Keokuk  men  who  favored  the  Oskaloosa  route  on  ac- 
count of  its  additional  trade,  would  pay  the  additional  cost,  being  about 
$13,000.  McCrary  introduced  his  bill  providing  the  road  should  be  built 
up  the  valley  of  the  Des  Moines,  with  the  private  understanding  that  the 
friends  of  Oskaloosa  would  introduce  an  amendment  in  accordance  with 
Gilman  & Son’s  proposition.  An  amendment  was  introduced  through  the 
agency  of  Judge  Crookham,  and  presented  by  senator  Clarkson  providing 
that  the  road  should  pass  within  one-half  mile  of  the  square  in  Oskaloosa. 
After  considerable  wrangling  the  bill  passed  the  Senate  on  a vote  of  33  to 
9.  It  went  down  to  the  House.  The  chairman  of  the  House  committee 
put  it  in  his  pocket  and  refused  to  report  it  to  that  body,  he  being  on  the 
other  side  of  the  question.  The  objection  urged  by  Gilman  against  the 
Oskaloosa  route  was  that  they  would  be  troubled  by  the  prairie  snows, 
some  of  the  Iowa  roads  having  expended  great  amounts  of  money  in  clear- 
ing their  tracks  the  previous  winter.  The  main  reason,  however,  was  to 
enhance  the  value  of  his  own  lands  along  the  river.  The  railroad  men  de- 
clared that  if  the  Oskaloosa  amendment  was  insisted  upon,  they  would 
build  forty  miles  of  road  up  the  river  bank  during  the  next  summer,  with- 
out legislation,  and  leave  Oskaloosa  out  in  the  cold  altogether.  At  this 
stage  a lobby  of  Oskaloosa  citizens  was  summoned  to  the  capital.  The 
case  was  laid  before  them,  and  it  was  finally  decided  to  agree  to  a bill  pro- 
viding that  the  road  should  be  built  up  the  valley  of  the  Muchakinock  to 
the  point  on  that  stream  nearest  Oskaloosa,  where  a station  should  be 
located,  and  from  there  it  was  expected  the  road  would  turn  back  to  the 
Des  Moines. 

In  1860  a company  was  organized  in  Oskaloosa  under  the  name  of  Ma- 
haska County  Railroad  Company,  for  the  purpose  of  building  a road  from 
Eddyville  to  Oskaloosa,  and  the  road  was  graded,  partly  bridged  and  ties 
furnished. 

In  1864  the  K.,  D.  M.  R.  R.  built  upon  this  grade  to  Beacon,  and  have 


350 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


since  occupied  it,  while  the  Mahaska  county  compan}7  are  still  whistling 
for  their  pay.  An  offer  of  some  thousands  of  dollars  bonus  from  Pella 
relieved  Mr.  Gilman  of  his  alarm  in  respect  to  prairie  snows,  and  instead 
of  passing  from  Beacon  back  to  the  Des  Moines  river  the  road  does  not 
again  enter  the  valley  until  it  reaches  Des  Moines  city. 

June  13,  1864,  the  road  was  leased  to  Messrs.  Reid,  Leighton,  Perry,  & 
Kilbourne,  of  Keokuk,  who  conducted  it  as  lessees  for  a number  of  years. 
In  1874  the  road  between  Keokuk  and  Des  Moines  was  bought  in  the  in- 
terest of  the  first  mortgage  bondholders  for  $1,175,000,  and  called  the 
Keokuk  & Des  Moines  Railroad  Company.  During  the  present  year  a 
lease  of  the  road  has  been  perfected  by  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  & Pacific 
Company,  which  will  run  it  as  a branch. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  crossing  of  the  two  branches  of  this  company  near 
Oskaloosa,  may  be  of  very  material  benefit  to  the  town,  which  it  will  be 
if  the  company  decide  to  locate  shops  here,  which  there  are  strong  reasons 
for  their  doing. 


MAHASKA  COUNTY  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

Mahaska  is  pre-eminently  an  agricultural  county,  and  great  interest  is 
taken  in  everything  that  belongs  to  the  society  which  encourages  the 
farmer  in  his  work,  brings  him  in  contact  with  his  neighbor,  gratifies  his 
pride,  affords  him  opportunity  to  display  the  fruits  of  his  industry  and  to 
study  the  successes  and  experiments  of  others. 

The  first  meeting,  having  in  view  the  formation  of  a county  society,  was 
an  assemblage  of  farmers  in  the  court  house  in  answer  to  a call  in  the  Os- 
kaloosa Herald , meeting  on  the  15th  of  March,  1852.  Of  this  meeting  P. 
Loughridge  was  chosen  president,  and  T.  F.  Seevers,  secretary.  The  matter 
was  pretty  thoroughly  discussed,  and  it  was  the  sense  of  the  meeting  that 
it  would  be  for  the  best  interest  of  Mahaska  county  agriculturists  to  unite 
into  a permanent  organization.  For  this  purpose  a committee  of  five  were 
appointed  to  draft  a constitution.  The  committee  was  composed  of  the 
following  gentlemen:  E.  W.  Eastman,  Andrew  Williams,  Jno.  S.  Walker, 
T.  F.  Seevers  and  A.  M.  Galer. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  held  at  the  same  place  on  March  27th,  the  com- 
mittee reported  a constitution  for  the  “ Mahaska  County  Agricultural  So- 
ciety7,” and  articles  of  incorporation  which  w^ere  adopted.  Of  this  organ- 
ization the  first  officers  as  elected  at  this  meeting  were:  President,  P. 
Loughridge;  Yice  Presidents,  John  Bond  and  C.  N.  Smith;  Secretary, 
Thos.  F.  Seevers;  and  Treasurer,  Andrew  Williams.  The  society  adjourned 
until  June  12th,  when  a meeting  was  held  at  which  it  was  decided  to  hold 
a fair  at  Oskaloosa  on  the  23d  day  of  October,  1852.  The  officers  elected 
for  the  ensuing  year  were:  President,  P.  Loughridge;  Yice  Presidents,  C. 
N.  Smith  and  T.  Cox;  Secretary,  Thos.  F.  Seevers;  Treasurer,  M.  T.  Wil- 
liams. Board  of  Managers  was  composed  of  E.  W.  Eastman,  Alfred  See- 
vers, W.  Lawrence,  H.  Dobyns,  J.  F.  Moore,  and  Dr.  Nichol.  In  a short 
time  a premium  list  was  advertised  which  would  not  compare  very  favora- 
bly with  one  of  1878,  but  which  offered  premiums  to  the  amount  of  $140, 
for  various  agricultural  exhibits.  The  fair  was  held  as  appointed,  and  was 
located,  we  are  informed,  in  the  public  square.  Some  of  the  more  delicate 
articles  were  exhibited  in  the  court  house,  and  the  stock  was  tied  along  a 
rail  fence  in  Mark’s  lots,  about  the  locality  of  G.  II.  Baugh’s  present -res- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


351 


idence.  At  this  time  the  fair  received  no  assistance  from  the  State.  The 
first  county  fair,  under  the  law,  was  probably  held  in  1856,  and  in  conse- 
quence the  fair  for  1878  is  called  the  23d  annual  exhibition,  being  in  fact, 
however,  the  twenty-seventh. 

Twice  has  Oskaloosa  had  the  state  fair,  being  in  1858  and  1859.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  at  that  time  there  was  not  a railroad  in  Mahaska 
county  and  the  facilities  for  reaching  Oskaloosa  from  different  points  in 
the  state  was  not  what  it  now  is.  The  year  preceeding  the  fair  of  1858 
had  been  a disastrous  one.  Crops  had  not  succeeded  very  well  and  the 
country  was  only  convalescing  from  the  financial  sick-bed  of  1857.  The 
fair  was  held  on  the  Mahaska  county  fair  grounds,  then  consisting  of  about 
twenty  acres,  and  including  a part  of  the  present  society  grounds.  There 
was  a good  attendance  and  a very  general  intererst  manifested.  The  pre- 
vious season  of  almost  continual  rain  had  deprived  exhibitors  the  expected 
pleasure  of  making  a display  which  should  excel  previous  years.  The  re- 
ceipts were  $2,843  and  the  premiums  paid  were  $1,612.  It  is  interesting 
to  compare  these  figures  with  those  of  the  state  and  county  fairs  of  1876, 
as  showing  the  wonderful  agricultural  growth  of  the  country  andjhe  grow- 
ing interest  in  agricultural  exhibits. 

In  the  state  fair  of  1876  the  receipts  were  $13,657 ; premiums  paid  were 
$9,020,  being  about  500  per  cent  in  advance  of  eighteen  years  previous. 
Mahaska  county  fair  receipts  for  the  centennial  year  were  $4,300,  and 
amount  of  premiums  paid  $3,000,  or  nearly  double  that  of  the  state  fair  in 
1858.  In  the  latter  not  a single  entry  of  thoroughbred  cattle  was  made 
from  Mahaska  county.  There  are  now  some  hundreds  of  short  horns 
owned  by  Mahaska  county  farmers,  and  quite  a number  of  them  thorough- 
breds. Among  those  who  have  interested  themselves  in  raising  the  grade 
of  cattle  on  Mahaska  prairies  might  be  mentioned  E.  H.  McCann,  A. 
Lewis,  and  James  Bridges,  in  Monroe  township;  H.  H.  Prine,  W. T.  Smith, 
S.  L.  Pomeroy,  and  Chas.  Hutchinson,  in  Oskaloosa  township;  W.  A. 
Bryan  and  James  McIntosh,  of  Prairie  township;  and  N.  Cone,  of  Jeffer- 
son. Each  of  these  gentlemen  has  a fine  herd  of  cattle,  and  through 
their  enterprise  a finer  line  of  stock  is  being  distributed  throughout  the 
county.  Attention  is  mostly  given  to  short  horns,  though  some  Jerseys 
and  Devons  are  to  be  found.  Messrs.  Smith  and  Prine  had  a cattle  sale  on 
the  fair  grounds  in  1877,  which  was  largely  attended. 

The  agricultural  society  abandoned  the  old  articles  of  incorporation  in 
1873.  On  December  30th,  of  that  year,  was  incorporated  what  was  called 
the  Mahaska  Agricultural  Association,  but  this  society  met  with  financial 
reverses,  and  a new  organization,  a joint  stock  company,  was  organized  and 
incorporated  February  9th,  1874,  under  the  name  and  title  of  Mahaska 
County  Agricultural  Society.  This  is  the  present  organization  and  has  a 
capital  stock  paid  up  of  $10,000,  with  privilege  of  increasing  to  $40,000. 
The  society  is  now  on  a good  financial  basis  and  out  of  debt.  Moreover, 
the  articles  of  incorporation  provide  that  no  indebtedness  shall  be  incurred 
beyond  $5,000,  which  insures  its  secure  footing  financially,  if  the  provision 
is  not  violated.  The  first  officers  of  the  present  incorporation  were  James 
W.  McMullen,  President;  Henry  H.  Prine,  Yice President;  Samuel  Ingles, 
Treasurer;  John  H.  Green,  Secretary. 

The  grounds  of  the  society  are  located  upon  a gentle  eminence  on  the 
northwest  portion  of  the  Oskaloosa  plat,  and  contain  about  thirty  acres. 
They  are  enclosed  by  a substantial  board  fence,  and  are  easy  of  access  from 


352 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


the  city.  They  contain  an  excellent  half  mile  track,  well  drained  and 
wide  enough  for  six  sulkys  abreast.  The  society  is  able  to  offer  facilities 
for  speed  trials  second  to  no  county  in  the  west.  The  Fine  Art  Hall  is  in 
the  shape  of  a Greek  cross,  and  is  ample  in  accommodation  for  any  prob- 
able exhibit  for  years  to  come.  The  amphitheater  will  comfortably  seat 
two  thousand  persons.  For  the  fair  of  1878  the  society  offers  nearly  $4,000 
in  premiums,  and  approaches  the  state  fair  in  its  speed  list,  $1,700  being 
offered  for  the  coming  fair.  It  is  no  exaggeration  to  say  that  Mahaska 
county  holds  a fair  second  to  no  county  in  the  State,  save  that  of  Scott, 
where  larger  premiums  are  offered,  and  larger  receipts  are  realized. 

HOG  RAISING. 

Considerable  interest  has  been  manifested  in  the  department  of  hog 
raising  for  a number  of  years.  At  an  earlier  day,  among  fancy  breeders, 
the  preference  was  given  to  Chester  Whites,  but  more  recently  the  Poland 
China  and  Berkshire  have  almost  entirely  taken  their  place.  Most  of  the 
hogs  raised  in  Mahaska  county  are  shipped  to  Chicago,  the  facilities  for 
shipping  in  that  direction  being  excellent  over  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  & 
Pacific  Railroad.  We  take  pleasure  in  mentioning  some  of  those  farmers 
who  have  given  their  special  attention  and  energy  to  the  raising  of  fine 
hogs: 

A.  Lewis,  of  Pleasant  Grove,  and  E.  H.  McCann  and  James  Bridges,  of 
Monroe,  are  engaged  in  the  raising  of  Berkshires.  In  Oskaloosa  township 
A.  J.  Lytle,  S.  R.  Pettit  & Sons,  and  S.  L.  Pomeroy,  have  manifested  their 
preference  for  Poland  Chinas.  The  fine  Berkshires  in  the  same  township, 
by  M.  K.  Prine  & Sons,  have  taken  premiums  at  the  State  and  St.  Louis 
fairs.  Wiley  Wray  is  a breeder  of  Berkshires,  C.  N.  Smith  of  Chester 
Whites,  and  W.  T.  Smith  of  Essex.  In  Jefferson  township  Moore  Brothers 
breed  Poland  Chinas  and  cultivate  artichokes  in  large  quantities  as  a feed, 
claiming  that  such  a diet  is  a cholera  preventive. 

HORTICULTURAL. 

Whatever  rank  Mahaska  county  may  have  taken  in  fruit  raising  has 
been  well  earned.  The  lessons  of  her  horticulturists  have  been  taken  in 
the  school  of  bitter  experience.  Attention  was  given  to  fruit  growing  with 
the  first  settlement  of  the  country.  Bushels  of  peach  and  apple  seeds  were 
brought  from  the  east  and  planted;  hundreds  of  trees  were  shipped  by  way 
of  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers.  The  favorites  of  a dozen  states  from 
Maine  or  New  York  to  North  Carolina,  were  brought  to  the  far  West,  to 
which  it  was  hoped  they  might  acclimatize.  About  1848,  Robert  Seevers 
sent  to  his  brothers  near  Oskaloosa  nineteen  hundred  young  apple  trees, 
which  were  set  out  and  started  in  a flourishing  condition.  Some  of  the 
more  hardy  of  these  trees  are  still  bearing.  Many  fruit  trees  began  to  bear 
about  1854  and  1855.  During  both  of  these  years  a large  crop  of  peaches 
was  gathered,  as  these  and  the  winter  preceding  had  not  been  severe.  But  the 
winter  of  1855-6  was  intensely  cold,  and  then  followed  a dry  summer.  The 
result  was  most  heartily  discouraging.  Scarcely  a peach  tree  survived  the 
winter  in  Mahaska  county.  The  favorite  apples,  Rhode  Island,  Greening, 
Bell  Flower,  Newton  Pippin,  Baldwin — in  short  the  cream  of  eastern 


IIISTOKY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


353 


varieties — were  nearly  all  killed.  But  in  the  language  of  John  N.  Dixon, 
in  one  of  his  reports,  “ there  were  a few  men  like  Wellington  at  Waterloo, 
that  did  not  know  when  they  were  defeated,  or  were  too  obstinate  to 
acknowledge  it.  These  men  went  to  work  to  select  varieties  wherever 
they  could  be  found,  from  the  wreck  of  onr  orchards  that  had  survived 
those  terrible  winters,  and  from  these  selections  and  other  varieties  since 
added,  as  experience  has  justified,  we  have  to-day  as  valuable  a list  of  choice 
apples  as  any  state  in  the  Union.” 

Through  toil  and  sacrifice  other  obstacles  were  overcome.  The  gopher 
grubbed  the  young  trees.  The  county  supervisors  allowed  a bounty  of  two 
dollars  per  dozen  for  gopher  scalps,  and  in  six  months  claims  for  20,000 
scalps  were  allowed,  and  bounty  paid  to  the  amount  of  $3,333.33-J.  Isaac 
Jackson  killed  5,207  gophers  in  a single  season.  Still  the  orchard  men  had 
no  peace;  the  borer  bored,  the  mice  and  rabbits  girdled  the  young  trees; 
the  crumpler  preyed  upon  the  leaves,  and  likewise  the  canker  worm,  cod- 
dling moth,  the  caterpillar,  etc.,  and  we  presume  the  conflict  will  continue 
until  the  “ varmints  ” give  up,  for  it  is  evident  the  fruit  growers  do  not 
intend  to. 

Though  most  of  the  eastern  favorites  have  been  abandoned  by  Mahaska 
county  pomologists,  yet  a fine  fruit  list  remains.  Of  apples  there  are 
many  choice  varieties;  one  hundred  and  ten  kinds  were  exhibited  in  1876 
at  the  Centennial,  and  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  varieties  at  the  State 
Horticultural  meeting  from  Mahaska  alone,  in  January,  1877.  Neither  of 
these  lists  included  the  summer  varieties.  The  staple  early  apples  include, 
among  others,  Early  Harvest,  Red  June,  Yellow  June,  Red  Astrachan  and 
Duchess  of  Oldenburg.  Fall  varieties  as  fine  as  anywhere  in  the  world, 
Pound  Royal,  Lowell,  Porter,  Dyre,  Famense,  Early  Winter,  Rambo,  Perry 
Russet,  Grimes’  Golden  Pippin,  White  Winter  Pearmain.  Later:  Johna- 
than, Westfield,  Seek-no-further,  Ben.  Davis,  Genitan,  Willow  Twig  and 
Virginia  Greening.  Dwarf  pears  in  Mahaska  county  may  be  considered 
for  the  most  part  as  a failure,  though  standard  pears  do  very  well.  Peaches 
can  be  raised  in  this  latitude  after  a moderate  winter,  and  especially  on 
oak  ridges  on  thin  land  where  the  trees  do  not  develop  too  rapidly,  and  are 
reasonably  sheltered.  But,  on  the  prairies,  every  few  years  most  of  the 
trees  are  killed  by  a severe  winter,  and  the  work  of  planting  and  nursing 
has  to  be  resumed.  Small  fruits  are  raised  in  abundance,  and  of  various 
kinds;  they  grow  wild  in  great  plenty.  Grapes  seem  to  be  a natural 
product,  and  the  yield  is  prolific. 

Mahaska  county  is  privileged  to  boast  of  some  of  the  largest  orchards  in 
the  West.  Several  of  these  are  deserving  of  mention: 

John  N.  Dixon,  in  Oskaloosa  township,  has  an  apple  orchard  of  10,000 
trees.  In  the  same  township  Thomas  C.  Beach  has  3,000  bearing  trees,  M. 
K.  Prine  2,000,  and  George  Avey  1,500.  In  Harrison  Township  Samuel 
Low  has  1,500  trees,  and  in  Pleasant  Grove  is  the  orchard  of  Albert  Lewis, 
containing  1,200  trees.  These  find  a ready  shipment  north  and  west,  some 
of  them  having  been  sent  across  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  Virginia  City, 
Nevada.  In  one  school  district  in  Oskaloosa  township  are  21,000  apple 
trees,  most  of  them  bearing.  Possibly  this  statement  is  not  true  of  any 
other  district  in  the  West. 

A County  Horticultural  Society  was  organized  in  the  office  of  Joseph 
Kelly,  January  15,  1869.  The  first  officers  elected  were  D.  A.  Coleson, 
President;  Amos  Kemble,  Vice  President;  W.  A.  Hunter,  Secretary; 


354 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


James  Euan,  Corresponding  Secretary;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  Wm.  Kemper. 
This  association  continued  for  some  years,  but  the  Agricultural  Society 
having  given  a good  deal  of  attention  to  fruit  growing,  it  gradually  ab- 
sorbed the  interest  of  those  connected  with  the  Horticultural  Society,  and 
a few  years  ago  the  funds  in  the  treasury  of  the  latter  were  passed  over  to 
the  agricultural  iuterest,  and  they  have  since  really,  though  not  formally, 
united  in  one  association. 

The  meeting  of  the  State  Horticultural  Society  was  appointed  for  Oska- 
loosa,  January  16,  1877.  Iowa  had  taken  the  ribbon  at  the  world’s  fair  in 
the  previous  fall,  and  considerable  interest  was  manifested  in  this,  the  first 
subsequent  meeting.  Mahaska  citizens  determined  to  make  as  good  a 
showing  as  possible.  Several  citizens  spent  no  little  time  in  going  over 
the  county  to  select  the  finest  and  greatest  variety  of  apples,  and  the  reward 
they  received  amply  re-paid  them  for  their  time  and  trouble.  The  state 
meeting  was  held  in  the  court  room.  Apples  from  various  counties  were 
tastefully  displayed  upon  different  tables.  The  meeting  began  on  Tuesday, 
the  16th,  and  continued  three  days.  At  this  meeting  from  the  report  of 
E.  H.  Calkins,  chairman  of  committee  on  awards,  we  make  the  following 
extract : 

“For  best  collection  of  fruits  grown  in  any  one  county  we  award  the  first 
premium  to  Mahaska  county.  The  exhibit  of  fruit  by  Mahaska  county  de- 
serves more  than  a passing  notice  for  its  intrinsic  value  as  to  varieties,  its 
extent  in  numbers,  the  superior  quality  of  its  specimens,  and  the  fact  that 
several  of  the  truly  valuable  varieties  originated  within  its  borders.  Many 
of  the  specimens  are  immense  in  size,  forcibly  reminding  us  of  the  fabled 
story  we  read  in  our  boyhood  days  of  a certain  ambitious  frog  who  one  day 
saw  a noble  ox  grazing  near  the  little  puddle  in  which  he  reigned,  con- 
ceived he  might  possibly ‘attain  to  the  dimensions  of  the  ox  and  com- 
menced to  swell  ’ accordingly;  only  these  apples  stopped  a little  short  of 
the  disastrous  consequences  which  overtook  the  frog.  Prominent  among 
this  collection  we  find  a pyramid  of  Jonathans,  by  Tlios.  C.  Beach,  grown 
near  Oskaloosa,,  perfect  in  form,  beautiful  in  symmetry,  and  blushing  the 
deepest  scarlet.  We  fully  endorse  the  remarks  made  last  night,  that  if  the 
title  to  the  term,  ; Proud  Mahaska,’  was  not  rightfully  acquired,  it  should 
justly  be  bestowed  from  this  time  forward.  And  we  should  like  to  hint 
to  our  friend  Dixon  that  if  such  scenes  as  he  has  delineated  on  canvas  and 
placed  in  this  room  are  of  ordinary  occurrence  in  his  vicinity,  he  and  his 
friends  should  direct  their  best  efforts  in  the  future  to  teach  such  persons 
that  they  labor  under  a sad  mistake.” 

This  last  allusion  was  to  a caricature  designed  by  Jno.  H.  Dixon  and  ex- 
ecuted by  B.  Y.  Seevers,  of  a cadaverous  looking  Hoosier  emigrant  who 
has  headed  his  equipage  towTard  the  rising  sun,  and  who  is  represented  as 
giving  utterance  to  the  discouraging  sentiment,  “ Gwine  back  to  Injeanny; 
my  brats  must  have  apples  and  you  can’t  raise  them  in  Iowa.” 

To  M.  K.  Prine  was  awarded  the  premium  for  the  best  peck  of  apples 
for  profit,  being  of  the  Ben  Davis  variety.  During  the  session  of  the  so- 
ciety was  read  a report  on  “Orchard  Culture  and  Management,”- by  John 
H.  Dixon,  who  w’as  elected  vice-president  of  the  association.  Also  an  es- 
say was  read  by  Amos  Kemble,  on  “Small  Fruits  and  their  Culture,”  and 
another  paper  on  “How  to  Utilize  Fruits  and  Vegetables.” 

As  the  first  premium  county  in  the  banner  fruit  state  of  the  world,  Ma- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


355 


haska  can  hope  to  do  no  better  than  to  maintain  her  present  rank;  and  her 
prospect  in  fruit  raising  is  a brilliant  one. 

In  this  connection  it  is  but  proper  to  notice  the  extensive  Canning  and 
Pickling  Works  of  A.  Kemble  & Co.,  at  Oskaloosa.  These  gentlemen  had 
been  gardening  for  some  years,  and  the  growth,  or  rather  the  start  of  their 
canning  enterprise  was  the  result  of  accident.  In  the  year  1873  the 
Downing  House,  instead  of  canning  its  own  tomatoes  as  had  been  the  cus- 
tom heretofore,  made  a contract  with  Kemble  & Co.  to  put  up  five  hundred 
cans  of  this  vegetable.  This  was  done  without  other  apparatus  than  a com- 
mon wash  boiler  on  a cooking  stove.  The  following  year  Mr.  Kemble 
resolved  to  can  tomatoes  for  the  trade,  and  the  casual  remark  of  a friend 
led  him  to  undertake  also  the  canning  of  corn.  In  a temporary  shed 
Kemble  & Co.  put  up  1,500  cans  of  tomatoes,  and  the  same  amount  of 
green  corn.  The  tomato  canning  was  quite  successful,  though  the  corn 
was  a partial  failure.  Nothing  daunted,  preparations  were  made  in  1875, 
and  7,000  cans  of  corn  and  tomatoes  were  sealed  for  the  market  and  success 
crowned  the  effort. 

In  1877  the  firm  put  up  no  less  than  25,000  cans  of  these  vegetables,  and 
the  trade  of  1878  will  probably  exceed  this.  Kemble  & Co’s  establishment  is 
a simple  frame  building  and  divided  into  several  apartments.  In  one  of 
these  the  cans  are  made  by  men  employed  for  that  purpose.  The  cans  are 
prepared  to  be  soldered  and  a small  hole  about  the  size  of  a pin  head  is 
punchen  in  the  center  of  the  can  lid.  In  another  apartment  the  vegetables 
are  prepared  and  put  into  the  cans  cold  and  soldered  up,  as  also  is  the  small 
aperture  at  the  top.  Then  the  cans  are  taken  into  another  apartment,  where 
they  are  placed  in  large  pans  of  water  and  cooked  by  steam.  The  process 
is  a delicate  one  and  has  been  perfected  only  by  much  patience  and  long 
experiment.  The  air  being  confined  in  the  can,  if  cooked  too  long  without 
relief,  would  explode.  By  the  use  of  thermometors  and  time  pieces  the 
little  aperture  in  the  lid  is  re-opened  for  a moment  and  the  air  allowed  to 
escape,  when  it  is  again  sealed.  This  process  retains  the  flavor  of  the  fruit 
which  would  be  lost  to  a great  degree  if  cooked  in  an  open  vessel.  After 
sufficient  cooking  the  cans  are  labeled  and  are  ready  for  the  market. 

Kemble  & Co.  have  facilities  for  putting  up  2,500  cans  per  day.  They 
ship  their  goods  mostly  to  surrounding  points  in  this  state.  This  is  the 
only  considerable  canning  establishment  in  Iowa,  except  one  started  in 
Marshalltown  during  the  present  season.  Kemble  & Co.  have  never  given 
much  attention  to  fruit  canning. 

This  same  firm  have  also  been  engaged  for  some  time  in  putting  up  cu- 
cumber pickels.  These  are  pickled  in  tanks  holding  from  50  to  100  barrels 
and  are  kept  in  brine  until  the  season  for  marketing,  when  they  are  barreled 
in  vinegar.  Thus  have  been  put  up  130  to  110  barrels  of  pickles  annually 
for  a number  of  years  past. 

Just  north  of  the  canning  establishment  is  Kemble  & Co’s  green  house, 
the  only  one  heated  by  steam  in  the  State  of  Iowa.  Here  the  business  of 
flower  gardening  has  been  carried  on  quite  extensively  for  three  years,  and 
here  under  5,000  feet  of  glass  about  15,000  potted  plants  were  in  stock  for 
the  spring  trade  of  1878.  The  steam  heating  apparatus  will  produce  a 
temperature  of  90  degrees  the  coldest  winter  days,  but  the  temperature  is 
usually  kept  at  from  50  to  70  degrees,  which  lower  temperature  makes  the 
plants  more  hardy. 


356 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


MAHASKA  COUNTY  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

This  society  was  organized  in  the  office  of  the  county  superintendent, 
June  14,  1872.  At  the  first  meeting  the  physicians  present  were  Dr. 
Smith,  of  Granville,  Dr.  Page,  of  New  Sharon,  Dr.  Chamberlain,  of  Beacon, 
Dr.  Gruwell,  Dr.  Hoffman,  Dr.  Coolidge,  Dr.  McMillen  and  Dr.  Hurst,  of 

Oskaloosa. 

Of  this  meeting  Dr.  J.  F.  Smith  was  president,  and  Dr.  Hurst,  secretary. 

A meeting  for  permanent  organization  was  held  on  the  18th  of  July, 
when  officers  were  elected  for  one  year,  as  follows:  D.  A.  Hurst,  president; 
W.  L.  Chamberlain,  secretary;  J.  P.  Gruwell,  vice-president,  and  F.  W. 
Coolidge,  treasurer;  Drs.  Huntsman,  Page  and  Chamberlain,  censors. 

A constitution  and  by-laws  were  then  adopted. 

The  society  has  held  its  meetings  semi-annually,  and  of  late  years  in  the 
office  of  Dr.  Hurst,  in  Oskaloosa.  The  purpose  of  the  society  is  purely 
professional,  and  for  mutual  improvement.  Diagnoses  of  remarkable  cases 
are  read  and  discussed. 

At  the  last  meeting,  held  July  9,  1878,  F.  W.  Coolidge  was  elected 
president,  Wm.  Butler,  vice-president,  J.  C.  Barringer,  secretary. 

The  following  is  the  roll  of  members,  August,  1878:  F.  W.  Coolidge, 
D.  A.  Hurst,  H.  B.  Page,  H.  C.  Huntsman,  W.  E.  Chamberlain,  J.  P.  Gru- 
well, Lucian  Smith,  Wm.  Butler,  W.  L.  Chamberlain,  W.  L.  McAllister, 
S.  E.  Bhinehart,  D.  H.  Hare,  W.  M.  Bonnet,  B.  S.  Dean,  Grover  ILillis, 
J.  F.  Smith,  J.  C.  Barringer. 

MAHASKA  COUNTY  BIBLE  SOCIETY. 

This  branch  of  the  American  Bible  Society  was  'probably  established  in 
1845.  The  official  records  have  been  mislaid,  of  all  business  and  meetings 
previous  to  1855. 

The  contributions  to  the  Bible  cause  for  the  year  previous  to  the  meeting 
of  1855  were  twenty-two  dollars.  The  society  reached  its  maximum  con- 
tributions in  1868,  when  the  revenue  from  gifts  was  three  hundred  and 
twenty-seven  dollars. 

The  last  meeting  of  the  society  was  held  September  30,  1877,  at  which 
time  the  officers  elected  were  Chas.  Hutchinson,  president;  Dr.  D.  A. 
Hurst,  vice-president;  Wm.  H.  Shaw,  secretary;  Henry  Howard,  treasurer. 

The  society  has  not  accomplished  much  in  the  way  of  active  service  since 
1876.  The  contributions  last  year  were  about  fifty  dollars.  The  county 
depository  is  at  the  store  of  B.  Whitaker,  and  is  quite  depleted — the  new 
regulation  of  the  parent  society  being  to  send  out  no  more  booivs  without 
cash  in  advance — and  the  local  society  is  not  now  prepared  to  purchase 
very  heavily  on  those  terms. 

The  county  has  not  been  canvassed  by  a Bible  agent  for  several  years. 

COUNTY  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  ASSOCIATION. 

The  first  Sabbath-school  convention  in  Mahaska  county  was  held  in  1863. 
This  was  a sort  of  called  or  impromptu  meeting,  and  no  regular  association 
was  formed. 

The  second  convention  was  held  in  Oskaloosa,  beginning  October  31, 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


357 


1866.  Three  years  had  elapsed  since  the  previous  meeting,  and  in  num- 
bering the  conventions  we  believe  the  convention  of  1866  is  usually  called 
the  first. 


The  president  of  this  convention  was  John  R.  Needham;  secretary,  Dr. 
J.  F.  Erving;  and  treasurer,  Henry  Howard.  The  convention  continued  in 
session  three  days,  and  a very  profitable  time  seems  to  have  been  spent. 

The  speakers  from  abroad  were  B.  W.  Chidlaw,  of  Cincinnati,  Rev.  J. 
M.  Strong,  of  the  American  Sunday  School  Union,  and  Dwight  L.  Moody, 
then  an  enthusiastic  young  man  from  Chicago,  a warm  friend  of  the  Sun- 
day-school work.  Perhaps  little  did  those  present  at  the  convention  of 
1866  think  that  this  was  a man  who  had  power  to  stir  both  sides  of  the 


Atlantic  by  the  simple  eloquence  and  earnestness  of  his  speaking, 
only  angels  but  great  men  are  frequently  entertained  unawares. 

At  this  convention  the  following  report  was  presented: 

Not 

NAME  OF  SCHOOL. 

No.  of 

Pupils. 

No.  of 

Teachers. 

Books  in 

Library. 

First  M.  E.,  Oskaloosa 

840 

38 

500 

Second  M.  E.,  Oskaloosa 

60 

12 

150 

First  Presbyterian 

110 

13 

250 

United  Presbyterian 

82 

110 

13 

14 

250 

250 

300 

500 

300 

80 

400 

125 

Congregational 

First  Baptist 

128 

13 

Christian 

144 

15 

Cumberland  Presbyterian 

64 

82 

11 

Friends,  City 

8 

Friends,  Oskaloosa 

65 

6 

Six  Mile 

80 

8 

Farmersville 

41 

8 

200 

200 

146 

79 

7 

35 

6 

4 

Madison  Township 

55 

Spring  Creek  Friends 

65 

4 

150 

124 

Pleasant  Dale 

40 

6 

Enterprise 

90 

9 

50 

In  June,  1872,  the  state  Sabbath-school  convention  was  held  in  Oska- 
loosa,  at  which  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  delegates  were  present  from 
abroad,  and  a very  pleasant  and  profitable  time  was  spent  by  those  in  at- 
tendance. 

W e believe  that  county  conventions  have  been  held  every  year  since  1866, 
and  usually  in  Oskaloosa,  which,  though  moderately  well  attended  and  in- 
teresting, have  experienced  nothing  of  peculiar  interest  to  the  historian. 
Of  the  Sabbath-schools  of  the  county  we  have  occasion  to  speak  more  par- 
ticularly in  connection  with  the  various  churches  under  whose  care  they 
may  be  organized. 


MASONRY. 

For  the  following  histor}^  of  Masonry  in  Mahaska  county  we  are  in- 
debted to  Henry  R.  Kendig,  Esq.,  of  Oskaloosa: 

The  written  history  concerning  the  introduction  of  the  mystic  order  in 
Mahaska  county,  may  never  reveal  the  fact  as  to  when,  where,  or  upon 
whom  the  peculiar  ritualism  of  the  order  was  first  conferred. 


358 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 

Who  knows,  but  that  among  the  noted  chiefs  of  the  once  powerful  and 
intellectual  Sac  and  Fox  tribe,  the  ancestors  of  a “Keokuk”  or  “Black- 
IIawk”  may  have  bowed  before  a rude  altar,  “on  a high  hill  or  in  a low 
dale”  of  Makaska county’s  beautiful  prairies,  bedecked  with  grasses,  serving 
as  the  “checkered  pavement”  and  tessellated  with  flowers  native  to  the 
land,  as  the  “ middle  chamber,”  while  the  “ clouded  canopy  of  Heaven” 
most  spaciously  and  speciously  served  as  the  “ santum  sanctorum,”  and  the 
morning,  evening,  and  the  brightest  of  the  southern  stars,  served  as  the 
lesser,  while  the  handwriting  of  Almighty  God,  as  revealed  to  them  in 
Nature,  the  greater  lights  of  their  boundless  “ Holy  of  Holies.” 

Of  this,  however,  as  already  indicated,  we  know  not,  and  never  will,  and 
it  is  more  to  note  the  introduction  of  Masonry  into  Mahaska  county  by  the 
present  inhabitants  who  people  her  borders  and  interior,  than  to  theorize 
upon  the  probabilities  of  centuries  ago,  that  we  write. 

Among  the  pioneers  of  every  frontier  ever  settled  by  the  Anglo-Saxon, 
there  were  to  be  found  those  who  were  regularly  instructed  in  mind,  and 
cherished  in  their  hearts  a love  of  the  mysteries  and  principles  of  the  an- 
cient and  time-honored  institution.  Mahaska  county  was  not  by  any  means 
an  exception  to  this  rule,  for  among  the  very  first  of  all  comers,  when 
wagons,  tents,  and  rude  log-lmts  hastily  constructed,  marked  the  early  set- 
tler’s hearth  and  home,  came  James  Seevers,  from  Winchester,  Virginia, 
(the  father  of  Hon.  W.  H.  Seevers,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Iowa),  who  was  chosen  the  first  Worshipful  Master  of  the  first  Lodge 
organized  in  Mahaska  county,  as  will  hereafter  appear.  This  gentleman  has 
survived  the  hardships  and  toils  of  the  early  settler,  and  yet  lives  at  the 
advanced  age  of  eightv-six  years,  an  esteemed  citizen  of  Oskaloosa,  a zealous 
votary  of  Masonry — one,  who  until  prevented  within  the  last  year,  by  the 
infirmity  of  age,  always  identified  himself  with  the  order  on  funeral  and  all 
other  public  occasions,  and  as  far  as  it  was  possible  for  him  to  do,  in  the 
private  councils  of  the  Lodge  room. 

Cotemporaneous  with  his  coming,  came  also  Daniel  Rogers,  of  whom 
much  of  what  has  been  said  of  James  Seevers,  is  true  of  the  veteran,  zealous 
man  and  Mason,  save  that  he  on  July  30,  1878,  gathered  up  his  “ working 
tools,”  and  departed  to  that  “bourne  from  whence  no  traveler  returns,”  at 
the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty-two  years.  About  the  same  time  came  James 
Edgar  (father  of  W.  S.  Edgar),  who  also  has  since  died.  Likewise  James 
Comstock  came  about  the  same  time  as  did  also  Alfred  Seevers,  first  cousin 
of  James  Seevers,  above  referred  to.  These  fraters  longed  for  the  time 
when  a sufficient  number  could  be  obtained,  and  enroll  themselves  as  char- 
ter members  to  petition  the  Grand  Master  of  Iowa  jurisdiction,  for  a dispen- 
sation to  organize  a Lodge  in  Oskaloosa. 

This  day,  after  “ awaiting  a time  with  patience,”  at  last  came,  and,  Janu- 
ary 16th,  A.  D.  1849,  James  Seevers,  as  W.  M.,  Thos.  A.  Freeman,  S.  W., 
and  David  S.  Sam  pel,  J.  W.,  each  to  serve  in  his  respective  station,  under 
appointment  by  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master  of  Iowa  jurisdictions, 
obtained  such  dispensation,  and  in  due  time,  after  presenting  their  doings 
and  workings  under  dispensation,  at  the  session  of  Grand  Lodge,  June  7th, 
A.  D.  1849,  a charter  was  granted  these  brethren,  and  their  newly  admitted 
members.  Naming  and  numbering  it,  Triluminar  Lodge,  No.  18,  and 
afterward  the  following  officers  duly  elected  by  their  brethren,  to  serve  them 
for  the  then  ensuing  year: 

James  Seevers,  W.  M.;  Thomas  A.  Freeman,  S.  W.:  David  S.  Sampel,  J. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA.  COTJNTY. 


859 


W.;  W.  S.  Dart,  Treas.;  Samuel  Bresslar,  Sec.;  Alfred  Seevers,  S.  D.; 
James  Edgar,  J.  D.;  G.  C.  Bitcliie,  Tyler. 

The  present  officers  are:  E.  M.  Beatty,  W.  M. ; James  Atchison,  S.  W. ; 
Alonzo  T.  Drinkle,  J.  W.;  A.  A.  Kendig,  Sec.;  Morris  L.  Levi,  Treas.; 
Homer  H.  Seerley,  S.  D.;  A.  W.  Warrington,  J.  D.;  J.  S.  Walker,  S.  S.; 
W.  P.  Hellings,  J.  S. ; Benj.  B.  Perdue,  Tyler.  Total  number  of  present 
membership,  207. 

For  above  five  years  Triluminar  Lodge,  Ho.  18,  did  good  and  square 
work,  as  was  repeatedly  attested  by  resolution  in  Grand  Lodge,  offered  and 
passed.  When  Dec.  8th,  A.  D.  1854,  a constitutional  number  of  her  mem- 
bers applied  for,  and  obtained  a dispensation  to  organize  a new  Lodge,  with 
Nelson  J.  Smith  as  first  W.  M.;  Geo.  W.  Baer,  S.  W.;  W.  S.  Edgar,  J.  W.; 
S.  Stephens,  Treas. ; F.  B.  Mathews,  Sec. ; L.  D.  Haines,  S.  D. ; Geo.  Delong, 
J.  D.;  Francis  Castles,  Tyler;  and,  at  Grand  Lodge  session,  June  6,  1855, 
obtained  a charter,  under  name  and  number  of  Seevers  Lodge,  Ho.  54. 

Oskaloosa  village,  in  Masonry  at  least,  had  now  grown  into  city  propor 
tions,  having  two  “ Blue  Lodges  ” in  full  and  healthy  working  order.  Under 
the  workings  of  the  two  Lodges,  Masonry  moved  forward  with  unprece- 
dented thrift,  until  January  8th,  1863,  when  a better  and  more  commodious 
hall  was  obtained,  and  on  account  of  the  enlistments  into  the  union  armies, 
of  the  membership  of  both  Lodges,  Seevers  Lodge,  Ho.  54,  surrendered  her 
charter  and  consolidated  with  the  parent  Lodge,  Triluminar,  Ho.  18. 

War!  War!!  Who  can  foresee  or  foretell  the  extent  of  all  the  evils  to  fol- 
low the  wake  of  the  desolating  and  devastating  march?  Whose  sacred  and 
hallowed  homes  and  altars  are  absolutely  free  from  the  stealthy  insinuation, 
or  protected  against  desecration  by  the  tainting  touch  of  the  bloody  hands, 
the  tell-tale  of  the  vile  butcheries  and  treachery?  Who  can  successfully 
withstand  the  sowings  of  distraction  and  dissension?  Ho  one.  Is  it  strange 
then,  that  the  rebellion  of  1861  to  1865,  which  convulsed  the  entire  nation, 
and  made  the  world  interested  spectators,  as  with  bated  breath  they  anx- 
iously looked  forward  to  the  close,  swayed  in  partisan  spirit,  as  each  indivi- 
dual interest  caused  him  to  incline?  Which  sought  to  divide  the  sentiment 
of  a people  hitherto  bound  in  one  bond  of  national  union,  and,  to  divide  the 
territorial  inheritance  of  the  fathers,  by  sectional  lines,  traced  by  u that  sum 
of  all  villainies,”  Slavery?  That  entered  the  Holy  and  sacred  home  of  God, 
and  divided  the  communicants  into  factions,  and  the  homes  of  loved  and 
loving  kindred,  arraying  father  against  son,  son  against  father,  brother 
against  brother.  Is  it  strange  we  ask,  that  Masonry  could  not  escape  the 
direful  results  of  the  leprous  touch? 

Triluminar  Lodge,  Ho.  18,  felt  this  touch.  She  had,  by  the  consolidation 
of  Seevers  Lodge,  Ho.  54,  with  her  own  already  numerous  membership,  a 
large  aggregation  of  members,  who,  though  not  permitted  in  lodge  assem- 
bled to  avow  any  sectarian  or  particular  political  party  creed,  yet  very  nat- 
urally were  divided  in  their  preferences  as  to  petitioners  presenting  their 
names  as  candidates  for  the  mysteries  of  the  order.  These  differences  grow- 
ing out  of  the  issues  of  the  internicine  war,  the  nation’s  great  calamity, 
through  which  we  were  then  passing,  caused  distraction  to  some  extent,  and 
the  working  of  the  order  was  interrupted  for  a season.  To  correct  the  then 
existing  evil,  on  the  12th  day  of  April,  1866,  a large  number  of  the  mem- 
bership of  Triluminar  Lodge,  Ho.  18,  with  J.  Y.  Hopkins  as  W.  M.,  Henry 
B.  Kendig  S.  W.,  and  M.  L.  Jackson  J.  W.,  applied  to  and  obtained  from 
the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master  of  Iowa,  letters  of  dispensation  to 


360 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


organize  the  second  time  a new  lodge,  which  on  the  6th  day  of  June,  A.  D. 
1866,  was  chartered  by  the  Grand  Lodge  under  the  name  and  number  of 
Amity  Lodge,  No.  186.  The  war  having  closed,  the  storm  of  excitement 
incident  thereto  subsided,  the  troubled  waters  quieted,  Triluminar,  No.  18, 
and  Amity,  No.  186,  with  their  officers  and  members  harmoniously  worked 
together,  and  emulated  each  other  in  that  grandest  of  virtues  of  “ who  can 
best  work,  and  best  agree,”  when  in  the  winter  of  1871,  Amity  Lodge,  No. 
186,  surrendered  her  charter,  and,  again,  with  her  membership,  old  and  new, 
consolidated  with  Triluminar  Lodge,  No.  18,  making  her  at  present  time, 
one  of  the  most  powerful,  and  the  strongest  (numerically)  lodge  in  the  Iowa 
Grand  Lodge  jurisdiction.  The  reason  for  the  surrender  of  Amity  Lodge’s 
charter  and  consolidation  with  Triluminar,  No.  18,  was  that  in  meantime 
(though  having  had  a chapter  of  R A.  M’s,  of  which  mention  will  hereafter 
appear),  a council  of  royal  and  select  masters,  and  a commandery  of  Knights 
Templar  were  organized,  and  each  having  its  own  peculiar  ritualism,  and 
consequently  necessitating  separate  evenings  of  holding  their  meetings, 
nearly  every  working  evening  of  the  week  was  occupied,  and  there  were  too 
few  for  “ refreshment  and  sleep.”  It  was  urged  as  a means  of  better  attend- 
ance upon  all  the  meetings  of  the  different  orders  and  lessening  the  labors 
of  the  workers  in  each,  to  thus  gain  one  evening  more,  by  the  consolidation, 
that  they  should  be  united,  and  now  the  “peace  and  harmony”  of  Trilum- 
inar, No.  18,  flows  like  a river,  and  Masonry  in  Oskaloosa  city  was  never 
stronger  than  at  present. 

Many  of  Mahaska  county’s  noble  men  (members  of  the  various  lodges),  at 
their  country’s  call,  to  prevent  the  nation’s  threatened  ruin,  enlisted  with 
that  patriotism  peculiar  to  the  American  people  alone,  and  with  the  flag  of 
their  country  unfurled,  marched  to  fields  of  carnage,  blood  and  death.  The 
voices  of  some  are  now  hushed  in  death,  but  their  deeds  of  valor  and  hero- 
ism yet  re-echo  throughout  the  land  that  “ they  died  not  in  vain.”  The 
nation  lives  by  and  through  their  great  sacrifice;  life,  and  a country  and 
home  are  vouchsafed  to  those  who  shall  live  after  them. 

In  1866  the  several  Masonic  bodies  as  then  organized  in  the  city  of  Oska- 
loosa, in  order  to  own  and  have  a home,  through  the  individual  membership 
contributing  of  their  means,  created  a loan  fund,  to  build  a hall  over  two 
buildings  erected  by  Samuel  Knowlton,  on  south  side  of  public  square, 
taking  the  notes  of  Triluminar  Lodge,  No.  18,  the  foundation  stone,  or 
institution  of  all  the  other  bodies.  This  hall,  10  feet  by  80  feet,  was  put  on 
the  buildings  above  named  as  the  third  story,  which  was  finished  in  com- 
fortable ana  elegant  style,  superbly  furnished  in  furniture,  ornaments  and 
paraphernalia  of  the  chapter  and  commandery,  and  nearly  all  the  indebted- 
ness of  the  fraternity  paid,  save  $600  borrowed  from  the  Grand  Lodge  (on 
which  the  Grand  Lodge  subsequently  very  kindly  and  graciously  extended 
time  of  payment  without  interest  for  three  years)  when  the  fire  of  January 
20,  1873,  which  originated  in  an  adjacent  building,  in  one  short  hour  swept 
everything  before  its  power,  leaving  naught  but  ashes  and  embers  of  what 
was  before  every  Mason’s  just  pride,  making  a loss  in  building  and  costly 
paraphernalia  of  about  eight  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  on  which  an 
insurance  of  two  thousand  dollars  was  promptly  paid.  In  this  insurance 
the  several  bodies  have  an  equal  interest,  and  has  ever  since  served  as  an 
interest  bearing  fund,  more  than  necessary  to  liquidate  the  annual  expense 
of  rents,  leaving  each  and  all  of  them  in  a flattering  future  financial  condi- 
tion. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


361 


Of  tlie  membership,  first  and  last,  but  not  least,  are  to  be  found  men  who 
have  at  various  times  filled  prominent  and  responsible  places  of  trust,  both 
in  the  state  as  well  as  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Iowa,  viz:  W.  S.  Dart,  Grand 
Steward  in  1849;  G.  W.  Teas,  Deputy  Grand  Master  in  ; J.  Y.  Hop- 

kins, Senior  Grand  Warden  in  1855;  H.  R.  Kendig,  Grand  Pursuivant  in 
1870;  C.  H.  Phelps,  Junior  Grand  Warden  in  1876;  H.  R.  Kendig,  Senior 
Grand  Warden  in  1871;  L.  C.  Blanchard,  Grand  Orator  Elect  in  1879;  W. 
S.  Easton,  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  in  Illinois. 

E.  W.  Eastman,  Lieutenant  Governor;  J.  A.  L.  Orookhain,  first  County 
Judge,  also  State  Senator;  Samuel  Coffin,  Member  Iowa  Legislature,  two 
terms;  W.  T.  Smith,  County  Prosecutor  and  Democratic  nominee  for  Con- 
gress in  1870;  Capt.  S.  G.  Gary,  Capt.  Iowa  Volunteers  and  Member  Iowa 
State  Legislature;  T.  C.  Beach,  Member  Iowa  Legislature;  John  Dodds, 
Member  of  Legislature;  H.  W.  Gleason,  Member  of  Legislature;  J.  N. 
Dixon,  State  Senator;  L.  C.  Blanchard,  Judge  Sixth  Judicial  Circuit; 
Samuel  Knowlton,  Member  Board  County  Supervisors  for  three  years; 
James  Rhineliart,  County  Judge  for  eight  years;  W.  S.  Edgar,  Clerk  of 
Courts  for  ten  years;  Samuel  Thompson,  County  Judge  and  County  Audi- 
tor one  term  each,  and  County  Surveyor  for  twelve  years;  Henry  R.  Ken- 
dig, County  Treasurer  for  six  years;  M.  T.  Williams,  Member  of  Iowa 
Legislature  for  two  terms,  and  United  States  Commissioner  for  fifteen 
years;  W.  H.  Needham,  Postmaster  for  six  years;  H.  C.  Leighton,  Editor 
of  Oskalooscc  Weekly  Herald  for  twelve  years,  Chairman  Republican  State 
Central  Committee  two  successive  years,  and  Postmaster  for  one  year  and 
until  his  decease;  John  Larmer,  County  Recorder  for  eight  years;  W.  R. 
Cowan,  County  Recorder  for  six  years;  Elliott  W.  Rice,  Commissioned 
Brigadier  General  of  Volunteers,  Union  Army,  186^;  Samuel  A.  Rice, 
Attorney  General  of  State  for  two  terms  and  Commissioned  Brigadier 
General  of  Volunteers,  Union  Army,  1863. 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  Iowa,  in  June,  1856,  held  its  session  in  Oskaloosa 
in  Union  Hall,  nothing  further  or  noteworthy  transpiring  than  are  usual  to 
all  annual  meetings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  its  formal  business  transactions. 

The  foregoing  completes  the  history  of  “Blue  Lodge”  Masonry  and  its 
membership  in  Oskaloosa  city,  the  county  seat,  which  necessarily  is  some- 
what limited  for  want  of  space  allotted  to  a work  of  this  kind.  Much 
more  might  be  said  and  not  exhaust  all  the  matters  of  interest,  were  it  a 
history  of  Masonry  and  eminent  Masons  alone,  that  these  pages  were  to  re- 
cord, and  we  pass  to  the  borders  of  the  county,  and  note:  That,  on  the  12th 
day  of  December,  1861,  J.  M.  Roberts,  as  W.  M.,  Henry  R.  Kendig,  S.  W., 
C.  M.  Ewing,  J.  W.,  and  eight  others  in  and  around  the  village  of  Belle- 
fontaine,  petitioned  for  and  obtained  a dispensation  to  organize  a lodge  at 
that  place,  and  at  session  of  Grand  Lodge,  J une  4,  1862,  were  chartered 
regularly  under  name  and  number  of  Bellefontaine  Lodge  Ho.  163.  This 
Lodge  is  now  located  at  Tracy,  a station  on  the  Albia  & Knoxville  branch 
of  the  C.  B.  & Q.  R.  R.  in  Marion  county,  where  a goodly  number  of  good 
men  and  true  correctly  disseminate  the  ritual  of  the  Order. 

The  Annals  of  Masonry,  Vol.  1,  page  131,  recite:  “That  on  the  10th 
day  of  November,  1852,  Grand  Master  W.  D.  McCord  granted  a dispensa- 
tion to  B.  Bates  and  nine  others  to  open  a Lodge  at  Kirkville,  Wapello 
county,  Iowa,  and  June  2d,  1852,  a charter  was  granted  Kirkville  Lodge 
No.  35,”  and  in  Vol.  2,  page  125,  “That  Kirkville  Lodge,  No.  35,  peti- 


362 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


tioned  to  remove  tlie  Lodge  to  Fremont,  Mahaska  county,  and  that  the 
prayer  of  petitioner  was  granted.” 

And  of  Kirkville  Lodge,  Ho.  35,  so  far  as  the  present  historian  is  con- 
cerned, all  trace  is  lost,  but  it  is  found  that  on  the  17th  day  of  March, 
1868,  a dispensation  was  granted  J.  D.  Cochran,  W.  M , P.  Akerman,  S. 
W.,  J.  C.  Keith,  J.  W.,  and  eight  others,  Master  Masons,  to  organize  a 
Lodge  at  the  town  of  Fremont,  and  on  the day  of  June,  1868,  a char- 

ter was  granted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  naming  and  numbering  it  Toleration 
Lodge,  Ho.  236. 

Present  officers  are:  H.  Allender,  W.  M.;  F.  H.  Ityram,  S.  W. ; S.  F. 
McFall,  J.  AY. ; Geo.  Shayler,  Treasurer;  M.  W.  Byram,  Secretary;  S H. 
Heinzman,  S.  D.;  C.  G.  Byram,  J.  D.;  E.  H.  White,  Tyler.  (See  History 
of  Fremont.) 

On  the  22d  day  of  J une,  1874,  G.  F.  Bates,  as  W.  M.,  H.  J.  Tail,  S.  W., 
J.  W.  Upton,  J.  W.,  and  eleven  others,  petitioned  for  dispensation  to  open 
a Lodge  at  the  town  of  Hew  Sharon,  and  on  the  3d  day  of  June,  1875,  at  ses- 
sion of  Grand  Lodge,  were  duly  chartered  to  do  all  regular  Masonic  work 
under  the  name  of  Mahaska  Lodge,  Ho.  336.  (For  further  particulars  see 
History  of  Hew  Sharon.) 

On  the  25th  day  of  March,  1869,  Industry  Lodge,  Ho.  260,  was  organ- 
ixed  regularly  at  Springfield,  Keokuk  county,  and  by  permission  of  Grand 
Lodge,  in  session  assembled,  the  Lodge  was  moved  to  the  town  of  Pose 
Hill,  in  January,  1877.  (For  further  particulars  see  History  of  Rose  Hill.) 

With  this  close,  we  pass  on  to 

CAPITULAR  MASONRY. 

There  has  been  but  one  chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  organized  in  the 
county. 

On  the  15tli  day  of  Hovember,  1854,  letters  of  dispensation  were  granted 
J.  Y.  Hopkins,  H.  P. ; Edwin  Davis,  King;  Francis  Barker,  Scribe;  and 
Companions  J.  L.  Hogin,  H.  J.  Smith,  D.  Stanley,  S.  Stephens,  M.  A.  Ma- 
lone, S.  M.  Rankin,  and  L.  D.  Haines  to  organize  and  open  a Chapter  of 
R.  A.  M’s,  and  on  the  14th  day  of  December  of  the  same  year,  T.  S.  Par- 
vin,  then  The  Most  Excellent  Grand  High  Priest  of  the  Grand  Chapter  of 
Iowa  being  present,  and,  officiating,  the  machinery  of  the  Chapter  was 
successfully  put  in  motion,  doing  a large  amount  of  work  until  session  of 
Grand  Chapter,  June  2,  1855,  a charter  was  granted,  and  July  7,  1855,  by 
J.  R.  LLartsock,  M.  E.  Gr.  H.  P.,  Hiram  Chapter,  Ho.  6,  was  duly  consti- 
tuted with  the  following  elective  and  appointed  officers,  viz: 

J.  Y.  Hopkins,  H.  P.;  G.  W.  Baer,  K.;  D.  H.  Colville,  S.;  W.  M. 
Wells,  Treas.;  W.  S.  Edgar,  Sec.;  S.  Stephens,  Tyler;  E.  AY.  Eastman,  0. 
H.;  H.  Lyster,  P.  S.;  L.  A.  Cliorn,  R,  A.  C.;  W.  M.  AVells,  G.  M.  3d  V.; 
Geo.  Delong,  G.  M.  2d  Y. ; and  Francis  Castles,  G.  M.  1st  Y. 

Past  Grand  Officers:  W.  M.  Wells,  Gr.  King,  and  Gr.  Treasurer,  1872. 

Members  of  Gr.  Council  of  Order  of  High  Priesthood  in  Iowa:  J.  Y. 
Hopkins,  AY.  M.  AYells,  and  H.  R.  Kendig. 

The  Grand  Chapter  of  Iowa  convened  in  Masonic  Hall  at  its  annual 
meeting  in  1872,  at  which  session  there  was  a full  attendance  of  the  Royal 
Arch  Craft.  The  eminent  and  leading  men  of  the  subordinate  chapters, 
as  well,  also,  of  them  of  the  town  and  city  where  they  reside. 

The  present  officers  are  Henry  R.  Kendig,  H.  P. ; Gideon  Dougherty,  K. ; 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


365 


George  H.  Beechler,  S. ; Henry  Howard,  Treas.;  T.  H.  Green,  Sec.;  H.  C. 
Leighton  (since  dec’d),  C.  H. ; C.  H.  Phelps,  P.  S. ; A.  T.  Drinkle,  R.  A. 
C.;  W.  H.  Needham,  G.  M.  3d  V.;  H.  W.  Gleason,  G.  M.,  2d  Y.;  B.  F. 
Beebe,  G.  M.,  1st  Y. ; B.  R.  Perdue,  Tyler.  Total  number  of  present  mem- 
bership, 103. 

And  we  pass  on  to 

CRYPTIC  MASONRY. 

Oskaloosa  Council,  Ho.  7,  of  Royal  and  Select  Masters,  was  organized 
under  dispensation  on  the  14th  day  of  April,  1866,  with  C.  W.  Fisher,  T.  I. 
M.;  J.  Y.  Hopkins,  R.  I.  M. ; Henry  Howard,  P.  C.  of  W.,  as  first  officers, 
with  111’  Companions  W.  A.  Hunter,  Henry  Lyster,  Reese  Jones,  J.  M. 
Shaffer  and  Wm.  Shaffer  as  members,  and  on  June  4,  1866,  was  duly  char- 
tered by  the  Grand  Council  of  Iowa. 

Present  officers  are  D.  H.  LeSuer,  T.  I.  M. ; H.  W.  Gleason,  R.  I.  M. ; 
C.  H.  Phelps,  P.  C.  of  W. ; H.  Howard,  Treas.;  T.  H.  Green,  Recorder; 

B.  R.  Perdue,  Sentinel.  Present  number  of  members,  39. 

And  we  close  with 

KNIGHTHOOD. 

“De  Payens”  Commandery,  Ho.  6,  of  Knights  Templar,  was  organized 
under  dispensation,  December  1,  1865,  with  Sirs  David  A.  Hoffman,  E.  C.; 
W.  M.  Wells,  G.;  B.  R.  Perdue,  C.  G.,  as  first  officers,  and  Sir  Knights 
W.  A.  Hunter,  J.  Y.  Hopkins,  J.  S.  Hoygin,  J.  W.  Hall  and  Reuben 
Mickel  co-petitioners,  and  on  the  2d  day  of  June,  1866,  was  chartered  by 
the  Grand  Commandery  of  Iowa,  since  which  time  the  order  has  steadily 
increased  its  membership,  and  improved  itself  in  drill,  and  finally,  by  the 
constant  persistence  of  the  working  Sir  Knights,  the  entire  Commandery, 
nearly,  is  uniformed  with  full  dress  equipments. 

Among  the  Sir  Knights  who  have  held  official  positions  in  the  Grand 
Commandery,  are  Dr.  D.  A.  Hoffman,  Grand  S.  Bearer;  IT.  R.  Kendig, 
Grand  Warden;  H.  C.  Leighton,  Grand  S.  Bearer  in  1873,  and  Grand  Capt. 
General  in  1877. 

Present  officers:  C.  II.  Phelps,  E.  C.;  G.  H.  Beechler,  G.;  W.  H.  Wray, 

C.  G.;  R.  P.  Bacon,  Prelate;  IT.  Howard,  Treas.;  O.  C.  G.  Phillips,  Re- 
corder; W.  H.  Heedham,  S.  W. ; W.  C.  Perdue,  J.  W.  Total  number  of 
Sir  Knights,  84. 

Dear  reader,  and  the  fraternity  in  particular,  in  closing  this  part  of  Ma- 
haska county’s  history,  we  have  constantly  labored  under  an  apprehension 
of  omitting  important  dates,  or  ignoring  some  individual  Mason  who  has  a 
claim  to  distinction  equal  to,  or  above,  those  of  his  fellows,  whose  names 
have  received  special  mention.  Let  this  be  our  apology,  that  limit  of  space, 
and  want  of  time,  and  press  of  other  business  upon  the  writer,  have  mater- 
ially interfered  with  making  these  sketches  as  full  and  complete  as  they 
otherwise  would  be.  However  this  may  be,  we  have  the  consciousness  of 
having  endeavored  to  cover  the  entire  field  spread  out  before  us,  and  cherish 
the  proud  experience  of  having  written  about  institutions  and  individual 
members  thereof,  who  have  organized  and  maintained  the  various  bodies  of 
Masonry  in  this  county,  also  in  every  other  particular  have  been  important 
and  prominent  factors  in  the  early  settlement,  as  well  as  the  after  develop- 
ment of  “ Proud  Mahaska  ” county. 

23 


366 


HISTOKY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


SOCIETY  OF  FRIENDS. 

In  sketching  a history  of  this  society  we  give  the  growth  of  a church 
comprising  in  its  limits  a very  considerable  portion  of  the  people  of  Ma- 
haska county.  Of  the  principles,  belief  and  origin  of  this  sect,  little  is 
known  by  the  general  public,  and  we  have  considered  it  a matter  worthy  of 
such  importance  as  to  preface  the  history  of  the  society  in  Mahaska  county 
by  a general  sketch. 

The  sect  arose  in  England  about  the  middle  of  the  seventeenth  century, 
and  the  ministry  of  Geo.  Fox  was  the  chief  human  instrument  in  their  es- 
tablishment as  an  organized  body.  Fox  was  the  son  of  pious  parents,  who 
were  members  of  the  Established  Church  of  England.  From  childhood  he 
felt  a deep  concern  for  the  salvation  of  his  soul,  and  spent  much  time  in 
meditation  and  prayer.  Discovering  much  formality  in  the  professed  re- 
ligion of  his  day,  he  set  out  on  foot,  preaching  the  gospel  in  its  purity,  and 
setting  forth  substantially  the  doctrines  of  the  present  Quaker  church.  The 
rapid  spread  of  his  teachings  was  surprising,  including  several  Episcopalian 
priests,  and  ministers  of  other  denominations.  As  early  as  1655  the  dis- 
ciples of  Fox  traveled  and  preached  upon  the  continent,  making  many  con- 
verts and  suffering  much  persecution.  About  this  same  time  Friends  began 
to  arrive  in  America,  and  to  commence  their  labors  in  the  new  world.  Per- 
secution greeted  them  here,  where,  it  is  said,  four  of  them  suffered  death  on 
the  gallows.  Large  numbers  came  over  in  1682  with  William  Penn,  the 
famous  champion  of  their  sect,  and  founded  the  state  of  Pennsylvania. 
Since  that  time  their  growth  has  been  steady,  and  the  spirit  of  persecution 
has  long  since  died  out.  They  have  now  in  America  nine  great  assemblies 
called  Yearly  Meetings,  one  of  which  meets  at  Oskaloosa. 

The  doctrine  of  the  F riends  is,  briefly,  as  follows : They  believe  in  “ one 
only  wise,  omnipotent  and  eternal  God,  the  creator  and  upholder  of  all 
things,  visible  and  invisible,”  and  in  “ manifestations,  individualities  and 
titles  of  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost.”  They  do  not  differ  materially  from 
orthodox  Christians  as  to  the  doctrines  of  atonement,  depravity,  resurrec- 
tion of  the  dead,  etc.  They  believe  in  the  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures,  in 
a personal  devil,  and  the  immortality  of  the  soul. 

In  church  government,  in  many  respects  they  resemble  the  Presbyterian 
form.  They  have  four  grades  of  meetings  for  discipline  or  government — 
the  preparative  meeting,  monthly  meeting,  quarterly  meeting  and  yearly 
meeting.  The  first  is  the  lowest,  and  each  in  order  is  subordinate  to  the 
following,  the  yearly  meeting  being  the  court  of  last  appeal.  The  first 
meeting  is  composed  of  any  number  worshiping  at  a certain  place  or  con- 
gregation. Violations  of  discipline  by  members  are  reported  by  the  pre- 
parative meeting  to  the  monthly  meeting,  when  efforts  are  made  to  reclaim 
them.  If  dissatisfied,  appeal  may  be  taken  in  turn  to  the  quarterly  and 
yearly  meetings,  which  is  the  court  of  last  resort. 

The  ministers  are  chosen  from  the  lay  members  upon  evidence  of  ability, 
and  are  recorded  upon  application  of  the  preparative  meeting  to  the  monthly 
meeting,  and  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  quarterly.  The  ministry  are 
not  paid,  it  being  the  belief  of  the  sect  Jtiat  they  should  provide  for  them- 
selves. If  they  are  sent  abroad  on  the' work  of  the  church,  their  expenses 
are  usually  borne  by  the  meeting  sending  them.  The  tenets  of  the  church 
are  opposed  to  secret  societies,  do  not  allow  its  members  to  engage  in  war- 
fare, nor  to  take  oaths.  Divorce  is  granted  only  according  to  the  rules  of 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


367 


the  church.  The  sacraments  of  baptism  and  the  Lord’s  supper  are  not  ad- 
ministered in  meetings  of  the  Friends,  they  believing  that  the  baptism  of 
“ the  present  dispensation  is  that  of  Christ,  who  baptizes  his  people  with 
the  Hoi}7  Ghost;  and  that  the  true  communion  is  a spiritual  partaking  of 
the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  (by  faith).” 

In  their  manner  of  life  and  in  their  self-examination  the  Friends  are  mod- 
els to  the  Christian  world.  This  is  illustrated  by  the  “ Queries  ” which  are 
each  year  propounded  to  each  congregation,  and  answers  to  which  are  sent 
to  the  superior  meetings. 

1.  Are  all  our  regularly  established  meetings  kept  up,  and  held  with  be- 
coming^ good  order? 

2.  Do  Friends  avoid  and  discourage  tale-bearing  and  detraction,  and  are 
they  preserved  in  Christian  love? 

3.  Do  Friends  train  their  children  and  those  under  their  care  in  the 
knowledge  of  the  promises  and  precepts  of  the  gospel;  do  they  guard  them 
against  pernicious  reading,  evil  company  and  corrupt  conversation,  and  en- 
courage them  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures ; do  they  teach  them  that  conform- 
ing to  the  vain  fashions  and  customs  of  the  world  is  inconsistent  with 
Christian  religion? 

4.  Do  Friends  deal  with  transgressors  seasonably  and  impartially,  and 
evince  to  them  the  spirit  of  restoring  love? 

5.  Do  Friends  pay  due  regard  to  the  First  day  of  the  week  as  a day  of 
rest  and  devotion,  avoiding  secular  business,  and  all  manual  labor  not  really 
necessary  ? 

6.  Are  the  circumstances  of  those  who  require  aid  inspected,  and  their 
necessities  relieved;  are  they  advised  and  assisted  in  such  employment  as  is 
adapted  to  their  capacity? 

7.  Are  there  any  known  cases  of  a breach  of  our  testimony  against  war, 
against  judicial  swearing,  lotteries,  and  against  the  use,  manufacture,  or 
traffic  in  intoxicating  liquors,  except  for  medicinal  or  mechanical  purposes? 

8.  Is  every  family  of  Friends  furnished  with  a copy  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures; and  is  family  devotion,  with  scripture  reading,  practiced  in  each  fam- 
ily daily;  if  not  all,  how  many  are  in  the  practice? 

9.  What  new  meetings  settled,  and  what  meetings  discontinued? 

10.  What  ministers  recorded,  and  what  number  of  recorded  ministers 
within  your  limits? 

11.  What  is  your  number  of  families,  and  parts  of  families,  and  of 
members,  male  and  female;  what  is  your  increase  of  membership  by  re- 
quest, by  birth,  and  by  certificate  from  outside  the  yearly  meeting;  and 
what  is  your  decrease  by  disown  merit,  resignation,  death  and  removal,  be- 
yond the  yearly  meeting,  separately  considered? 

12.  How  many  of  your  members  are  in  the  habitual  use  of  tobacco, 
male  and  female;  and  liow  many  are  engaged  in  the  production,  manufac- 
ture or  sale  thereof? 

It  will  be  noticed  that  these  queries  cover  pretty  thoroughly  the  whole  of 
Christian  life  and  practice,  and  the  consciousness  that  these  will  be  put  to 
each  individual  every  year  is  disposed  to  beget  and  maintain  a purity  of  life 
which  most  Christians  would  do  welfto  emulate. 

The  first  settlement  of  Friends  in  Iowa  was  made  near  Salem,  in  Henry 
county,  in  1837  or  ’38.  Two  preparative  and  one  monthly  meeting  were 
established  at  that  place  about  1840.  In  1843  some  settlements  began  to  be 
formed  near  Oskaloosa,  where,  in  February,  1844,  Joseph  D.  Hoag  held  the 


368 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


first  Friends’  meeting  in  the  county.  It  was  held  at  the  residence  of  Thomas 
Stafford,  whose  door-step  served  for  a pulpit,  from  which,  in  the  light  of  a 
pile  of  burning  logs,  he  proclaimed  the  doctrines  of  his  society,  the  house 
being  filled  with  women,  and  the  yard  witli  men  and  hoys.  From  this  time 
an  “indulged”  meeting  was  kept  up  until  1848,  when  a meeting  for  worship 
and  a preparative  meeting  were  formally  established  at  Spring  Creek,  where, 
in  1853,  a monthly  meeting  was  also  established. 

The  first  quarterly  meeting  was.  established  at  Salem  in  August,  1848. 
Shortly  after  this,  meetings  of  this  kind  were  established  at  Pleasant  Plain, 
Ped  Cedar,  and  Western  Plain  (now  Bangor),  in  Marshall  county.  Decem- 
ber 12,  1858,  a committee  from  these  four  quarterly  meetings  met  in  Oska- 
loosa,  and  petitioned  the  Indiana  yearly  meeting,  to  which  they  had  been  up 
to  that  time  attached,  to  be  constituted  a separate  yearly  meeting,  to  be 
known  as  the  Iowa  Yearly  Meeting  of  Friends.  The  request  was  granted 
in  October,  1860,  the  meeting  to  be  established  in  1863. 

The  first  session  of  Iowa  Yearly  Meeting  was  held  at  Spring  Creek  meet- 
ing house,  near  Oskaloosa,  September,  1863.  During  the  years  1864  and 
1865  the  general  society  erected  a large  .yearly  meeting  house  just  outside 
the  city  limits  on  the  north,  at  a cost  of  $25,000.  This  building  is  a two- 
story  brick  structure,  52  by  104  feet,  and  has  a seating  capacity  of  about 
nine  hundred  persons  on  each  floor.  The  women’s  yearly  meeting  is  held 
on  one  floor,  and  the  men’s  meeting  on  the  other.  These  meetings  are  held 
“ to  commence  on  the  fourth  day  following  the  first  First  day  in  the  Ninth 
month  ” of  each  year,  and  usually  continue  about  one  week.  The  attend- 
ance of  Friends  outside  the  county  is  frequently  as  high  as  one  thousand 
persons.  Friends  from  other  yearly  meetings  are  provided  for  by  the  meet- 
ing, and  though  about  half  the  members  of  the.  yearly  meeting  are  enter- 
tained free  of  charge,  the  rule  is  for  each  Friend  to  pay  his  own  way.  The 
quarterly  meetings  composing  the  Iowa  Yearly  Meeting  are  Salem,  Pleas- 
ant Plain,  Springdale,  Bangor,  Ackworth,  Oskaloosa,  Winneshiek,  Lynn 
Grove,  Bear  Creek  and  Honey  Creek.  These  include  a membership  of  8,846. 

Of  these  quarterly  meetings,  Oskaloosa  comprises  those  subordinate 
meetings  now  existing  within  the  bounds  of  Mahaska  county,  and  has  its 
place  of  assembling  alternately  at  Oskaloosa  city  and  New  Sharon.  At 
each  of  these  points  is  a monthly  meeting,  including  five  meetings  for  wor- 
ship about  Oskaloosa,  and  three  about  New  Sharon. 

Of  the  former,  as  before  mentioned,  the  first  established  was  known  as 
Spring  Creek,  located  about  two  miles  northeast  from  Oskaloosa,  where  a 
meeting  house  was  afterward  erected,  and  which  still  stands.  This  society 
was  organized  in  1848  with  about  fifty-five  members,  and  it  now  numbers 
ninety-five  members.  The  first  minister  of  this  meeting  was  William 
Pearson.  This  house  is  located  upon  a beautiful  spot  of  ground  and  sur- 
rounded by  a large  number  of  Friends.  The  present  minister  is  Agnes 
Sopher. 

The  next  meeting  organized  in  the  county  was  known  as  Center  Grove 
and  was  held  about  two  miles  north  of  Oskaloosa.  The  congregation  that 
worshiped  at  this  place  is  now  known  as  Oskaloosa  meeting,  and  meets  at 
the  yearly  meeting  house  near  the  city  for  religious  exercises. 

This  society  was  organized  in  1854  with  about  thirty-five  members.  Its 
first  ministers  were  Benjamin  Fry  and  William  Pearson.  The  present 
membership  is  192,  and  the  ministry  is  composed  of  Dr.  Elias  Jessup, 
Micajah  Pickerel,  David  Crispin,  and  N.  Hodgins. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


369 


The  next  meeting  in  order  of  organization  was  “ Bloomfield,”  which  was 
located  about  four  miles  southeast  from  Oskaloosa.  This  society  was  or- 
ganized in  1861  with  about  forty-five  members.  A meeting  house  was 
built  about  1875  at  a cost  of  near  $1,200.  The  present  ministers  are  Mary 
Lawson,  John  W.  Smith,  and  William  Sopher,  with  a membership  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty-six. 

The  church  in  “ Oskaloosa  City  n was  organized  in  186 — , with  about 
twenty-seven  members,  and  now  numbers  in  the  vicinity  of  one  hundred 
and  eighty-two.  The  first  minister  was  Dr.  Eli  Jessup,  since  deceased. 
This  society  has  a comfortable  brick  meeting  house  which  they  purchased 
from  the  United  Presbyterians  in  1865.  It  is  eligibly  located,  neat  and 
commodious.  The  ministers  are  Dorcas  Hunt,  Sarah  Gruwell,  James  E. 
Bailey,  Jephtha  W.  Morgan,  Chas  A.  Tibbits,  and  Mary  Tibbits.  This 
church,  in  connection  with  the  Oskaloosa  meeting,  form  one  preparative 
meeting.  The  other  three  churches  have  a preparative  meeting  each. 

Mahaska  meeting. — Five  miles  west  of  Oskaloosa  on  Pella  road.  No 
recorded  minister.  Membership  forty-seven. 

The  monthly  meeting  at  New  Sharon  includes  the  following  preparative 
meetings. 

New  Sharon  meeting. — The  first  meeting  for  worship  of  this  society 
was  held,  probably,  in  Frederick  Schelp’s  house.  The  first  minister  among 
this  people  was  Bridget  Haight,  who  preached  from  house  to  house  about 
1854.  The  preparative  meeting  was  first  established  in  1857,  in  a school 
house  built  by  the  Society  of  Friends  south  of  town,  for  school  and  meet- 
ing purposes.  Win.  Pearson  was  the  first  resident  minister.  A monthly 
meeting  was  also  organized  in  the  school  house.  A meeting  house  was 
built  in  1860,  which  has  been  moved  into  New  Sharon,  and  still  stands, 

s/e  now  six  ministers,  Win.  Pearson, 
Stiles,  George  Briggs,  and  Mary 

Prairie  Pidge  meeting. — Is  a preparative  meeting  held  about  one  and 
one-half  miles  northwest  of  New  Sharon,  having  been  established  several 
years  ago  for  the  convenience  of  those  who  lived  in  that  vicinity  and  found 
it  burdensome  to  come  to  town.  This  meeting  has  but  one  recorded  min- 
ister, Mary  Ann  Roberts,  and  has  no  church  building,  but  meets  in  a school 
house.  Its  membership  includes  but  four  or  five  families. 

The  Friends  engage  in  two  distinctive  classes  of  missionary  work.  The 
yearly  meeting  of  Iowa  is  now  at  work  among  the  Freedmen  of  the  South, 
and  the  Indians  of  the  West.  Among  these  they  establish  schools  and  ed- 
ucate the  youths  of  either  race,  to  preach  the  gospel  to  their  fellows. 
While  the  .Friends  are  not  remarkable  for  their  liberality,  they  do  not  do 
their  alms  to  be  seen  of  men,  but  in  a quiet  way  further  the  cause  of  their 
religion,  and  give  abundant  aid  to  the  widow  and  the  fatherless.  They  are 
gradually  laying  aside  some  former  austerities  of  manner  and  peculiar 
habits,  and,  catching  the  spirit  of  the  age,  are  disappointing  many  who 
suppose  them  to  be  slow,  or  to  be  lacking  in  enterprise.  The  improvements 
they  have  made,  in  and  about  Oskaloosa,  are  not  in  harmony  with  the 
statement  of  Tom  Paine,  that,  “had  the  Quakers  been  consulted  in  the 
creation  everything  would  have  been  colored  drab.”  Of  Penn  College  and 
its  fine  building  we  speak  elsewhere. 


and  is  used  by  this  meeting.  They  ha 


Mary 

Ellis. 


Morris,  Sarah  Hughes,  Rachel 


370 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


MAHASKA’S  CENTENNIAL. 

Great  preparations  were  made  for  a grand  celebration  to  be  held  in  Os- 
kaloosa  July  4th,  1876.  It  was  arranged  to  have  an  extensive  street  parade 
of  various  associations,  companies  and  societies.  These  arragements  were 
in  a large  measure  carried  out,  save  the  procession,  which  was  interfered 
with  by  a heavy  wind  and  rain  storm  which  visited  the  county  on  the  even- 
ing of  July  3d.  This  storm  did  great  damage  in  different  parts  of  the 
county,  demolishing  buildings  and  destroying  crops.  Boyer  & Son’s  store 
building,  in  Tracy,  was  blown  down,  causing  a loss  of  $8,000.  On  the  even- 
ing of  the  Fourth  a similar  storm  worked  great  damage  in  Leighton  and 
the  northwestern  part  of  the  county. 

There  was  quite  a large  attendance  on  the  Fourth  in  Oskaloosa,  notwith- 
standing the  weather.  Programme:  Address  of  welcome  by  Mayor  Baugh; 
Declaration  of  Independece  read  by  Capt.  Searle;  Bev.  I.  P.  Teter,  orator 
of  the  day;  dinner,  toasts  and  responses.  These  exercises,  with  two  days 
of  horse  racing,  were  “Proud  Mahaska’s”  memorial  to  the  hundredth  year 
of  our  national  independence. 

CASUALTIES. 

On  Saturday,  July  21,  1878,  two  young  women  named  Elizabeth  Todd, 
daughter  of  Ben  Todd,  and  Dora  McAllister,  daughter  of  a widow 
living  in  company  with  Miss  Mary  Boenspiess,  were  all  at  the  residence  of 
Ben  Todd  who  lives  about  five  miles  northeast  of  town,  and  near  the  treach- 
erous Skunk  river,  and  in  the  afternoon  determined  to  go  down  to  the  river 
to  bathe.  It  seems  the  girls  were  in  the  habit  of  so  doing,  and  neither  they 
nor  other  members  of  the  family  apprehended  danger  therefrom.  Proceed- 
ing to  the  river  they  entered  the  water  at  a point  just  above  where  formerly 
stood  the  old  Currier  mill.  At  this  place  the  current  sets  in  strong  from 
the  opposite  shore,  and  besides  being  quite  swift,  there  is  a very  deep  hole 
nearby;  but  for  some  distance  out  the  bottom  slopes  out  gradually.  The 
two  girls,  Todd  and  McAllister,  each  wearing  a light  bathing  dress,  wrent  in 
leaving  their  companion  on  the  bank.  From  some  unknown  cause,  they  got 
beyond  the  place  of  safety,  and  where  they  knew  the  condition  of  the  river, 
and  wrere  drawn  into  the  deep  water.  As  soon  as  she  discovered  their  peril, 
Miss  Boenspiess  screamed  and  ran  into  the  water,  hoping  to  render  assis- 
tance, but  after  getting  where  the  water  came  up  to  her  neck,  she  saw  she 
could  do  nothing,  and  returned  to  the  bank.  By  that  time  Mr.  Todd,  wTho 
was  working  near  by,  and  heard  the  call  for  help,  ran  dovTn,  but  too  late  to 
save  either  of  the  unfortunate  girls.  The  sorrowful  news  was  at  once  spread, 
and  the  search  for  the  bodies  soon  began.  The  body  of  Miss  Todd  was  found 
in  an  hour  or  so  after  the  accident,  about  three  or  four  rods  from  where  they 
went  in.  The  other  body  was  not  found  until  the  next  morning,  at  eleven 
o’clock,  when  it  was  discovered  in  a drift  about  three-fourths  of  a mile  below. 

The  bodies  were  buried  in  the  cemetery  near  the  Friends’  meeting  house, 
east  of  town,  Sunday  afternoon,  a large  concourse  of  friends  and  neighbors 
following  them  to  their  last  resting  place. 

Miss  Todd  was  22  years  old,  and  only  daughter,  Miss  McAllister  was  18 
years  o’d,  and  assisted  by  her  labor  to  maintain  her  widowed  mother. 

On  the  following  morning  in  the  same  river  occurred  the  death  of  Marion 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


371 


Campbell,  Captain  of  Co.  F,  8th  Iowa  Infantry  in  the  late  war.  Accompanied 
by  his  brother  Chester,  two  neighboas,  W.  J.  Boyd  and  J.  H.  Horner,  he 
proceeded  to  South  Skunk  river  for  the  purpose  of  enjoying  a bath  after  a 
week  of  hard  labor  in  the  harvest  field.  The  point  at  which  the  party  entered 
the  stream  is  in  a bend  in  the  river  where  the  current  is  swift  and  the  treach- 
erous sands  continually  shifting.  It  was  soon  apparent  that  Marion  was  en- 
gaged in  a struggle  for  life,  and  his  younger  brother  becoming  alarmed  there- 
by, lost  presence  of  mind,  and  was  rescued  with  difficulty.  This  consumed 
time,  that  otherwise  might  have  been  spent  in  assisting  Marion,  and  precious 
time  it  proved,  as  now  he  was  beyond  all  human  aid.  He  sank  to  rise  no 
more.  The  dark  waters  rolled  on  and  death  claimed  the  victory. 

The  remains  were  found  Sunday  at  4 p.  m.,  about  eighty  rods  from  where 
the  drowning  occurred.  The  funeral  was  held  Monday,  at  11  a.  m.,  the 
remains  finding  a last  resting  place  in  the  cemetery  near  Peter  Appel’s. 
Thus  closed  a brilliant  life — one  that  promised  much,  and  with  its  sudden 
close  hundreds  of  brave  hearts  were  filled  with  grief,  for  they  had  come  to 
love  the  man  for  his  quiet  ways  and  manly  bearing. 

THE  CAUSE  OF  SCIENCE  ON  THE  BORDER. 

In  the  spring  of  1850,  at  the  time  emigration  across  the  Plains  to  the 
‘‘Golden  Gate”  was  at  its  height,  a party  of  about  thirty  men  in  wagons, 
on  their  way  to  California,  encamped  about  four  miles  southeast  of  Oska- 
loosa.  The  company,  we  believe,  was  from  Rush  county,  Indiana.  One  of 
their  leaders  was  quite  ill,  and  he ‘was  brought  to  Oskaloosa  for  proper 
medical  care  and  nursing,  the  company  intending  to  wait  a few  days  in 
hope  of  his  recovery;  but  Heath  soon  claimed  his  victim,  and  the  traveler 
was  buried  in  the  old  cemetery  south  of  town. 

On  the  morning  following  the  burial  it  was  found  that  hyenas  in  human 
shape  had  been  at  work,  and  upon  examination  it  was  found  that  the  body 
was  missing.  The  guilty  parties,  finding  they  were  watched,  placed  the 
body  in  a fence  corner  east  of  town.  Diligent  search  was  made  for  the  re- 
mains of  the  unfortunate  man,  but  without  avail.  A day  or  two  later  the 
corpse  was  discovered  by  a man  not  engaged  in  the  search. 

Two  young  physicians,  Sampsell  and  Pearson,  of  this  city,  and  a young 
dentist  whose  name  we  did  not  learn,  were  arrested  and  brought  to  trial. 
Investigation  showed  that  a man  named  Captain  James  Moore  had  been 
employed  by  the  parties  arrested  to  raise  the  body;  that  he  had  done  this 
in  a most  barbarous  manner,  having  uncovered  the  grave  and  dragged  the 
corpse  from  the  coffin  by  a rope  placed  around  its  neck,  and  had  carried  it 
away  to  his  employers. 

The  indignation  of  the  emigration  company  was  intense,  and  there  was  a 
strong  disposition  to  do  violence.  The  prisoners  were  guarded  until  after 
the  company  had  left  the  country.  Then,  there  being  no  one  to  prosecute 
the  case,  the  matter  was  finally  dropped  and  the  accused  suffered  to  go  free 
without  being  tried  in  the  courts — the  first  trial  being  before  a town  mag- 
istrate. 


BOWEN  MURDER  CASE. 

One  of  the  most  exciting  incidents  in  the  history  of  Mahaska  county  oc- 
curred during  the  month  of  August,  1857.  At  this  time  political  excite- 


372 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


ment  ran  very  high.  Questions  between  Whigs  and  Democrats,  as  well  as 
between  temperance  and  anti-temperance,  had  divided  the  voters  into  sev- 
eral factions,  and  in  many  cases  the  feeling  of  antagonism  rose  to  bitter- 
ness, and  in  one  case  to  a fatal  termination.  At  this  time  Mr.  James  M. 
Brown  was  editor  of  the  Herald.  He  was  bitterly  opposed  to  the  anti- 
temperance party,  and  made  his  paper  the  spokesman  of  his  sentiments. 
In  this  way  he  incurred  the  enmity  of  the  liquor  men. 

J.  W.  Bowen  had  kept  a hotel  in  Oskaloosa,  known  as  the  Bowen  House, 
but  had  disposed  of  his  business  a short  time  before  the  occurrence  we  are 
about  to  relate,  and  was  keeping  saloon.  He  w~as  the  victim  of  a passion 
for  liquor,  and  on  a certain  evening,  while  under  the  influence  of  strong 
drink,  was  carousing  about  the  square  in  Oskaloosa  with  a number  of  his 
companions.  About  midnight  they  happened  in  front  of  Rice  & Lough- 
ridge’s  law  office,  which  adjoined  the  Herald  office,  and  where  Brown  was 
talking  in  front  of  an  open  window  with  E.  W.  Rice.  This  office  was  on 
the  west  side  of  the  square,  second  floor,  in  the  room  now  occupied  by  M. 
T.  Williams  as  his  office.  Bowen  proposed,  with  an  oath,  that  they  would 
go  up  and  see  Brown  and  have  a settlement  with  him,  and  clean  out  the 
Herald  office.  Bowen  reached  the  head  of  the  stairs  and  tried  the  door- 
latch,  but  found  the  door  locked.  Brown  had  heard  them  coming,  and  fir- 
ing through  the  thin  door  panel,  shot  Bowen  through  the  breast,  killing 
him  almost  instantly.  Brown  was  arrested,  and  information  was  made  be- 
fore several  justices,  all  of  whom  wTere  afraid  to  try  the  case,  lest  they  should 
make  enemies  by  their  decision.  The  excitement  was  at  highest  pitch. 
Threats  of  lynching  were  made,  though  peace  lovers  and  friends  were  ready 
to  protect  him.  Finally  information  was  filed  before  the  Mayor  of  Oska- 
loosa, Wm.  T.  Smith.  Brown,  after  a lengthy  trial,  was  bound  over  to  the 
next  term  of  court,  having  given  bail  for  $5,000.  The  rival  newpapers,  the 
Oskaloosa  Times,  in  the  mean  time,  did  and  said  everything  possible  to  create 
public  feeling  against  Brown.  The  grand  jury,  however,  failed  to  find  an 
indictment  against  him,  which  so  enraged  his  political  enemies  that  they 
posted  notices  over  the  town  as  follows: 


TO  THE  CITIZENS  OF  MAHASKA. 


The  citizens  of  Mahaska  county  are  requested  to  attend  a meeting  to  be  held  on  the  public 
square  on 

Tuesday,  September  15,  1857, 


at  6 o’clock,  p.  m.,  to  take  into  consideration  the  unprecedented  action  of  the  grand  jury  in 
acquitting  James  M.  Brown  of  the  murder  of  J.  W.  Bowen,  without  a fair  and  open  trial  by 
a jury  of  his  peers,  thereby  permitting  a murder  to  remain  unpunished  in  our  midst,  a course 
calculated  to  create  distrust  in  the  efficiency  of  our  criminal  laws,  and  indirectly  encouraging 
the  mob  spirit  which  is  at  present  so  rife  throughout  our  State. 

MANY  CITIZENS. 

Oskaloosa , September  12,  1857. 

The  place  of  meeting  was  changed  to  Union  Hall,  where  several  hundred 
persons  had  assembled.  Among  resolutions  passed  as  the  sense  of  that 
meeting,  was  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  the  safety,  peace,  and  above  all,  the  harmony  of  the  community,  as  also,  the 
welfare  of  Mr.  Brown,  requires  that  he  shall  no  longer  remain  a citizen  of  Mahaska  county. 


Mr.  Brown  fearing  personal  violence,  soon  afterward  removed  to  Ohio, 
and  the  Herald  passed  into  the  hands  of  John  R.  Heedham,  who  had  for- 
merly been  its  editor. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


373 


LOVE,  DESEBTION  AND  SUICIDE. 

To  Leander  Dascom  belongs  the  name  of  having  first  opened  a coal  mine 
in  that  prolific  mining  district  which  surrounds  the  present  town  of  Bea- 
con. His  home  was  Elmira,  New  York,  where  it  was  afterward  learned  he 
had  a devoted  wife  and  an  only  child.  In  Mahaska  county  he  represented 
himself  as  a single  man.  While  living  in  Oskaloosa,  he  formed  the  ac- 
quaintance of  a school  teacher,  Miss  Mary  E.  Emery,  a lady  of  about  28 
years  of  age,  whose  parents  lived  in  New  Hampshire.  He  so  far  won  the 
favor  of  this  young  woman  as  to  secure  from  her  a promise  of  marriage. 
On  Friday  evening,  January  8,  1858,  he  visited  her  and  it  was  arranged 
that  he  should  marry  her  the  following  morning,  and  they  should  proceed 
immediately  to  her  home  in  New  Hampshire.  He  succeeded  in  obtaining 
from  her  the  amount  of  her  savings  from  a season’s  work  in  the  school 
room,  and  the  same  night  absconded,  left  for  parts  unknown,  taking  with 
him,  it  is  said,  a woman  of  abandoned  character.  Learning  that  her  affec- 
tions had  been  betrayed,  on  the  following  Sunday  Miss  Emery  committed 
suicide  by  taking  strychnine,  having  made  the  coolest  preparations  there- 
for, writing  to  the  family  with  whom  she  was  living,  and  also  to  the  scoun- 
drel, Dascom.  The  latter  unfortunately  escaped  the  punishment  which  his 
infamy  deserved,  unless  a life  of  wretchedness  more  terrible  than  death  has 
been  meted  out  by  Him,  who  has  said:  “ Vengeance  is  mine — I will 
repay.” 

SHOOTING. 

In  July,  1877,  occurred  a case  of  shooting  at  Blattner  & Newbrand’s 
brewery,  which  is  remarkable  only  from  the  verdict  of  the  jury  which 
cleared  the  prisoner  from  any  blame  in  the  matter. 

Saturday  afternoon,  July  21st,  a party  of  men  were  at  the  brewery  drink- 
ing some  beer,  got  into  a war  of  words  and  left,  swearing  vengeance. 

About  six  o’clock  they  returned  and  some  others  with  them,  threatening 
to  clean  out  the  institution.  One  of  the  party  threw  a brickbat  at  random, 
whereupon  the  bar-tender,  one  Max  Boenspeiss,  appeared  on  the  platform, 
and  with  a revolver  shot  one  of  the  party,  David  Golden,  inflicting  a wound 
from  which  he  died  in  a few  days.  The  testimony  on  trial  showed  that 
Dave  Golden  had  not  been  engaged  in  the  dispute  and  quarrel  which  had 
preceded  the  shooting,  and  that  he  was  shot  while  walking  away  from  the 
brewery,  Boenspeiss  making  the  remark:  “I  know  what  he  came  for,”  just 
as  he  fired  the  pistol.  Golden  was  unarmed. 

Boenspeiss  was  bound  over  under  bond  of  $10,000  to  appear  at  District 
Court,  where,  after  trial,  he  was  pronounced  “ not  guilty,”  and  suffered  to 
go  free. 

LOCAL  TBOUBLES  DUBING  THE  WAB. 

Of  those  events  which  we  have  classed  under  this  head,  no  correct  history 
has  ever  been  written.  At  the  time  of  their  occurrence,  the  most  exagger- 
ated accounts  were  given.  They  were  greatly  magnified,  distorted  beyond 
recognition  in  the  press,  and  some  traditionary  accounts  are  simply  ridicu- 
lous. From  newspaper  accounts,  from  eye  witnesses,  from  the  printed  tes- 
timony upon  trial,  and  from  official  reports,  we  have  gathered  what  we 


374 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


believe  to  be  a substantially  true  account  of  a number  of  local  difficulties 
growing  out  of  war  questions  between  the  years  of  1862  and  1865. 

During  this  period,  there  was  a very  decided  element  composed  of  citi- 
zens in  different  parts  of  the  county,  and  especially  along  the  northern 
border,  who  wTere  not  in  sympathy  with  the  war  policy  of  President  Lincoln, 
and  many  of  whom,  if  we  can  credit  their  own  statements,  were  in  reality 
the  well  wishers  and  willing  abettors  of  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

It  is  very  generally  claimed  that  these  men  were  banded  together  in  cer- 
tain secret  organizations  known  as  “ Knights  of  the  Golden  Circle,”  that 
they  had  a system  of  pass-words,  and  were  in  correspondence  with  similar 
societies  in  other  counties.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  stoutly  denied  that 
such  organizations  ever  existed  in  Mahaska  county,  and  that  in  any  cases  of 
companies  of  men  visiting  the  county  seat  or  elsewhere,  they  were  banded 
simply  by  community  of  sentiment.  Men  whose  credibility  on  ordinary 
subjects  no  man  in  the  county  would  dispute,  have  declared  upon  their  oath 
that  they  had  attended  meetings  of  the  kind  suggested,  in  disguise.  As  to 
their  possible  delusion  or  mendacity,  it  is  not  for  the  historian  to  decide, 
but  the  privilege  of  the  reader  to  learn  the  known  facts  and  judge  for  him- 
self from  the  rapidity  and  community  of  action  on  the  part  of  the  accused, 
whether  they  were  or  were  not  parties  to  a mutual  understanding. 

On  one  occasion  three  men  who  lived  near  Indianapolis,  on  North  Skunk 
river,  were  arrested  on  charge  of  treason,  by  the  United  States  Marshal. 
These  men  were  Silas  Parr,  a justice  of  the  peace,  B.  A.  Smith,  a Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  minister,  and  Wesley  Thomas,  also  a minister,  we  believe 
of  the  Christian  denomination.  These  men  were  brought  to  Oskaloosa  and 
lodged  in  jail.  Fearing  an  attempt  might  be  made  by  their  friends  to 
release  the  prisoners,  a company  of  Guards  was  summoned  from  Eddy ville. 
A day  or  two  following  the  arrest  some  two  or  three  hundred  armed  men 
from  the  northern  part  of  the  county  headed  for  Oskaloosa,  avowing  as  their 
purpose  the  release  of  the  prisoners.  Most  of  these  stopped  on  the  north 
side  of  South  Skunk  river,  and  a chosen  band  wTas  sent  to  Oskaloosa,  who, 
after  canvassing  the  situation  and  making  idle  threats  of  their  intentions, 
returned  to  their  comrades,  and  the  entire  party  dispersed  to  their  homes. 

By  some  compromise  and  the  payment  of  small  fines,  Parr  and  Thomas 
were  released.  Smith  being  a poor  man,  wras  taken  to  Des  Moines  and 
there  imprisoned.  His  friends  made  up  the  amount  of  his  fine,  and  sent 
him  a purse  to  secure  his  release,  but  he,  preferring  martyrdom,  sent  the 
ransom  to  his  family  to  provide  for  their  wants,  while  he  himself  served  the 
term  of  his  imprisonment,  which  wras  six  or  nine  months,  after  which  he 
was  permitted  to  go  free.  It  should  have  been  stated  that  the  charges 
against  these  men  were  treasonable  utterances  made  by  them,  of  which  they 
were  probably  guilty. 


TALLY  RAID. 

On  Saturday,  August  1,  1863,  a Democratic  mass  meeting  was  held  near 
English  river,  in  Keokuk  county.  The  speaking  occurred  in  a grove,  about 
one-half  mile  from  town.  The  chief  speaker  was  George  Tally,  wdio  had 
been  a Baptist  minister,  but  who  had  been  silenced  in  the  church  on  account 
of  his  ultra  politics.  Several  hundred  persons  were  present  at  this  meeting, 
most  of  whom  had  come  in  wTagons,  in  the  bottom  of  which  was  hay  or 
straw,  and  therein  secreted  were  arms  of  different  kinds,  which  fact  was 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


375 


developed  at  a later  hour  in  the  day.  Speeches  were  made  during  the  fore- 
noon, and  as  some  Republicans  were  present,  party  spirit  ran  high.  As  an 
illustration  of  the  excitement,  it  is  related  that  in  a stripping  of  butternut 
badges  the  clothing  was  almost  torn  from  a couple  of  ladies  present,  who 
displayed  the  objectionable  emblems.  Wild,  and  perhaps  idle  threats  were 
made,  that  the  party  would  come  up  in  the  afternoon  and  clean  out  the 
town  of  South  English,  which  was  quite  a radical  stronghold.  Reports  of 
these  were  carried  up  into  the  town,  where,  from  the  balcony  of  a hotel  a 
Republican  was  addressing  a meeting  of  his  party,  and  in  the  town  the  rad- 
ical feeling  was  also  quite  strong.  To  be  prepared  for  emergencies,  the 
citizens  were  armed  as  far  as  there  were  weapons  for  their  use.  In  the 
afternoon  the  Tally  party  came  up  to  the  town  in  wagons.  In  the  front 
wagon  were  several  men,  including  Tally,  who  stood  up  in  the  rear  part. 
The  Republican  meeting  had  just  closed,  and  arms  were  freely  displayed. 
Some  persons  wTarned  Tally  that  he  had  best  not  go  through  the  town,  as 
there  would  be  trouble,  but  he  claimed  he  meant  no  injury  to  anyone,  and 
merely  asked  the  privilege  of  the  street.  As  the  first  wagon  came  into  the 
crowd,  there  were  cries  from  the  street  of  “Coward!”  “Copperhead!” 
“Afraid  to  shoot!”  etc.  Previous  to  this  time  no  weapons  had  been  dis- 
played by  the  party  in  the  wagon,  but  upon  these  cries  they  came  up  from 
the  bottom  of  the  conveyance.  Just  then  the  street  became  so  crowded  that 
it  was  necessary  to  stop  the  wagon  for  a moment.  At  that  instant  a citizen, 
accidentally,  as  he  claims,  discharged  one  barrel  of  his  revolver  into  the 
ground.  This  was  the  occasion  for  a general  firing,  and  it  is  marvelous 
that  the  loss  of  life  was  not  much  greater.  It  has  been  estimated  that  150 
shots  were  fired,  which  is  evidently  a great  exaggeration.  Tally  stood  in 
the  back  part  of  the  wagon  with  revolver  and  bowie  knife  in  hand;  he  evi- 
dently fired  twice,  as  two  chambers  were  empty,  when  he  fell  from  the 
wagon  dead,  having  been  shot  once  through  the  head  and  twice  through  the 
body.  One  of  the  horses  attached  to  the  wagon  was  wounded,  which  caused 
the  team  to  run,  and  probably  avoided  more  serious  consequences.  The 
only  other  party  severely  wounded  was  a Democrat  named  Wyant,  who 
afterward  recovered.  Tally  was  taken  up  and  carried  to  his  home  at  Ioka. 
The  revolver  and  knife  were  so  firmly  clinched  in  his  hand  that  they  re- 
mained there  until  they  were  removed  at  his  home.  The  firing  was  so  gen- 
eral it  was  never  positively  known  who  killed  Tally,  and  no  arrests  were  made. 

A commission  of  three  were  appointed  by  the  South  English  citizens  to 
effect  a peaceable  settlement  with  Tally’s  friends.  On  that  Saturday  after- 
noon and  night  messengers  were  sent  out  all  over  the  country  to  sympa- 
thizers of  the  Tally  party,  and  before  daylight  Sabbath  morning  wagon 
loads  of  men  were  on  the  way  from  the  western  border  of  Mahaska  to  the 
place  of  rendezvous  on  Skunk  river.  These  volunteers  formed  what  is  cur- 
rently known  as  the  Skunk  River  Army.  Probably  150  men  went  from 
this  over  into  Keokuk  county.  The  leader  of  this  movement  was  Bill 
Tally,  a cousin,  we  believe  of  George  Tally’s.  This  Sunday  in  Ioka  and 
elsewhere  was  spent  by  the  Democrats  in  moulding  bullets,  preparing  arms, 
etc.,  and  everything  indicated  a preparation  for  business,  but  a day  or  two 
later  the  determination  weakened.  With  Bill  Tally,  the  leader,  better 
counsels  prevailed,  and  he  gave  up  the  warlike  measures;  and  petty  jeal- 
ousies and  lack  of  leadership  soon  broke  the  backbone  of  the  expedition. 

In  the  meantime  Governor  Kirkwood  had  been  notified  at  Iowa  City,  and 
troops  and  a couple  of  cannon  were  ordered  to  South  English,  when  the 


376 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Governor  himself  arrived  about  Wednesday,  and  made  a speech  to  the 
citizens. 

The  popular  story  of  the  Governor’s  threat  of  minie  balls  and  canister  to 
the  Skunk  River  Army,  and  of  their  terror  stricken  flight  from  the  camp  is 
a myth,  the  truth  being  that  there  was  no  considerable  number  of  armed 
men  nearer  English  river  than  Skunk  river,  which  is  sixteen  miles  from  the 
town.  The  project  of  armed  resistance  had  been  practically  abandoned 
before  Governor  Kirkwood  reached  the  town,  many  of  the  Mahaska  county 
troops  having  returned  to  their  homes  on  Monday  or  Tuesday.  It  is  prob- 
able that  there  were  still  some  men  assembled  at  the  time  of  Governor 
Kirkwood’s  visit,  and  that  his  proclamation  was  read  to  them,  which  gave 
rise  to  the  more  extravagant  story.  There  was  nobody  badly  frightened  on 
either  side,  and  no  particular  cowardice  manifested.  It  is  highly  probable 
that  if  Bill  Tally  had  continued  as  leader  that  the  result  would  have  been 
quite  disastrous. 

The  Skunk  River  Army  has  been  variously  estimated  at  numbers  ranging 
from  five  hundred  to  four  thousand;  the  first  figure  is  probably  not  far 
from  the  truth. 

According  to  the  Adjutant  General’s  report,  the  following  list  of  com- 
panies were  engaged  in  various  parts  of  Keokuk  county  in  suppressing  dis- 
turbances during  August,  1863:  Muscatine  Rangers,  Washington  Provost 
Guards,  Brighton  Guards,  Richland  Home  Guards,  Fairfield  Prairie  Guards, 
Fairfield  Union  Guards,  Abington  Home  Guards,  Libertyville  Guards,  Mt. 
Pleasant  Infantry,  Mt.  Pleasant  Artillery  and  Sigourney  Home  Guards — 
eleven  companies. 

PEORIA  RIOT. 

Shortly  after  the  Tally  raid  an  occurrence  took  place  in  the  northwest- 
ern part  of  the  county  in  some  respects  similar.  On  the  22d  of  August, 
1863,  a so-called  Democratic  rally  was  held  about  one-half  mile  west  of  the 
town  of  Peoria,  on  Buckley  creek.  Here  were  assembled  in  mass  meeting 
several  hundred  men,  most  of  whom  were  Democrats. 

There  were  at  that  time  near  Peoria  two  soldiers  of  Co.  H of  the  Third 
Iowa  Infantry,  who  were  home  on  wounded  furlough,  having  been  wounded 
at  Jackson,  Miss.  These  were  Capt  Simon  G.  Gary  and  Sergt.  Abraham 
T.  Alloway.  Gary  attended  the  meeting  in  the  forenoon,  and  had  had 
some  words  with  some  of  his  political  opponents  in  regard  to  wearing  but- 
ternut badges.  He  returned  to  Peoria  about  noon  and  met  Alloway.  Gary 
was  quite  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh,  and  Alloway  but  slightly  in  the 
hip.  Gary  borrowed  a single-barreled  pistol  from  a friend  in  Peoria,  and 
having  indulged  in  some  of  the  town  beer,  as  was  shown  on  testimony  at 
the  trial,  he  and  Alloway  started  for  the  meeting.  While  Capt.  James 
A.  Seevers,  of  Oskaloosa,  was  addressing  the  meeting,  they  arrived  on  the 
grounds,  and  soon  after  got  into  a war  of  words,  when  some  of  the  soldiers’ 
friends  approached  and  tried  to  get  them  off  the  ground.  While  they  were 
moving  away  a farmer  named  Mart  Myers  stepped  up  in  front  of  the  men 
and  declared  with  an  oath  that  no  man  would  dare  remove  his  badge.  He 
had  no  sooner  spoken  than  the  offensive  emblem  was  snatched  from  his 
lapel  by  one  of  the  wounded  men.  He  and  Alloway  (who  was  unarmed) 
immediately  clinched,  and  while  they  were  struggling  Myers  drew  his  re- 
volver and  shot  Alloway  through  the  body.  The  latter  snatched  the  revol- 
ver from  him,  and  throwing  him  on  the  ground  tried  several  times  to  shoot 
him  through  the  head,  but  the  pistol  snapped,  and  after  striking  Myers  a 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


377 


couple  of  times  with  the  butt  of  the  pistol  lie  fell  back  exhausted.  As  soon 
as  Myers  tired  the  first  shot  an  indiscriminate  discharge  of  weapons  took 
place.  Gary  emptied  his  pistol  without  effect,  and  was  himself  shot  through 
the  wrist,  and  a Dr.  Spain  was  shot  in  the  leg.  This  of  course  broke  up 
the  meeting,  and  the  voice  of  Capt.  Seevers  above  the  din  of  battle  order- 
ing every  man  to  his  home  cleared  the  ground  of  every  Democrat  in  a very 
few  minutes.  Few  Republicans  were  present,  and  these  placed  Sergt.  Al- 
loway  in  a spring  wagon,  but  he  died  before  reaching  Peoria.  His  body 
was  taken  to  the  house  of  B.  F.  Wintermute,  from  whence  the  funeral  took 
place  a few  days  afterward,  and  the  procession  is  said  to  have  been  one  and 
one-half  miles  in  length,  showing  that  by  some  in  Mahaska  a soldier’s  life 
was  not  lightly  valued.  Alloway  was  to  have  been  married  in  a few  days 
to  a cousin  of  his  murderer. 

The  day  after  the  shooting  Sheriff  Allumbaugh  and  two  marshals,  Jesse 
Dodd  and  Win.  Johnson,  w^ent  up  to  Sugar  Grove,  and  after  some  difficulty 
succeeded  by  strategy  in  arresting  Myers,  who  was  lodged  in  jail  at  Oskaloosa. 

After  a trial  at  Ottumwa,  and  again  at  Albia,  without  successful  convic- 
tion, and  in  the  last  of  which  testimony  was  introduced  to  prove  that  Gary 
had  fired  the  ball  which  killed  Alloway,  the  county  having  already  been 
involved  some  thousands  of  dollars  in  costs,  resolved  to  dismiss  the  case, 
and  Myers  was  allowed  to  go  unpunished. 

We  Lave  it  from  those  who  claim  to  have  seen  it  that  a three-striped  flag 
wTith  butternut  trimmings  was  exhibited  and  cheered  at  the  meeting  at 
which  this  shooting  took  place,  a statement  scarcely  credible  wTere  it  not 
supported  by  other  circumstances  equally  culpable. 

TIMES  OFFICE  RAID. 

At  the  time  of  the  killing  of  Alloway,  A.  A.  Wheelock,  an  ultra-Demo- 
crat,  was  in  charge  of  the  Times , as  editor  and  proprietor.  The  Times  was 
a Democratic  paper  which  had  been  running  in  Oskaloosa  since  1854.  In 
commenting  upon  the  murder  of  Alloway  Wheelock  gave  publicity  through 
his  columns  to  sentiments  something  like  this:  “Alloway  was  nothing 
but  a Lincoln  hireling,  employed  in  killing  his  betters,”  and  intimated  he 
did  not  consider  the  death  of  a soldier  as  of  much  consequence  anyway. 

Alloway,  as  has  been  mentioned,  was  a sergeant  in  Co.  H,  Third  Iowa. 
Several  copies  of  the  Times  of  the  above-mentioned  issue  found  their  way 
into  the  camp  of  Co.  H,  and  proved  quite  inflammatory  diet  to  his  old  com- 
rades, as  might  well  be  expected.  Men  who  are  exposing  their  lives  for 
their  country’s  sake  do  not  appreciate  the  innuendoes  and  sneers  of  those 
who  stay  at  home  and  possibly  sympathize  with  the  enemy.  Co.  H was 
at  this  time  at  Natchez.  A meeting  was  called  in  which  it  was  resolved 
that  certain  alternatives  should  be  offered  Mr.  Wheelock  by  the  indignant 
Co.  H.  These  were  three:  to  retract  his  statement,  to  take  Confederate 
money  for  his  paper  at  face  value,  and  thus  tangibly  manifest  his  confi- 
dence in  the  “ betters  ” of  Union  soldiers,  or  to  suffer  suppression  when  Co. 
II  could  reach  him  by  physical  force.  The  first  two  alternatives  were  of- 
fered him  by  mail,  but  were  rejected.  The  soldiers  determined  to  enforce 
the  third.  It  was  known  that  part  of  Co.  H of  the  Third  Infantry,  Co.  C 
of  the  Fifteenth  and  Co.  H of  the  Eighth  would  be  at  home  on  veteran  fur- 
lough about  the  same  time.  Lienee  a correspendence  was  opened  up  be- 
tween certain  parties  of  each  company,  in  which  an  understanding  for  mu- 
tual aid  was  come  to  in  the  matter  of  the  Times  suppression. 


378 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  soldiers  returned  in  March,  1864.  Co.  H had  a meeting  in  the  hotel 
at  Eddyville,  where  quite  a portion  of  the  veterans  expressed  their  disap- 
proval of  violent  measures,  and  proposed  letting  the  matter  drop;  but  not 
so  with  some. 

The  following  morning  the  stage  drove  up  to  the  Madison  House  with 
eight  men  in  blue  of  Co.  H,  Third.  These  went  around  to  the  Times  office 
and  told  the  editor  they  were  the  comrades  of  Alloway,  and  they  wished  the 
publication  of  the  Times  suspended  during  their  short  stay  of  thirty  days 
at  home.  “By  what  authority?7’  said  Mr.  Wheelock.  “ By  military  au- 
thority.” The  soldiers  then  left. 

In  the  next  issue  of  his  paper,  Mr.  Wheelock  stated  that  he  had  been 
threatened  bv  furloughed  soldiers;  that  he  desired  no  quarrel  with  them, 
and  expected  to  attend  to  his  own  business;  if  physical  force  were  resorted 
to,  that  the  soldiers  would  have  to  face  the  Democracy  of  Mahaska  county. 

The  following  Saturday  afternoon  was  secretly  selected  by  the  soldiers  as  the 
time  for  “ business.”  That  there  were  quite  a number  of  the  Democracy  in 
the  city  prepared  to  defend  the  Times , and  armed  for  that  purpose,  wTas  evi- 
dent, for  some  appeared  on  the  street  that  afternoon.  Portions  of  the  three 
companies  above  mentioned  were  in  Oskaloosa.  They  had  at  the  armory 
ninety  stand  of  arms,  loaded,  which  they  were  prepared  to  use  if  a riot  ensued. 

About  two  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  the  soldiers  of  Co.  H,  Third  Iowa, 
left  the  Madison  House  aud  proceeded  to  the  Times  office  on  High  street, 
a few  steps  from  the  northeast  corner  of  the  square.  They  entered  the 
press-room,  and  carrying  the  forms  there  lying,  to  the  windows,  threw  the 
type  in  the  street.  The  fonts  were  emptied  in  a like  manner,  and  a few 
minutes  left  the  Times  office  with  only  a few  scattering  type  in  the  build- 
ing. Nothing  else  was  touched.  The  soldiers  then  left  and  met  their  com- 
rades outside.  Not  a shot  was  fired  by  either  party.  The  suppression  was 
successful.  The  Times  did  not  again  appear.  Mr.  Wheelock  soon  after- 
ward left  Oskaloosa,  and  has  since  experienced  a more  prosperous  journey 
in  another  walk  of  life. 

KILLING  OF  THE  MARSHALS. 

In  the  draft  of  1864,  certain  men  drafted  from  Sugar  Creek  township  in 
Poweshiek  county,  failed  to  report  themselves  in  obedience  to  orders,  and 
under  the  law  became  deserters.  On  Saturday,  October  1st,  the  Provost 
Marshal  of  the  fourth  district  of  Iowa,  with  headquarteas  at  Grinnell,  sent 
out  two  officers  with  orders  for  arrest  of  these  deserters.  These  officers 
were  Capt.  John  L.  Bashore,  of  Appanoose  county,  Deputy  Provost  Mar- 
shal, and  Josiah  M.  Woodruff,  of  Knoxville,  with  headquarters  at  Oska- 
loosa. These  men  entered  Sugar  Creek  township  before  noon,  and  meeting 
with  a certain  Mike  Gleason,  made  some  inquiries  as  to  the  men  of  whom 
they  were  in  search,  thinking  Gleason  to  be  a loyalist.  After  leaving 
Gleason  they  proceeded  to  the  house  of  Craver,  where  they  stopped  for  din- 
ner. After  refreshments  they  had  not  proceeded  far  when  they  met  three 
men,  John  and  Joe  Fleener  (who  were  brothers-in-law  to  Myers,  who  had 
shot  Alloway  in  the  previous  autumn),  and  the  man  Gleason.  The  manner 
of  the  men  convinced  the  officers  that  they  meant  mischief,  and  Bashore 
sprang  out  of  the  buggy  in  which  the  marshals  were  riding,  and  with  re- 
volver in  hand  commenced  remonstrating  with  the  men,  telling  them  they 
were  not  the  citizens  of  whom  they  (the  marshals)  were  in  search,  and  they 
had  no  business  with  them.  Woodruff  remained  in  the  buggy.  Almost 
immediately  the  Fleeners  and  Gleason  commenced  firing.  Woodruff  was 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


379 


shot  through  the  head  and  killed  almost  instantly.  Bashore  was  shot  in 
the  back,  the  ball  entering  near  the  kidneys,  from  the  effects  of  which  he 
died  in  a few  hours,  but  not  before  giving  an  account  of  the  shooting. 
Gleason  was  shot,  probably  by  Bashore,  in  the  thigh,  and  was  so  severely 
wounded  he  was  not  able  to  leave  the  spot,  but  had  strength  enough  to 
break  his  gun  over  the  head  of  the  prostrate  marshal.  The  Fleeners  made 
good  their  escape,  leaving  Gleason  to  his  fate. 

Several  citizens  hearing  the  shooting  came  to  the  spot  immediately,  and 
removed  the  dead  and  wounded  to  the  house  of  C raver,  near  by. 

If  the  testimony  of  Gleason  is  to  be  believed,  he  went,  after  meeting  the 
marshals  in  the  forenoon  to  a meeting  of  the  so-called  “Democrat  Ban- 
gers ” in  that  vicinity,  and  it  was  there  decided  that  the  marshals  should 
be  “ attended  to,”  and  certain  parties  were  appointed  to  take  care  of  them. 
Certain  it  is  that  several  wagon  loads  of  men  passed  the  spot  after  the 
marshals  were  shot  and  while  lying  in  the  road,  without  offering  assistance. 
Where  they  had  been  is  a matter  of  conjecture. 

By  marshal  James  Matthews,  of  Grinnell,  two  companies  of  militia  from 
Grinnell  and  Montezuma  were  at  once  ordered  to  the  scene  of  the  shoot- 
ing, to  assist  in  making  arrests,  and  on  Sunday  evening  Gleason,  with 
seven  others,  were  sent  to  Oskaloosa  under  guard.  The  seven  additional 
men  arrested  were  Andrew  Powers  and  son  Joseph,  Solomon  Watson  and 
son  George,  John  Maloney,  Allen  McDaniel,  and  Perry  McFarland. 
These  were  subsequently  sent  to  Davenport  under  a strong  guard,  and  as 
there  was  no  evidence  sufficient  to  convict  them,  they  were  soon  after  re- 
leased. A number  of  other  arrests  were  made,  but  of  little  consequence. 

On  Monday  following  the  bodies  of  the  dead  marshals  were  brought  to 
Oskaloosa,  and  the  sight  of  their  marred  forms  roused  the  crowd  to  such  a 
frenzy  that  nothing  but  a strong  guard  and  brick  walls  saved  Gleason  from 
speedy  punishment.  The  following  day  the  corpses  were  removed  to  Cen- 
terville and  Knoxville,  the  separate  homes  of  these  victims  of  mad  and  un- 
provoked assault. 

All  efforts  to  find  the  Fleener  brothers  were  unavailing.  They  immedi- 
ately left  the  country  and  have  never  been  publicly  seen  since.  We  are 
informed  that  they  now  live  in  Kansas  under  assumed  names,  and  that  of 
late  year  one  of  them  made  a visit  to  Sugar  Creek  in  disguise,  but  did  not 
remain  long. 

Gleason  lay  in  jail  at  Oskaloosa  for  a number  of  months  waiting  for  his 
wound  to  heal.  He  was  finally  brought  to  trial  and  was  sentenced  for  a 
long  term  in  the  state  penitentiary,  where  he  has  since  died. 

Some  accounts  state  that  there  were  a number  of  men  secreted  in  the 
surrounding  bushes  at  the  time  of  the  murder,  who  assisted  in  the  shooting 
but  this  is  not  probable  in  view  of  conflicting  circumstances,  and  it  is  likely 
that  “ the  Fleeners  ” and  Mike  Gleason  were  the  only  parties  actively  en- 
gaged in  the  bloody  work. 

This,  of  course,  was  a most  dastardly  and  unwarrantable  deed,  as  were 
all  cases  of.  violence  against  marshals  in  different  parts  of  the  country, 
where  they  were  were  simply  performing  their  duty  under  orders — they 
being  in  no  way  responsible  fer  the  conscription  laws  which  they  were 
sworn  to  support  and  enforce. 

OTHER  DIFFICULTIES. 

Another  occurrence  which  excited  considerable  comment  and  ex- 


380 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


citement  at  the  time,  occurred  in  the  southeastern  part  of  Mahaska. 
Joseph  Macon,  an  ex-sheriff  of  Mahaska,  got  into  a quarrel  with  a soldier 
of  a Union  organization  known  as  the  “Border  Brigade.”  The  difficulty 
occurred  in  Oskaloosa  in  June,  1863.  Joseph  Macon  was  an  extreme  Dem- 
ocrat, and  a number  of  the  members  of  the  Brigade  took  it  upon  them- 
selves to  be  the  champions  of  their  comrades,  which  championship  they 
displayed  in  a most  cowardly  manner. 

A short  time  after  the  Oskaloosa  difficulty  Macon  had  occasion  to  go  to 
Eddyville  to  meet  a relative,  an  old  gentleman,  at  the  train,  that  being  at 
that  time  the  railroad  point  nearest  Oskaloosa.  Having  found  his  passen- 
ger and  started  for  home,  just  as  he  was  leaving  town  a party  of  the  “Brig- 
ade ” present  in  Eddyville,  commenced  firing  at  him,  but  without  effect. 
Macon  urged  his  horse  to  the  top  of  his  speed  and  temporarily  escaped, 
but  finding  he  was  pursued,  he  left  his  buggy  in  charge  of  his  companion 
and  took  to  the  woods,  where  he  concealed  himself  until  his  baffled  enemies 
abandoned  the  search,  and  he  was  permitted  to  return  home. 

We  believe  no  arrests  were  made  in  this  case  and  Macon  was  not  further 
molested. 

In  another  case  a man  named  Street,  from  some  of  the  southern  coun- 
ties, was  to  be  taken  to  Des  Moines,  having  been  sentenced  to  imprison- 
ment there  for  treason.  It  was  resolved,  by  what  has  been  known  as  the 
“ Skunk  Hi  ver  Army,”  to  rescue  the  prisoner  as  he  should  passthrough 
Oskaloosa  in  the  stage.  On  the  day  appointed  for  his  removal  to  Des 
Moines,  about  one  hundred  armed  men  appeared  in  Oskaloosa,  intending 
to  intercept  the  stage.  But  unfortunately  for  the  deliverers,  the  authorities 
were  forewarned  of  their  purpose.  The  stage  containing  the  prisoner  did 
not  enter  Oskaloosa  by  the  usual  route,  but  branching  toward  the  north 
outside  the  limits,  proceeded  to  the  jail,  escorted  by  a company  of  Eddy- 
ville militia,  which  had  been  sent  on  in  advance.  This  thwarted  the  inten- 
tion of  the  insurgents,  who  returned  to  their  homes,  when  the  prisoner  was 
taken  on  the  same  night. 

A BIO  FRIGHT. 

Most  towns  in  Southern  Iowa  had  their  day  of  a big  scare  sometime  or 
other  during  the  war,  and  Oskaloosa  was  not  an  exception. 

One  morning,  probably  in  the  fall  of  1863,  it  was  reported  in  town  that 
Bill  Anderson  with  his  guerilla  band  was  marching  upon  the  city.  The 
source  of  the  rumor  was  unknown,  but  in  such  panics  as  similar  reports 
usually  cause,  the  origin  of  reports  is  not  sought  alter,  and  people  are  deter- 
mined to  believe  the  worst,  and  nothing  but  the  worst. 

In  this  Cc  se,  bells  were  rung,  whistles  blown,  and  riders  scoured  the 
country  for  aid  The  schools  were  dismissed,  and  the  larger  boys,  with  all 
other  availabl  citizens,  were  formed  into  militia  companies,  and  the  day 
spent  in  drilling  on  the  square.  Ho  pickets  were  out,  and  had  a dozen 
rebel  cavalry  charged  down  one  of  the  streets  unannounced,  they  could 
probably  have  cleaned  out  the  whole  militia  force,  which  would  undoubt- 
edly have  discovered  the  utility  of  heels  as  a defense  against  rebels. 

About  the  time  the  guns  began  to  get  heavy  and  the  boys  were  feeling 
weary,  word  came  that  Anderson  and  his  bushwhackers  were  far  enough 
beyond  the  Missouri  line.  The  next  morning  not  a man  could  be  found 
who  had  experienced  any  alarm,  but  all  had  drilled  because  “ the  others 
did,”  and  “ for  the  fun  of  the  thing.” 


a 

$' 


* 


WAR  HISTORY. 


MAHASHA  COUNTY  WAR  RECORD. 

In  the  presidential  election  of  1860,  Mahaska  county  polled  2971  votes. 
In  the  War  of  the  Rebellion  she  sent  to  the  field  1274  of  her  strongest, 
most  promising  and  vigorous  sons. 

At  the  time  of  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  Mahaska  was  absorbed  in  the 
vocations  of  peace.  Her  great  agricultural  opportunities  were  beginning 
to  be  known  She  was  just  recovering  from  the  panic  of  1857,  which  had 
so  prostrated  business  throughout  the  Northwest.  The  country  was  alive 
with  industry  and  hopes  for  the  future.  Those  who  had  been  in  the  coun- 
try in  the  days  that  had  “ tried  men’s  souls,”  and  their  descendants,  had 
begun  to  see  the  dawning  of  a better  day.  “When  immediately  surrounded 
with  peace  and  tranquility,  they  paid  but  little  attention  to  the  rumored 
plots  and  plans  of  those  who  lived  and  grew  rich  from  the  sweat  and  toil, 
blood  and  fiesh  of  others — aye,  even  by  trafficking  in  the  offspring  of  their 
own  loins.”  But  still  the  war  was  upon  them,  the  thundering  of  cannon 
within  the  nation’s  very  gates,  before  the  people  of  the  Northwest  realized 
the  issues  at  stake. 

April  12,  1861,  Fort  Sumpter,  near  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  was  fired 
upon,  by  what  the  more  charitable  of  the  nation  believed  to  be  a drunken 
mob.  But  the  surrender  of  Capt.  Anderson,  made  necessary  by  the  mur- 
derous and  continued  fire  of  the  enemy’s  guns,  awakened  the  whole  North 
from  its  dream  of  security  and  perpetual  union. 

When  the  cloud  of  treason  darkened 
Freedom’s  light  in  Sumpter’s  sky, 

Bravely  stepped  they  forth  to  battle, 

They  to  conquer  or  to  die. 

April  15th,  the  following  proclamation  of  the  President  sped  over  the 
wires  from  the  National  Capital  to  the  land  beyond  the  Mississippi: 

Whereas,  the  laws  of  the  United  States  have  been,  and  now  are  opposed  in  several  States 
by  combinations  too  powerful  to  be  suppressed  in  an  ordinary  way,  I,  therefore,  call  upon  the 
militia  of  the  several  States  of  the  Union  to  the  aggregate  number  of  75,000  to  suppress  said 
combination  and  execute  the  laws.  I appeal  to  all  loyal  citizens  for  State  aid  in  this  effort  to 
maintain  the  laws,  integrity,  National  Union,  perpetuity  of  popular  government,  and  redress 
wrongs  long  enough  endured. 

The  first  service  assigned  forces  will  probably  be  to  re-possess  forts,  places,  and  property 
which  have  been  seized  from  the  Union.  The  utmost  care  should  be  taken  consistent  with 
our  object,  to  avoid  devastation,  destruction  and  interference  with  the  property  of  peaceful 
citizens  in  any  part  of  the  country,  and  1 hereby  command  persons  commanding  the  aforesaid 
combinations  to  disperse  within  twenty  days  from  date. 

24 


384 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


I hereby  convene  both  Houses  of  Congress  for  the  4th  day  of  July  next,  to  determine  upon 
measures  for  the  public  safety  as  its  interests  may  demand. 

ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 
President  of  the  United  States. 

By  W.  H.  SEWARD, 

Secretary  of  State. 

Of  this  call  for  volunteers  only  one  regiment  was  required  to  fill  the 
quota  of  Iowa.  The  proclamation  of  Gov.  Kirkwood  calling  for  this  regi- 
ment was  issued  April  17th,  from  Iowa  City.  The  urgent  exhortation  of  the 
Governor  was  patriotic  but  not  necessary.  The  men  of  Iowa  sprang  to 
arms  as  one  man,  and  hundreds  of  volunteers  were  offered  which  the  State 
did  not  need.  Company  H,  of  the  Third  regiment,  Capt.  Warren,  was  the 
first  one  ready  in  Mahaska  county,  being  filled  June  1,  1861.  This  com- 
pany had  made  application  for  a place  in  the  First  regiment,  but  too  late 
for  a rank  in  the  same.  By  the  first  of  July,  Iowa  had  provided  for  the 
Nation’s  use  six  regiments  of  volunteers,  and  still  the  enlistments  were 
going  on.  In  July,  1861,  Co.  C of  the  Seventh  Iowa  Infantry,  left  Mahas- 
ka, and  a little  later  Co.  H of  the  Eighth  Iowa,  marched.  Next  was  Co.  C 
of  the  Fifteenth. 

Then  came  that  well  remembered  lull  in  the  conflict,  when  sanguine  men 
grew  more  hopeful,  and  the  desponding  less  in  despair;  a time  when  it 
was  hoped  the  war  would  soon  end,  and  once  more  would  be  “ beaten  the 
swords  into  ploughshares,  and  the  spears  into  pruning  hooks.”  But  soon 
was  the  spirit  of  the  north  again  roused,  and  the  blood  of  chivalry  of  Mahaska 
sent  leaping  in  boiling  currents  through  veins  swollen  with  righteous  wrath, 
as  the  terrible  news  of  Shiloh,  of  thousands  slain,  and  Mahaska’s  sons  in 
southern  prisons,  came  to  fathers,  brothers,  and  friends  of  those  who  had 
gone  to  the  front. 

The  call  of  President  Lincoln,  for  three  hundred  thousand  men,  met  a 
most  liberal  response  from  Mahaska.  From  the  plow,  from  the  workshop 
and  counting  house,  leaving  the  school-room,  the  desk,  the  bar,  the  pulpit, 
the  press,  men  of  every  rank  of  life,  of  all  ages,  grey-beard  and  youth,  those 
who  showed  themselves  the  bravest  of  the  brave,  came  forth  and  enrolled 
their  names  among  those  who  were  ready  to  face  the  cannon’s  mouth,  if 
neccessary  to  die  for  their  country*  Four  companies  were  enrolled  for  a sin- 
gle regiment,  the  gallant  Thirty-third.  Those  who  were  kept  at  home  by 
age,  infirmity  or  sex,  did  noble  service  too.  They  assisted  with  their  hands, 
their  money  and  their  words  of  cheer.  Ethically  considered,  to  the  wives  and 
mothers  who  gave  up  their  husbands  and  sons,  their  natural  protectors,  and 
with  a passive  self-sacrifice,  suffered  them  to  go  to  the  field  of  carnage,  an 
even  greater  debt  of  gratitude  is  due  than  to  those  brave  men  who  then  act- 
ively, and  with  less  self-denial  rendered  their  service,  and  suffered  like  hard- 
ships, in  the  preservation  of  that  other  mother-life,  the  nation  itself. 

Company  C,  of  the  40th  Iowa,  was  raised  at  the  same  time.  Finally  was 
sent  Company  I,  47th  Iowa.  Besides  these  full  company  organizations, 
numerous  squads  and  individuals  enlisted  in  other  companies  in  this  and  other 
States,  of  whom  record  is  made  in  the  following  pages. 

In  September,  1862,  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  Mahaska  county  passed 
a resolution  offering  a ten  dollar  bounty  warrant,  receivable  for  county  taxes, 
to  all  volunteer  privates  from  Mahaska  county.  This  offer  continued  in 
force  until  January,  1863. 

The  ladies  in  Mahaska  county  did  much  for  the  aid  of  the  soldiers  during 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


385 


the  war.  Aid  societies  were  formed,  sanitary  supplies  sent,  widows  and  or- 
phans of  soldiers  relieved,  a good  and  noble  work  which  time  will  reward. 

During  the  summer  of  1864,  alone,  the  people  of  Mahaska  county  made 
the  following  subscriptions: 


Sanitary  Commission,  over $1,000 

Christian  Commission,  over 1,000 

Freedmen’s  Aid  Commission 1,000 

Soldiers’  Orphan’s  Home 2,000 


$5,000 

Forty-five  men  were  drafted  from  Mahaska  county,  November,  1864.  Of 
these  we  were  not  able  to  secure  a complete  list.  In  fact  we  are  quite  un- 
willingly driven  to  an  apology  for  the  meag'erness  of  parts  of  our  war  history. 
Newspaper  files  could  not  be  found  covering  the  war  period,  a most  impor- 
tant era  in  the  history  of  the  county,  and  we  have  been  obliged  to  depend 
very  considerably  upon  the  frail  memory  of  mortals  in  regard  to  facts  whose 
occurrence  is  removed  by  years. 

January  10,  1865,  a committee  appointed  to  solicit  donations  for  soldiers’ 
families,  about  ten  days  previous,  submitted  the  following  as  their  partial 
report,  with  the  statement  that  some  townships  had  not  yet  reported:  “Des 
Moines,  $150;  Harrison,  $175;  White  Oak,  $450;  Adams,  $125;  Madison, 
$275;  Richland,  $309.89;  Pleasant  Grove,  $200;  Monroe  (south  part),  $93; 
Prairie  (New  Sharon),  $65.75 ; Union,  $247.06 ; Oskaloosa,  $1291.67.  Total, 
$3,382.37.” 

Two  men  from  Mahaska  became  generals,  and  by  a singular  coincidence 
they  were  brothers.  These  were  the  lamented  Gen.  S.  A.  Pice,  commissioned 
Brig.  General,  August,  1863,  and  Elliott  W.  Pice,  of  the  Seventh  Iowa  In- 
fantry, promoted  Brigadier  General  about  the  same  time  with  his  brother, 
and  afterward  breveted  Major  General. 

Capt.  Comstock  of  Company  C,  33d  Infantry,  had  been  a volunteer  in  the 
Mexican  war,  the  only  one  from  Mahaska  county.  He  enlisted  Oct.  25,  1848, 
at  Hannibal,  Mo.,  as  private  in  14th  Tennessee  Begiment.  Mustered  out 
August,  1849. 

Having  thus  hurriedly  sketched  in  general  terms  the  history  of  Mahaska 
in  the  war,  there  yet  remains  another  duty  for  our  pen.  This  is,  to  collect 
the  names  so  far  as  possible,  of  those  brave  men  who  left  their  homes  at  their 
country’s  call;  and  to  place  on  imperishable  record  the  enlistments,  promo- 
tions and  casualties  of  the  humblest  knight  in  Mahaskian  chivalry.  This  is 
a duty  we  gladly  perform,  not  alone  for  those  yet  living,  but  for  the  memory 
of  those  whose  blood  was  made  to  fatten  southern  battle  fields,  whose  loss  a 
multitude  of  widows  and  orphans  have  mourned  with  a bitterness  which  no 
pension  can  ever  sweeten,  nor  crown  of  glory  drive  awTay.  When  another 
generation  has  passed,  we  trust  an  occasional  gray  haired  veteran,  bowed 
with  the  infirmity  of  years,  will  point  to  these  pages  with  the  commendable 
pride  of  a volunteer  of  1812,  in  this  day;  while  the  orphans  of  the  slain  and 
their  children,  will  look  upon  this  brief  epitaph  of  their  forefathers,  as  an 
undying  witness  that  the  blood  of  their  loyal  ancestry,  not  only  pulsated 
with  a patriot’s  devotion,  but  fatally  left  its  living  fountain  upon  the  nation’s 
battle-field. 

All  hail  to  our  gallant  defenders,  all  hail! 

Our  noblest,  our  bravest,  our  best; 

Proud  peers  of  the  world ’s  worshiped  heroes  ye  stand, 

By  freedom’s  dear  attributes  blest. 


386 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Ah,  the  voice  of  the  past  to  your  heart  and  ours, 

It  brings  in  its  eloquent  breath 
The  wild  tones  of  victory,  softened  and  blent, 

With  the  low  mystic  cadence  of  death. 

But  the  angel  of  faith  with  her  magical  wand, 

Lifts  the  vail  from  our  grief,  and  behold ! 

The  invisible  arm  of  a pitying  God 
Hath  gathered  them  into  the  fold. 

The  following  is  compiled  in  part,  from  the  Adjutant  General’s  Reports: 
THIRD  INFANTRY. 

This  regiment  contained  volunteers  from  all  parts  of  the  State.  It  was 
one  of  those  bodies  of  volunteers*which  sprang  to  arms  at  the  first  call  for 
men,  and  was  an  enthusiastic  command  from  the  very  beginning  of  service. 
The  volunteers  were  sworn  into  the  service  at  Keokuk,  on  the  8tli  and  10th 
of  June,  1861.  The  regiment  left  the  Gate  City  on  June  29,  and  proceeded 
by  river  to  Hannibal,  Missouri.  This  State  was  then  in  an  unhappy  condi- 
tion. Guerillas,  horse-thieves,  and  rebel  bushwhackers  were  continually 
harassing  the  Unionists  of  the  State.  The  regiment  was  ordered  to  Chilli- 
cothe,  where  the  men  first  met  their  colonel,  Nelson  G.  Williams,  of  Du- 
buque county.  Duriug  part  of  July  and  August  most  of  the  regiment  sta- 
tioned at  Chillicothe  were  drilled  seven  hours  daily.  Rigid  discipline,  irk- 
some camp  duties,  and  fruitless  marching  and  eouter-marcliing  began  to 
breed  a spirit  of  discontent.  For  some  offense  Colonel  Williams  had  been 
ordered  to  St.  Louis  in  arrest.  The  regiment  proceeded  to  Macon  City,  and 
from  thence  to  Cameron  early  in  September.  The  regiment  was  under  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant-colonel  Scott.  Scott,  with  five  hundred  able  men  of 
the  Third  Iowa,  about  seventy  home  guards,  a squad  of  artillery,  and  a sin- 
gle six-pounder  gun  left  Cameron  on  the  afternoon  of  September  15th,  and 
reached  Liberty  early  on  the  17tli,  expecting  there  to  co-operate  with  Colonel 
Smith,  Sixteenth  Illinois,  against  the  rebel  general  Atchinson,  comnjanding 
three  regiments,  two  battalions,  and  one  battery — about  four  thousand  men. 
The  enemy  had  marched  through  Liberty  the  evening  before,  and  proceeded 
to  Blue  Mills  Landing,  where  they  expected  to  cross  the  river.  Colonel 
Smith  had  not  arrived.  The  troops  under  Scott  were  impatient  for  battle, 
and  firing  being  heard  in  the  direction  of  the  landing  about  eleven  o’clock, 
the  eagerness  of  our  troops  for  battle  was  difficult  to  restrain.  The  inter- 
vening country  between  Liberty  and  Blue  Mills  was  covered  by  a thick  for- 
est and  underbrush,  and  impenetrable  in  line  of  battle.  Yielding  to  the 
clamor  of  his  men,  Scott  marched  in  column  into  the  woods,  with  skirmish- 
ers in  the  van.  They  had  not  proceeded  far  when  surprised  by  rebel  am- 
bush, and  were  under  fire  along  the  entire  line.  The  cannon  was  brought 
into  action,  but  only  fired  two  rounds  when  so  many  of  the  gunners  were 
killed  that  the  piece  could  be  no  longer  worked.  The  men  fought  bravely, 
but  were  compelled  to  fall  back,  which  they  did  in  good  order,  bringing  off 
the  cannon  by  hand.  In  a short  time  ten  out  of  sixteen  officers  had  fallen, 
killed  or  wounded.  On  reaching  the  open  field  a battalion  was  formed,  but 
the  rebels  declined  attack.  The  retreat  was  continued  to  Liberty.  During 
the  night  the  enemy  crossed  the  river,  and  moved  rapidly  toward  Lexington. 
The  loss  to  the  Third  Iowa  in  this  engagement  was  ninety-four  in  killed  and 
wounded,  and  though  a rash  adventure  and  severe  lesson,  the  effect  on  the 


DISTORT  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


381 

command  was  a good  one.  From  Liberty  the  regiment  proceeded  to  Wy- 
andott,  Kansas.  From  thence,  on  the  18tli  of  October,  the  regiment  pro- 
ceeded by  rail  to  Quincy,  Illinois,  where  they  remained  in  camp  until 
November  9,  a ball  being  there  given  by  the  citizens  in  honor  of  the  com- 
mand. 

Thence  by  river  the  regiment  proceeded  to  Benton  Barracks,  near  St. 
Louis.  December  26  the  regiment  was  distributed  in  squads  along  the  line 
of  the  North  Missouri  railroad,  for  the  purpose  of  guarding  the  track.  Thus 
employed,  they  spent  the  winter.  Recalled  to  St.  Louis  early  in  March,  the 
command  was  soon  on  a steamer  embarked  to  join  the  forces  of  General 
Grant,  in  Tennessee.  Disembarking  at  Pittsburg  Landing,  here  our  regi- 
ment remained  until  the  surprise  of  April  6.  In  the  battle  of  Shiloh  the 
Third  regiment  distinguished  itself  by  its  bravery  and  desperate  fighting. 
The  loss  of  most  of  its  line  officers  in  killed  and  wounded  attests  its  activity 
in  the  fight.  In  carrying  a bridge  at  Matamora,  in  September,  in  a few 
minutes  it  lost  sixty  officers  and  men  out  of  three  hundred  engaged.  On  the 
17th  of  May  the  regiment  embarked  on  the  steamer  Crescent  City,  for 
Vicksburg.  This  steamer  was  in  advance  of  a fleet  bearing  re-enforcements 
to  Grant.  She  was  fired  into  by  a considerable  number  of  rebels,  but  the 
Third  Iowa  men  sprang  to  their  arms  and  drove  the  enemy  from  the  shore. 
Fourteen  men  of  the  regiment  were  wounded.  May  25th  it  took  its  place 
among  those  besieging  Vicksburg,  and  during  the  entire  siege,  and  in  several 
engagements,  maintained  its  former  reputation  for  valor.  In  the  campaign 
against  Joe  Johnson  the  Third  bore  a more  conspicuous  part  of  gallantry 
and  suffering  than  any  other  command  from  Iowa.  Its  conduct  in  the  sec- 
ond siege  of  Jackson  was  equally  heroic.  In  December  it  returned  to 
Vicksburg;  took  part  in  the  Meridian  raid;  and  after  the  return  to  Vicks- 
burg again,  the  veterans  were  furloughed.  The  non-veterans  under  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant-colonel  Tullis,  of  Mahaska,  proceeded  to  assist  in  the 
Bed  Biver  campaign.  The  two  portions  were  never  re-united,  the  non- 
veterans being  mustered  out  after  their  campaign  .under  Banks.  The  few 
returning  veterans  were  consolidated  into  a battalion  of  three  companies, 
but  in  the  battle  of  Atlanta  literally  fought  itself  out  of  existence.  In  this 
battle,  their  color-bearer  being  slain,  “ still  the  mass  stood  there,  madly  fight- 
ing for  defense.  Their  numbers  fast  decreasing  by  death  their  hopes  be- 
gan to  fail,  and  as  they  surrendered  themselves  to  the  enemy  they  tore  the 
emblems  of  our  nationality  and  regimental  designation  into  pieces  and  into 
shreds,  which,  concealed,  they  proudly  brought  back  to  us,  untouched  and 
unsoiled  by  impious  and  traitorous  hands.  ” 

The  few  remaining  members  of  the  organization  consolidated  with  the 
Second  Iowa  Infantry,  taking  part  with  Sherman  in  his  campaigns  to  the 
close  of  the  war. 

Lieut.  Col.  James  Tullis.  See  below,  Co.  H. 

Com.  Sergt.  Charles  A.  Croney,  mustered  in  January,  1862,  reduced  to 
ranks,  February,  1862. 

Com.  Sergt.  Webster  W.  Majors,  enlisted  Second  Corporal,  Co.  H,  June  1, 
1861,  promoted  fourth  Sergeant,  January  6,  1862,  promoted  first  Ser- 
geant, February  1,  1862,  Commissary  Sergeant,  February,  1862,  taken 
prisoner  at  Shiloh,  April  6,  1862,  and  paroled,  died  October  31,  1862. 
Com.  Sergt.  Edward  W.  Hall,  enlisted  as  private  in  Co.  B,  May  21, 1861, 
promoted  Commissary  Sergeant,  June  28,  1862,  First  Lieutenant  Co.  B, 
November  1,  1862. 


388 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


COMPANY  B. 

PRIVATES. 

Doughman,  Daniel,  enlisted  May  21, 
1861,  killed  in  battle  at  Jackson, 
Miss. 

Defenbaugh,  E.,  enlisted  May  10, 
1864,  dropped  from  rolls  as  de- 
serted, September  30,  1864. 

Garden,  Robert  I.,  enlisted  May  21, 
1861. 

Luther,  Henry  F.,  enlisted  May  21, 
1861. 

Moore,  Jacob,  enlisted  May  21, 1861, 
wounded  very  severely  at  Shiloli, 
died  of  fever,  June  16,  1862. 

Pearson,  Henry,  enlisted  Mav  21, 
1861. 

Sweene,  Thos.  C.,  enlisted  May  21, 
1861,  discharged  at  Sturgeon,  Mo., 
February  12,  1862. 

COMPANY  C. 

Warren,  Ezra  G.,  enlisted  May  20, 
1861,  wounded  and  missing  at 
Jackson,  July  12,  1863,  died. 

COMPANY  H. 

Captain  John  H.  Warren,  enlisted 
June  1,  1861,  wom>ded  severely 
in  legs  at  Blue  Mills,  Mo.,  Sep- 
tember IT,  1861,  and  resigned 
February  12,  1862. 

Captain  James  Tullis,  enlisted  as 
First  Lieutenant  June  1,  1861, 
wounded  severely  at  Black  Mills, 
Mo.,  promoted  Captain  February 
13,  1862,  wounded  severely  at 
Shiloh,  promoted  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel November  21,  1862,  mus- 
tered out  June  18,  1864. 

Captain  Simon  G.  Gary,  enlisted 
First  Sergeant,  Co.  H,  June  1, 
1861,  promoted  Second  Lieuten- 
ant February  22,  1862,  promoted 
First  Lieutenant  October  6,  1862, 
wounded  slightly  at  Shiloh,  pro- 
moted Captain  November  22, 1862, 
wounded  severely  in  left  thigh  at 
battle  of  Jackson,  July  12,  1863, 
mustered  out  June  18,  1864. 


First  Lieutenant  William  P.  Dodd, 
enlisted  as  private  June  1,  1861, 
promoted  Second  Lieutenant  Dec. 
1, 1861,  promoted  First  Lieutenant 
February  22,  1862,  killed  in  bat- 
tle, Matamora,  Tenn.,  Oct.  5, 1862. 

Second  Sergeant  Jno.  Farmer,  en- 
listed June  1,  1861,  severely 
wounded  at  Jackson  in  right  fore- 
arm, discharged  February  12, 1864, 
for  wounds. 

Third  Sergeant  Chas.  W.  Peach,  en- 
listed June  1,  1861,  reduced  to 
ranks  November  1,  1861,  veteran- 
ized Jan  4,  1864,  in  Co.  I,  Second 
Veteran  Infantry. 

Third  Sergeant  Abraham  T.  Allo- 
way,  enlisted  as  private  June  1, 

1861,  promoted  Third  Sergeant 
November  1,  1861,  wounded  at 
Jackson,  Miss.,  killed  at  Peoria, 
Mahaska  county,  in  a riot  August 
22,  1863,  of  which  account  is  giv- 
en elsewhere. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Albert  E.  Lough, 
enlisted  June  1,  1861,  died  of  ty- 
phoid fever  at  Oskaloosa,  Iowa, 
January  6,  1862. 

First  Corporal  John  H.  Seevers,  en- 
listed June  1,  1861,  discharged 
for  disability  at  Pittsburg  Land- 
ing, May  1,  1862. 

Second  Corporal  Wm.  JI.  Bowker, 
enlisted  June  1,  1861  as  private, 
promoted  Second  Corporal  April 
22,  1862,  veteranized  January  4, 
1864,  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  In- 
fantry. 

Second  Corporal  John  B.  Blattner, 
enlisted  June  1,  1861,  killed  in 
battle  Shiloh,  April  6,  1862. 

Third  Corporal  Clinton  DeWitt,  en- 
listed as  private  October  24, 1861, 
promoted  Third  Corporal  July  26, 

1862,  re-enlisted  Co.  I,  Second 
Veteran  Infantry,  commissioned 
First  Lieutenant  July  8,  1864, 
Wounded  at  Jackson,  Miss. 

Fourth  Corporal  Jno.  F.  Lacy,  en- 
listed June  1,  1861,  discharged  at 
Quincy  November  1,  1861,  par- 
oled prisoner. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


389 


Fourth  Corporal  Edward  A.  Bar- 
bour, enlisted  June  1,  1861,  as 
private,  wounded  severely  at  Blue 
Mills,  promoted  Fourth  Corporal 
February  13,  1862,  wounded  se- 
verely in  hip  at  Shiloh,  discharged 
September  29,  1862,  at  Keokuk, 
for  disability. 

Fifth  Corporal  J.  A.  Brecken ridge, 
enlisted  June  1,  1861,  discharged 
at  Quincy,  October  25,  1861. 

Fifth  Corporal  Edward  J.  Ball,  en- 
listed as  private  June  1,  1861, 
promoted  Fifth  Corporal,  wound- 
ed at  Shiloh,  reduced  to  ranks  by 
court  martial,  October  3,  1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  Jas.  F.  Lacy,  enlisted 
as  private,  June  1,  1861,  promoted 
Fifth  Corporal  November  1,1861, 
died  at  Oskaloosa,  Feb.  11,1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  Jonas  H.  Gatewood, 
enlisted  as  private,  promoted  Fifth 
Corporal,  October  27,  1862. 

Sixth  Corporal  Wm.  A.  Ovrell,  en- 
listed June  1,  1861,  wounded 
slightly  in  hip  at  Shiloh,  veter- 
anized February  27,  1864,  in  Co. 
I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry,  dis- 
charged January  4,  1865,  to  re- 
ceive an  appointment  in  U.  S.  Col. 
Troops. 

Seventh  Corporal  Chas.  W.  Rapp, 
enlisted  June  1,  1861,  discharged 
for  disability  at  St.  Louis,  January 
1,  1862. 

Seventh  Corporal  Geo.  W.  Co  verson, 
enlisted  as  private  June  1,  1861, 
promoted  Seventh  Corporal  Feb- 
ruary 3,  1862,  missing  at  Jackson, 
Miss.,  July  12,  1863. 

Eighth  Corporal  Geo.  Godfrey,  en- 
listed June  1,  1861,  wounded  se- 
verely at  Shiloh,  taken  prisoner 
June  25,  1862,  and  exchanged, 
died  at  Memphis,  March  22,  1863. 

Fifer  Tlios.  Kerr,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  for  deafness,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  November  30,1861. 

Wagoner  Wheeler  Chadwick, enlist- 
ed June  1,  1861,  reduced  to  ranks, 
discharged  June  20,  1861,  for  dis- 
ability. 


Wagoner  William  W.  Wheeler,  en- 
listed as  private  June  1,  1861, 
promoted  wagoner. 

PRIVATES. 

Barton,  James  C.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  died  of  typhoid  fever  at 
Mexico,  Mo.,  February  20,  1862. 

Bigham,  Samuel,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4,1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry. 

Ball,  Basil  R.,  enlisted  June  1,  1861, 
veteranized  January  4,  1864,  in 
Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry, 
discharged  March  27,  1865,  to  re- 
ceive appointment  in  U.  S.  col- 
ored troops. 

Boswell,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  June 
1,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  St.  Louis,  November  15,  1861. 

Benson,  Samuel,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4,1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry, 
appointed  5th  corporal. 

Benson,  Maulorff,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4,  1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry. 

Brown,  M.  V.  B.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
St.  Louis,  December  12,  1861. 

Brockaway,  Philo  J„  enlisted  June 
1,  1861,  veteranized  December  17, 
1863,  into  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran 
Infantry. 

Campbell,  Richard  H.,  enlisted  June 
1,  1861. 

Crawford,  J.  Lewis,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4,  1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry. 

Coverston,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  in  Second  Vet- 
eran Infantry,  January  4,  1864, 
wounded  and  captured  at  Canton, 
Miss.,  February  27,  1864. 

Coverston,  Lafayette,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 5, 1862,  veteranized  in  Co. 
I,  Second  Veteran  infantry. 

Davis,  Clement,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  at  Sturgeon,  Mo., 
February  19,  1862,  for  disability. 


390 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Dick,  Jonathan,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  wounded  severely  at  Ha- 
ger’s Woods,  Mo.,  discharged  at 
St.  Louis,  November  18,  1861. 

Felt,  Jas.  H.,  enlisted  June  1,  1861, 
discharged  for  disability  at  Pitts- 
burg Landing,  May  2,  1862. 

Fenderson,  Chas.  W.,  enlisted  June 
1,  1861,  wounded  severely  in  leg 
at  Shiloh,  killed  at  Jackson,  Miss., 
in  battle. 

Gibson,  John  D.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  Dec.  IT,  1863, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Y eteran  Infantry, 
taken  prisoner  near  Cheran,  S.  C. 

Gamble,  Isaac,  enlisted  June  1,1861, 
wounded  severely  in  leg  at  Blue 
Mills. 

Gatewood,  Chas.  A.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Sturgeon,  Mo.,  February  19, 1862. 

Gately,  James  T.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Pittsburg  Landing,  May  1, 1862. 

Golden,  Geo.,  enlisted  June  1,  18*61, 
wounded  severely  at  Shiloh,  dis- 
charged at  Keokuk  for  wounds, 
March  3,  1863. 

Henderson,  Isaac  H.,  enlisted  June 
1,  1861,  veteranized  December  IT, 
1863,  in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran 
Infantry,  taken  prisoner. 

Haywood,  Thos.  J.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  Nov.  26,  1862. 

Lyster,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Bolivar, 
Tenn.,  September  21,  1862,  dis- 
charged March  30,  1862. 

Linville,  Solomon  A.,  enlisted  June 
1,  1861,  mortally  wounded  at  Shi- 
loh, died  at  Keokuk,  May  12, 1862. 

McClure,  Wm.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  died  of  typhoid  fever  at  Pa- 
ducah, Ky.,  June  IT,  1862. 

McCarn,  Barney,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861. 

McKay,  Francis,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4, 1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Y eteran  Infan  try, 
wounded  severely  in  left  hip  on 
steamer  near  Island  No.  82,  May 
18,  1863. 


Mott,  Peter  E.,  enlisted  June  1, 1861. 
McGruder,  Wm.  M.,  enlisted  June 

I,  1861,  wounded  at  Vicksburg, 
June  20,  1863. 

Melianna,  John  W.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  wounded  slightly  in  face  at 
Shiloh. 

McClure,  J esse,  enlisted  June  1, 1861, 
wounded  severely  in  head  at  Blue 
Mills,  Mo.,  again  at  Vicksburg. 
McClure,  John,  enlisted  August 

II,  1862,  died  of  diarrhoea,  Sep- 
tember 12,  1863,  at  Natchez. 

Parks,  John  D.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  wounded  at  Jackson,  Miss. 
Parks,  Alfred,  enlisted  June  1,  1861. 
Ramy,  John  H.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Quincy,  February  1,  1862. 

Pice.  Benjamin  F.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4, 1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry. 
Shafer,  Aaron,  enlisted  June  1 , 1861. 
Sprague,  Andrew  S.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4, 1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry. 
Shepard,  Wm.  E.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861. 

Smith,  Thos.  R.,  enlisted  June  1, 

1861,  lost  right  arm  at  Matamora, 
Tenn.,  discharged  December  2T, 

1862. 

Tomson,  Wm.,  enlisted  June  1, 1861, 
veteranized  January  4,  1864,  Co. 
I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry. 
Talbott,  John  H.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  mortally  wounded  at  Shiloh, 
died  April  20,  1861,  at  St.  Louis. 
Williams,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  June 
1,  1861,  veteranized  January  4, 
1864,  in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran 
Infantry. 

Williams,  John  W.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  died  of  fever  at  Hudson, 
Mo.,  September  IT,  1861. 

Wierna,  Michael,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  mortally  wounded  at  Blue 
Mills,  died  November  19,  1861,  at 
Oskaloosa. 

West,  Cyrus  W.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  killed  in  battle  of  Monroe, 
Mo.,  July  11,  1861. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


391 


Worth,  John  W.,  enlisted  June  1, 

1861. 


Wells,  Cyrus  B.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  veteranized  January  4, 1864, 
in  Co.  I,  Second  Veteran  Infantry. 
Young,  John  C.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Pittsburg  Landing,  April  24, 


1862. 


Zane,  Benajah,  enlisted  June  1 , 1861, 
wounded  severely  in  leg  at  Shiloh, 
veteranized  in  Co.  I,  Second  Vet- 
eran Infantry,  January  4,  1864. 

Coverston,  F.  M.,  enlisted  June  1, 
1861. 

Dodd,  Jesse,  re-enlisted  January  3, 
1864. 


SEVENTH  INFANTRY. 

This  regiment  was  sworn  into  the  service  at  Burlington,  in  July,  1861, 
just  after  the  battle  of  Bull  Run.  Mahaska’s  contribution  to  the  7th 
Infantry  was  Co.  C,  with  rank  and  file  of  one  hundred  men,  from  which 
several  were  promoted  to  regimental  offices,  and  to  which  numerous  recruits 
were  subsequently  added.  At  the  time  of  enlistment  troops  were  sadly 
needed,  and  the  regiment  was  hurried  to  St.  Louis,  where  it  was  armed  and 
immediately  transported  to  Ironton,  about  one  hundred  miles  south  from 
St.  Louis,  where  the  regiment  first  drilled  in  the  manual  of  arms.  Thence 
marching  to  J ackson,  thence  to  Cape  Girardeau,  thence  by  steamer  to  Cairo, 
it  encamped  for  a fortnight  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river;  then  the  com- 
mand proceeded  to  Camp  Crittenden,  thence  to  Fort  Jefferson,  thence  by 
way  of  Bird’s  Point  to  Norfolk.  Here  Sergeant  Elliott  W.  Rice  was  com- 
missioned Major  of  the  regiment.  Returning  to  Cairo,  the  men  were 
drilled  several  hours  daily,  until  summoned  in  November  to  take  part  in 
the  battle  of  Belmont.  In  this  engagement,  November  7, 1861,  the  conduct 
of  the  7th  Regiment  was  heroic.  Col.  Dougherty  says  the  regiment 
“ throughout  the  battle  fought  like  veterans,  dealing  death  to  rebels  wherever 
they  encountered  them.  Iowa  may  well  feel  proud  of  her  sons  who  fought 
at  Belmont.”  General  Grant  says  “ the  regiment  behaved  with  great  gal- 
lantry, and  suffered  more  severely  than  any  other  of  the  troops.” 

After  the  battle  the  troops  returned  to  Bird’s  Point,  and  thence  to  Benton 
Barracks,  where  they  remained  two  months,  and  then  proceeded  against  Ft. 
Henry,  which  was  soon  captured  and  taken  possession  of  by  the  troops. 
Feb.  12  they  joined  the  column  marching  upon  Ft.  Done] son,  and  in  the 
siege  and  assault  of  this  stronghold,  the  7th  Regiment  bore  a conspicuous 
part.  Enjoying  the  comfortable  quarters  of  the  surrendered  fort  for  about 
a month,  it  proceeded  thence  to  Pittsburg  Landing,  where  it  shared  the 
glory  belonging  to  the  “ Iowa  Brigade,”  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh.  Engaging 
in  the  siege  of  Corinth,  and  the  pursuit  of  the  rebels  which  followed,  it 
enjoyed  the  leisure  of  a beautiful  encampment  about  two  miles  southeast  of 
the  last  named  city  until  September  15,  when  the  regiment  was  ordered  to 
Iuka.  The  7th  was  not  engaged  in  that  battle,  fought  on  the  19th,  but  were 
used  for  strategic  purposes  by  General  Grant.  The  command  soon  returned 
to  Corinth,  where  it  remained  two  weeks  longer.  In  the  battle  of  Corinth 
on  the  3d  and  4th  of  October,  the  7th  Regiment  was  in  the  thickest  of  the 
combat,  and  under  heavy  fire  during  most  of  the  engagement.  The  loss 
amounted  to  about  one-third  the  men  engaged.  The  winter  was  quietly 
spent  in  the  Corinthian  encampment.  The  year  1863  was  employed  in  the 
irksome  and  inglorious  duties  of  guarding  the  frontier,  and  in  an  encamp- 
ment at  Pulaski.  In  December  opportunity  was  granted  those  who  had 


392 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


been  in  the  service  two  years  to  re-enlist,  and  to  those  who  thus  became 
veterans,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  War  Department,  a furlough  was 
granted.  In  April  the  regiment  engaged  in  the  not-to-be-forgotten  cam- 
paign against  Atlanta.  The  most  severe  engagement  participated  in  by  the 
7th  Regiment  was  at  Oostanaula  river,  where  with  an  enthusiasm  almost 
blameworthy,  the  troops  threw  themselves  against  and  routed  the  column 
of  the  enemy.  The  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  sixty.  Before  taking 
part  in  the  promenade  with  “ Sherman  to  the  Sea,”  the  privilege  of  Iowa 
citizens  was  granted  the  boys,  and  the  result  was  320  votes  for  Lincoln  and 
two  for  McClellan.  From  Rome  to  Savannah,  from  Savannah  four  hundred 
and  eighty  miles  to  Goldsboro,  through  dismal  swamps,  through  hardship, 
labor  and  storm,  these  men  marched  patiently  and  without  a murmur,  and 
with  perhaps  the  loss  of  a single  man,  taken  prisoner.  The  end  of  the  war 
found  the  regiment  at  Goldsboro.  They  proceeded  by  way  of  Raleigh  to 
Washington  City,  participated  in  the  grand  review,  were  transported  to 
Louisville,  where  the  gallant  survivors  of  the  great  conflict  mustered  out 
July  12,  1865.  The  total  casualties  of  the  regiment  were  559. 

Colonel  Elliott  W.  Rice,  enlisted  as  Second  Sergeant  in  Co.  C,  promoted 
Major,  August  30,  1861,  wounded  at  Belmont,  promoted  Colonel,  March 
22,  1862,  promoted  Brigadier  General,  June  20,  1864. 

Major  James  W.  McMullen,  enlisted  in  Co.  C,  commissioned  Captian,  July 
24,  1861,  promoted  Major,  March  22,  1862,  wounded  in  leg  at  battle  of 
Corinth  by  rifle  ball,  resigned  August  6,  1864. 

Sergeant-Major,  Benton  K.  Smith,  enlisted , 1861,  as  Eighth  Corporal, 

Co.  C,  appointed  Sergeant-Major,  July  30,  1861,  Second  Lieutenant,  Co. 
O,  Feb.  26, 1862,  First  Lieutenant,  May  13, 1862,  Captain,  June  22, 1862, 
killed  in  battle  of  Corinth. 

Quarter-Master  Sergeant,  George  J.  Bennett,  enlisted  as  private  in  Co.  C, 
July,  1861,  promoted  Quarter-Master  Sergeant,  August  5, 1861,  wounded 
at  Corinth,  Second  Lieutenant  Co.  C,  June  22,  1862,  First  Lieutenant, 
October  5,  1862,  Captain,  February  11,  1864,  resigned  August  4,  1864. 
Fife-Major,  William  Johnson,  enlisted  as  private  in  Co.  C,  promoted  Fife- 
Major,  August  30,  1861. 


COMPANY  C. 

For  record  of  Captains  McMullen, 
Smith,  and  Bennett,  see  above; 
Captain  Helmick,  see  below. 

Captain  Wesley  Moreland,  enlisted 
as  Sixth  Corporal,  1861,  promoted 
Second  Sergeant,  October  2,  1861, 
wounded  at  Belmont,  promoted 
First  Lieutenant,  December  16, 
1862,  promoted  Captain,  May  13, 
1862,  died  of  chronic  diarrhoea, 
June  22,  1862. 

Captain  John  P.  Loughridge,  enlist- 
ed as  Fifth  Corporal,  July,  1861, 
promoted  Fourth  Sergeant,  Octo- 
ber, 16,  1861,  promoted  First  Ser- 
geant, November  27,  1861,  pro- 
moted First  Lieutenant,  June  22, 


1862,  promoted  Captain,  October 
5,  1862,  died,  February  10,  1864, 
of  small-pox,  at  Oskaloosa. 

First  Lieutenant  James  N.  Smith, 
commissioned  July  24,  1861,  re- 
signed at  St.  Louis  on  account  of 
ill  health,  November  25,  1861. 

Second  Lieutenant  Benj.  Ream,  com- 
missioned July  24,  1861,  mortally 
wounded  at  Belmont,  died  at 
Cairo,  November  22,  1862. 

Second  Lieutentant  Win.  G.  Moore, 
enlisted  as  private  July,  1861,  pro- 
moted Fifth  Corporal,  October  14, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Belmont, 
released,  promoted  Second  Lieu- 
tenant, December  16,  1861,  lost 
left  eye  at  Ft.  Donelson,  resigned 
in  consequence,  February  25, 1862. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


393 


Second  Lieutenant  Wm.  H.  Berkey, 
enlisted  as  Second  Corporal,  July 
15,  1861,  promoted  Second  Ser- 
geant, November  26, 1861,  wound- 
ed at  Donelson  and  Corinth,  pro- 
moted Second  Lieutenant,  October 
5,  1862,  First  Lieutenant,  Febru- 
ary 11, 1864,  resigned,  August  6, 
1864. 

First  Sergeant  A.  G.  Young,  enlist- 
ed July,  1861,  killed  at  Belmont, 
November  7,  1861. 

Third  Sergeant  J.  G.  Crookham,  en- 
listed July,  1861,  wounded  in 
thigh  at  Corinth. 

Fourth  Sergeant  B.  F.  Yocum,  en- 
listed July,  1861,  discharged  at 
Norfolk,  Mo.,  October  1,  1861. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Henry  Butterton, 
enlisted  as  private,  July,  1861, 
promoted  Fourth  Sergeant,  De- 
cember 2, 1861,  discharged  at  Cor- 
inth, October  7,  1862. 

Fifth  Sergeant  David  Clumer,  en- 
listed July,  1861,  wounded  in 
thigh  at  Belmont,  discharged  at 
Corinth,  July  1,  1862. 

First  Corporal  Michael  Rodgers,  en- 
listed July,  1861,  reduced  to  ranks, 
November  1,  1861. 

First  Corporal  Wm.  Moore,  enlisted 
as  private,  July,  1861,  promoted 
First  Corporal,  November  2, 1861. 

Third  Corporal  John  Darnell,  en- 
listed July,  1861,  reduced  to  ranks 
at  his  own  request,  and  discharged 
at  Pittsburg  Landing,  April  10, 
1862. 

Third  Corporal  Lawrence  A.  Gregg, 
enlisted  as  private,  July,  1861, 
promoted  Third  Corporal,  August 
27,  1861,  wounded  at  Belmont, 
and  died  at  Columbus,  Ky.,  No- 
vember 10,  1861. 

Fourth  Corporal  Eli  P.  Tracy,  en- 
listed July,  1861,  reduced  to  ranks, 
November  1,  1861. 

Fourth  Corporal  Geo.  Mastellar,  en- 
listed as  private  July,  1861,  pro- 
moted Sixth  Corporal,  October  14, 
1861,  promoted  Fourth  Corporal, 
November  1,  1861,  taken  prisoner 


at  Belmont,  died  at  Annapolis, 
October  21,  1862. 

Sixth  Corporal  Jno.  R.  Baer,  enlist- 
ed as  private,  July,  1861,  promo- 
ted Sixth  Corporal,  November  1, 
1861. 

Seventh  Corporal  Isaac  G.  Heynsell, 
enlisted  July,  1861,  reduced  to 
ranks  at  his  own  request,  died  at 
St.  Louis,  May  12,  1862. 

Seventh  Corporal  Wm.  H.  Jones, 
enlisted  as  private  July,  1861, pro- 
moted Corporal,  August  27,  1861, 
killed  at  Belmont,  Nov.  7,  1861. 

Eighth  Corporal  Albert  Hawkins, 
enlisted  July,  1861,  as  private, 
promoted  Corporal,  August  27, 
1861. 

PRIVATES. 

Addy,  George,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
mortally  wounded  at  Belmont,  died 
at  Mound  City,  December  12, 1861. 

Blair,  Samuel  IL.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  wounded  at  Corinth,  after- 
ward Corporal. 

Bonsall,  William  J.,  enlisted  July, 

1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Pittsburg  Landing,  March  24, 

1862. 

Bristol,  Reuben  R.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  died  at  Mound  City  Hos- 
pital, November  6,  1861. 

Clarke,  Solomon  B.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  slightly  wounded  at  Belmont. 

Clair,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  at  Pittsburg,  Tenn., 
March  24,  1862. 

Darnell,  Wm.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  December 
9,  1863,  taken  prisoner  at  Bone 
Yard,  Miss. 

Dodge,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  July  24, 
1861,  died  at  Mound  City  Hospi- 
tal, March  9,  1862. 

Else,  Will.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Ft.  Donelson  in  right 
shoulder,  discharged  at  Keokuk, 
December  29,  1863. 

Finarty,  Robert,  enlisted  July  24, 
1861,  died  at  Keokuk,  November 
22,  1861. 


394 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Gaskill,  Olander,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  at  St.  Louis,  August  17, 

1861. 

Grant,  Harrison  A.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  slightly  wounded  at  Bel- 
mont, died  at  Ft.  Holt,  Ky.,  Jan- 
uary 25,  1862. 

Grant,  James  O.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  at  Pittsburg,  Tenn., 
April  10,  1862,  for  disease  of  lungs. 

Gregory,  Wm.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  at  St.  Louis,  August 
15,  1861. 

Griffis,  John,  enlisted  July,  1861,  re- 
enlisted as  veteran,  December  26, 
1863. 

Glass,  Washington,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  dropped  from  rolls  by  order 
of  Halleck,  May  17,  1862. 

Hartman,  Joshua,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  discharged  at  Keokuk,  Aug- 
ust 21,  1862. 

Haun,  Hugh  F.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  at  Pittsburg,  Tenn., 
April  28,  1862. 

Helmick,  Jason,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Donelson  and  Corinth. 

Helmick,  Simon,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
promoted  Second  Lieutenant,  Feb- 
ruary 11,  1864,  promoted  Captain 
August  5,  1864. 

Hodges,  Simpson,  enlisted  July, 

1861,  wounded  at  Corinth  in  right 
shoulder. 

Henry,  Wm.  C.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Pittsburg  Landing, 
discharged  at  Belmont,  April  10, 

1862. 

Hites,  Albert,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
mortally  wounded  at  Belmont,  died 
at  Mound  City,  November  25, 
1861. 

Hites,  John,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Corinth,  died  of 
wounds  at  St.  Louis,  October  31, 
1862. 

Harlan,  Luther  C.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  discharged  at  St.  Louis,  Aug- 
ust 16,  1861. 

Hoover,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  July, 

1861,  killed  at  Corinth,  October  3, 

1862. 


Hoit,  Nicholas,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
taken  prisoner. 

Jones,  Price,  enlisted  July,  1861,  re- 
enlisted as  veteran,  December  29, 

1863. 

Jarvis,  Bruce,  enlisted  July,  1861. 

Mendenhall,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran,  Decem- 
ber 29,  1863. 

McCullough,  Kobert,  enlisted  July, 
1861. 

Mullen,  Wm.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Belmont  and  Corinth. 

McMahan,  B.  C.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
taken  prisoner  at  Corinth,  released, 
re-enlisted,  December  29,  1863,  as 
veteran. 

Myer,  Solomon,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Corinth,  re-enlisted  as 
veteran,  January  4,  1864,  killed  in 
battle  Oostanaula  Biver,  Ga.,  May 
15,  1864. 

Mills,  Thos.  C.,  enlisted  July,  1861. 

McDonald,  Joseph,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  died  at  Mound  City  Hospi- 
tal, October  26,  1861. 

Morgan,  Jno.  L.  enlisted  July,  1861, 
taken  prisoner  at  Belmont,  Novem- 
ber 17,  1861,  released,  re-enlisted 
December  29,  1864,  as  veteran. 

Mohaney,  Jos.  D.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Belmont, 
died  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  of  chronic 
diarrhoea,  December  2,  1862. 

Mady,  Wm.,  enlisted  July,  1861. 

McClure,  Thos.  B.,  enlisted  July, 

1861,  wounded  in  leg  at  Belmont, 
discharged  at  Corinth  July  26, 

1862. 

Martin,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Belmont,  discharged 
July  1,  1862,  at  Corinth. 

Norton,  Gilbert  W.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Pittsburg,  Tenn.,  March  24,  1862. 

Os  wan  die,  Henry  C.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  severely  wounded  at  Corinth, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  February 
6,  1864. 

Phillips,  Aaron,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  on  account  of  sickness 
at  Keokuk,  March  7,  1863. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


395 


Parsons,  Silas,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  at  Belmont,  discharged 
at  Pittsburg,  Tenn.,  March  24, 

1862,  re-enlisted  August  13,  1862, 
killed  at  Oostanaula  River,  Ga., 
May  15,  1864. 

Pearsons,  John  L.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  wounded  at  Corinth. 

Pierson,  John  W.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Belmont. 
Sharp, Stephen  D.,  enlisted  July, 1861, 
afterward  corporal,  wounded  ' at 
Donelson,  discharged  at  Keokuk 
August  21,  1862. 

Schock,  Jacob,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
afterwards  corporal,  discharged 
May  24,  1862. 

Snooks,  James  W.,  enlisted  July, 

1861,  wounded  at  Belmont  and 
Corinth,  killed  at  Shiloh  April  6, 

1862. 

Sproule,  Thos.  S.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  December  29, 

1863,  killed  inaction  near  Mariet- 
ta, Ga.,  July  4,  1864. 

Snooks,  Isaiah,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
lost  left  arm,  discharged  January 
7,  1863. 

Silvertliorn,  Wm.  W.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  discharged  at  Corinth  Aug- 
ust 11,  1862. 

Summers,  James  W.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  killed  in  battle  of  Shiloh, 
April  6,  1862. 

Shipley,  James  G.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  discharged  at  Pittsburg, 
Tenn.,  April  28,  1862,  for  disabili- 
ty- 

Smith,  Harvey,  enlisted  July,  1831, 
wounded  at  Belmont,  died  at 
Smithland,  Ky. 

Tredick,  Thomas,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  December 
29,  1863. 

Thompson,  Johnson,  enlisted  July, 

1861,  wounded  at  Belmont,  dis- 
charged at  Corinth  September  17, 

1862. 

Todd,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
wounded  in  head  at  Shiloh,  dis- 
charged at  Keokuk  September  3, 
1862. 


Thompson,  Thos.  J.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  Jan- 
uary 4,  1864. 

Yanlandingham,  Wr.  H.,  enlisted 
July,  1861,  wounded  at  Donelson 
and  Shiloh,  discharged  at  Keokuk 
September  12,  1862. 

Walker  Sam  J.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
taken  prisoner  at  Belmont,  died  at 
Macon,  Ga.,  a prisoner  of  war. 

Winkleman,  Benj.  F.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Pittsburg,  March  24,  1862. 

Wymore,  Samuel  H.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  wounded  in  arm  at  Belmont, 
jawbone  broken  at  Corinth,  re-en- 
listed as  veteran  December  25, 

1863. 


White,  Elias,  enlisted  July,  1861,  kill- 
ed at  Belmont,  November  7,  1861, 

Wharton,  Robt.,  enlisted  July,  1861. 
died  at  Mound  City  Hospital, 
October  26, 1861. 

Wilson,  Philander  D.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Belmont 
November  7,  1861,  discharged  at 
St.  Louis  December  30,  1862. 

Wharton,  Cyrus  B.,  enlisted  July, 
1861,  died  at  Corinth,  August  11, 


1862. 


Wagner,  Fred  B.,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  at  Pittsburg,  Tenn., 
April  10,  1862,  for  lung  disease. 
Worth,  Lawrence  B.,  enlisted  July, 
1861. 


ADDITIONAL  ENLISTMENTS. 


Seary,  Thos.  I.,  enlisted  August  13, 
1861. 

Stattler,  David  E.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 2,  1861,  died  at  Mound  City 
Hospital,  November  6,  1861. 

Raider,  Thos.  G.,  enlisted  September 
6,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  corporal 
December  29,  1863. 

Bonsel,  Jas.  S.,  enlisted  September 
2,  1861,  killed  at  Shiloh  April  6, 
1862. 

Gregg,  Hayden  A.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 1,  1861. 


396 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Johnson,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  Dec. 
1,  1861,  died  at  Lagrange,  Tenn., 
of  lung  disease,  Sept.  21,  1863. 
Petticord,  Hedgeman,  enlisted  De- 
cember 1,  1861,  discharged  at 
Pittsburg,  Tenn.,  March  24, 1862. 
Summerville,  B.  F.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 1,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
December  29,  1863. 

Denny,  Jno  E.,  enlisted  Dec.  1, 1861, 
discharged  at  Keokuk,  September 
30,  1862. 

Lamb,  Isaac  F.,  enlisted  December 
1,  1861,  died  of  measles  at  St. 
Louis,  January  12,  1862. 

Gaston,  James  E.,  enlisted  December 
1,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  St.  Louis,  April  11,  1862. 
Flollingsworth,  H.  0.,  enlisted  De- 
cember 1,  1861,  killed  at  Corinth, 
October  3,  1862. 

Proctor,  James  M.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 1,  1861,  re-enlisted  January  2, 
1864,  as  veteran,  wounded. 
Sproule,  John  S.,  enlisted  December 

1. 1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  De- 
cember 29,  1863,  promoted  Fifth 
Corporal  February  11,  1864. 

Dunbar,  Tlieo  M.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 27, 1861,  wounded  at  Corinth. 
Jones,  Edward,  enlisted  December 

27. 1861,  wounded  at  Corinth,  dis- 
charged for  wounds  January  19, 
1863. 

Hobart,  Hiram,  enlisted  December 

27,  1861,  wounded  in  breast  at 
Ft.  Donelson,  re-enlisted  veteran 
December  26,  1863. 

Jarvis,  John  M.,  enlisted  January 

28,  1862,  died  of  inflammation  of 
the  brain  at  Pittsburg,  Tenn., 
March  29,  1862. 

Jenny,  Thos.,  enlisted  August  23, 
1861. 

Gaston,  Jasper  H.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber, 1,  1862. 

Groves,  James  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 1,  1862. 

Hoit,  John  W.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1862. 

Hoit,  William,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861. 


Smith,  Joseph  R.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  promoted  First  Lieuten- 
ant September  20,  1864. 

Horn,  Daniel  W.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  transferred  to  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps  July  1,  1864. 

Smith,  Joseph,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861. 

Hoover,  H.  S.,  enlisted  August  13, 
1861. 

Michener,  Win.  P.,  enlisted  August 
14,  1861. 

Weekly,  Artemas,  enlisted  August 

25,  1861. 

Hallowed,  David  J.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 26,  1861,  transferred  to  Inva- 
lid Corps  August  13,  1863. 

Hallowell,  Wm.  C.,  enlisted  August 

26,  1861. 

Woodward,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 12,  1861. 

Bonsall,  Whiton  C.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 22,  1862. 

Martin,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  August 
21,  1862. 

Mattox,  James  C.,  enlisted  June  8, 
1862. 

Critchell,  Ephraim,  enlisted  January 
29,  1864. 

Craver,  Jarel,  enlisted  Feb.  20,1864. 

Garner,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  February 
19,  1864. 

Groves,  John  H.,  enlisted  February 
3,  1864. 

Gudion,  Jeremiah,  enlisted  February 
21,  1864,  transferred  to  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps,  December  30, 1864. 

Hayes,  Henry,  enlisted  February  6, 
1864,  captured. 

Hensevl,  Henry,  enlisted  February 
3,  1864. 

Hern,  Sam.  A.,  enlisted  Feb.  21, 
1864. 

Hoit,  Amasa,  enlisted  September  3, 
1864. 

James,  Barnabas,  enlisted  February 
3,  1864. 

Kalson,  S.  V.,  enlisted  February  2, 
1864,  wounded,  and  discharged  at 
Keokuk,  June  21,  1865. 

Knudson,  O.  G.,  enlisted  February 
2,  1864. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


397 


Matthews,  Kelson,  enlisted  February 
21,  1864. 

Matthews,  Win.,  enlisted  February 
29, 1864 

Matthews,  Thos.  J.,  enlisted  Febru- 
ary 29,  1864. 

McDonough,  James,  enlisted  Febru- 
ary 15,  1864. 

McKama,  Cyrus  C.,  enlisted  Janu- 
ary 27,  1864^ 

McMains,  Sanford  C.,  enlisted  Feb- 
ruary 7,  1864. 

McMains,  Francis,  enlisted  February 
7,  1864,  killed  at  Oostanaula  riv- 
er, Ga.,  May  15,  1864. 

McDonough,  E.  C.,  enlisted  March 
31,  1864. 

McGrue,  George,  enlisted  March  7, 
1864. 

Oswandle,  Henry  C.,  enlisted  Feb- 
ruary 6,  1864. 

Rhone,  Dandridge,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 4,  1863. 

Rhone,  Thos,  enlisted  December  4, 
1863. 

Whitten,  Warren  T.,  enlisted  Feb. 
18,  1864. 

COMPANY  F. 

First  Lieutenant  Thomas  S.  Barnes, 


commissioned  Second  Lieutenant 
July  24, 1861,  promoted  First  Lieu- 
tenant June  12,  1862,  resigned 
August  2,  1864. 

PRIVATES. 

Bridenstine,  Mason,  enlisted  July  11, 
1861,  killed  at  Belmont,  November 
7,  1861. 

Beers,  Wade,  enlisted  July,  1861, 
discharged  at  Bird’s  Point,  No- 
vember 1,  1861. 

Doran,  Isaac  S.,  enlisted  as  veteran 
December  24,  1863. 

Ewing,  Thomas,  enlisted  as  veteran 
December  26,  1863. 

COMPANY  I. 

Lawson,  George,  enlisted  as  veteran 
December  24,  1863. 

Scliwallen,  enlisted  as  veteran  De- 
cember 24,  1863. 

Woodruff,  John  W.,  enlisted  as  vet- 
eran December  24,  1863,  severely 
wounded  at  Lay’s  Ferry,  Georgia, 
died  at  Keokuk,  May  6,  1865,  of 
chronic  diarrhoea. 


EIGHTH  INFANTRY. 

The  greater  part  of  Mahaska’s  enlistments  in  this  regiment  were  enrolled 
in  Company  IL.  The  regiment  rendezvoused  at  Davenport  during  the  sum- 
mer of  1861,  at  Camp  McClellan.  In  September  it  was  removed  to  Benton 
Barracks,  near  St.  Louis,  and  there  equipped  for  the  field.  After  remaining 
there  two  weeks  the  command  was  ordered  to  Syracuse;  from  thence  it  was 
engaged  in  a scouting  party  sent  down  through  Springfield  in  pursuit  of 
Price,  who  retreated  into  Arkansas.  The  regiment  countermarched  to  Se- 
dalia,  Missouri,  in  November,  and  then  went  into  winter  quarters.  In 
March  they  removed  by  steamer  to  Pittsburg  Landing,  where  they  were 
encamped  for  some  days  previous  to  the  battle  of  Shiloh.  In  this  battle, 
on  Sunday,  April  6,  after  holding  an  exposed  position  for  ten  hours,  this 
regiment,  with  other  Iowa  volunteers,  was  surrounded  and  captured  at  six 
o’clock  in  the  evening,  having  lost  near  two  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded. 
The  prisoners  included  almost  all  the  volunteers  of  the  Eighth  Iowa,  and 
were  marched  to  Corinth;  thence  by  train  to  Memphis;  by  steamer  to  Mo- 
bile, and  up  the  Alabama  river  to  Montgomery,  where  they  were  put  into 
some  cotton  sheds.  After  six  weeks  of  rough  treatment  they  were  removed 
to  worse  quarters  at  Macon,  Georgia,  where  some  of  the  prisoners  were  shot 


398 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


down  without  provocation,  and  otherwise  shamefully  treated,  as  was  the  cus- 
tom in  Southern  prisons.  Here  they  remained  upward  of  three  months, 
when  they  were  taken  to  Libby  prison,  and  there  exchanged.  The  men  were 
allowed  to  go  home  on  furlough,  and  to  reorganize  in  December,  1862. 
Being  ordered  again  to  St.  Louis,  they  spent  some  time  in  Benton  Barracks. 
In  the  spring  of  1863,  after  assisting  in  Grant’s  first  movement  on  Vicks- 
burg, they  passed  through  Louisiana  south  of  the  city,  and  crossed  into 
Mississippi.  After  taking  part  in  the  first  siege  of  Jackson,  they  spent 
forty  days  in  rifle  pits  in  rear  of  Vicksburg.  Lost  heavily  in  the  assault  of 
May  22.  At  Black  river,  second  seige  of  Jackson,  and  Brandon,  the  regi- 
ment engaged  in  battle,  with  more  or  less  loss.  The  command  came  to 
Memphis  in  the  fall  of  1863,  and  remained  there  nearly  a year  on  provost 
duty,  assisting  in  resisting  Forrest’s  raid.  In  the  fall  of  1861  the  regiment 
engaged  in  the  siege  of  Mobile,  and  remained  in  that  vicinity  until  they 
were  mustered  out. 

[Note. — This  regiment  was  mustered  out  at  Selma,  Alabama,  April  20,  1866.  Officers  not 
otherwise  accounted  for,  mustered  out  as  with  the  regiment.] 


Major  Fred  S.  Palmer,  enlisted  in  Co.  H,  commissioned  Captain  Septem- 
ber 23,  1861,  wounded  at  Shiloh,  commissioned  Major  April  4,  1863,  re- 
signed J une  22,  1863. 

Adjutant  Marion  Campbell,  from  Sergeant-Major  to  Captain  Co.  F,  Janu- 
ary 11,  1865,  first  enlisted  as  private,  September  28, 1861,  in  Co.  H,  then 
Third  Sergeant,  wounded  and  prisoner  at  Shiloh. 

Sergeant-Major  John  S.  Lytle,  enlisted  Third  Sergeant  Co.  H,  August  12, 

„ 1861,  promoted  Second  Sergeant  November  1,  1861,  promoted  Sergeant- 
Major  March,  1862,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh  April  6,  1862,  released,  pro- 
moted Second  Lieutenant,  Co.  H,  April  4,  1863,  promoted  First  Lieuten- 
ant July  26,  1864,  promoted  Captain  January  7,  1865,  discharged  for 
disability  September  1,  1865,  died  at  Oskaloosa  November  20,  1865. 


COMPANY  E. 

Buff*,  Frank,  enlisted  August  13, 
1861,  discharged  August  9,  1862. 
Coflman,  H.  T.,  enlisted  August  13, 

1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Sedalia,  January  13,  1862. 

McCullough,  Clias.,  enlisted  as  vet- 
eran January  1,  1864. 

COMPANY  F. 

Sixth  Corporal  Henry  B.  Abston, 
discharged  for  disability  June  10, 

1862,  at  Sedalia. 

COMPANY  H. 

Captain  Charles  S.  Wells,  enlisted 
as  Second  Lieutenant  August  12, 
1861,  promoted  Captain  April  4, 

1863,  mustered  out  September  28, 

1864,  wounded  at  Shiloh. 


Captains  Palmer  and  Lytle,  see 
above  for  record. 

Captain  John  M.  Ball,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 12,  1861,  First  Corporal,  Co. 
H,  promoted  Third  Sergeant  No- 
vember 1,  1861,  promoted  Second 
Sergeant  March  1,  1862,  taken 
prisoner  at  Shiloh,  released,  ap- 
pointed First  Sergeant,  promoted 
First  Lieutenant  January  7,  1865, 
promoted  Captain  December  2, 

1865. 

First  Lieutenant  David  G.  Craigie, 
enlisted  August  12,  1861,  wound- 
ed at  Shiloh,  promoted  Captain 
and  A.  A.  G.  U.  S.  Volunteers 
July  2,  1864. 

First  Lieutenant  William  Kirkpat- 
rick, enlisted  as  private  Septem- 
ber 28,  1861,  wounded  and  priso- 
ner at  Shiloh,  commissioned  De- 
cember 2,  1865. 


J.W  M*?  Mullen 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


401 


First  Sergeant  H.  W.  H.  Widows, 
enlisted  August  12,  1861,  taken 
prisoner  at  Shiloh,  died  a prisoner 
of  war  at  Macon,  Ga.,  of  typhoid 
fever,  June  26,  1862. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Francis  E.  Yearick, 
enlisted  Aug.  12,  1861,  promoted 
to  Commissory  Sergeant  Nov.  1, 
1861,  re-enlisted  Jan.  1,  1864. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Charles  Blanchard, 
enlisted  as  private,  promoted  Ser- 
geant November  1,  1861,  wounded 
and  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh. 

First  Corporal  Francis  M.  Ellis,  en- 
listed Seventh  Corporal  August 
12,  1861,  promoted  First  Corporal 
November  1,  1861,  taken  prisoner 
at  Shiloh. 

Second  Corporal  Robert  McManus, 
enlisted  August  12,  1861,  killed 
at  Corinth  October  3,  1862. 

Third  Corporal  Wm.  H.  Else,  enlist- 
ed August  12,  1861. 

Fourth  Corporal  Jonathan  Platz,  en- 
listed August  12,  1861,  mortally 
wounded  at  Shiloh,  died  at  Savan- 
nah, Tenn.,  April  10,  1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  Thos.  J.  Marsh,  en- 
listed August  12,  1861. 

Sixth  Corporal  Geo.  McDevitt,  en- 
listed August  12,  1861,  wounded 
and  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh,  re- 
enlisted as  veteran  Jan.  1,1864,  dis- 
charged Feb.  5, 1865,  for  disability. 

Seventh  Corporal  Hiram  C.  Tuttle, 
enlisted  as  Eighth  Corporal  Aug- 
ust 12,  1861,  promoted  Seventh 
Corporal  November  1, 1861,  taken 
prisoner  at  Shiloh,  discharged 
February  14,  1863. 

Eighth  Corporal  Noah  W.  Peach, 
enlisted  as  private  August  12, 
1861,  promoted  Eighth  Corporal 
November  1,  1861,  taken  prisoner 
at  battle  of  Shiloh,  re-enlisted  as 
veteran  January  1,  1864. 

PRIVATES. 

Blizzard,  Jno.  M.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  missing  at  Shiloh,  re- 
enlisted as  veteran  Jan.  1, 1864. 

25 


Billings,  Jacob  L.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  wounded  at  Shiloh,  and 
discharged  at  Keokuk  August  21, 
1862. 

Ball,  Caggett  C.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861. 

Cousins,  Wm.  S.,  enlisted  August 

13. 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  January  1, 
1864. 

Calvin,  Luther,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  wounded  in  right  leg  at 
Shiloh,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  Jan- 
uary 1,  1864. 

Hove,  Silas  P.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  wounded  at  Corinth,  re-en- 
listed as  veteran  January  1,  1864. 

Ha  vis,  James  S.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  wounded  in  hand  and  arm, 
discharged  August  13,  1862. 

Ellis,  S.  A.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861. 

Fife,  Wm.,  enlisted  August  12,1861, 
discharged  at  St.  Louis  by  order 
of  Gen,  Ilalleck. 

Follett,  Havid  E.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861. 

Goodwin,  Havid  H.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864. 

Gregory,  Nathan,  enlisted  August 

12. 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
discharged  October  13,  1862. 

Groves,  Morton  H.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  mortally  wounded  at 
Shiloh,  died  at  Pittsburg,  Tenn., 
May  10,  1862. 

Gerard,  F.  Marion,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
July  27,  1862. 

Hartman,  Mahlon,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  died  at  Sedalia,  Mo., 
February  1,  1862. 

Hart,  John,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  Janu- 
ary 1,  1864. 

Hurley,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1, 1864,  wounded,  died  of 
wounds,  at  New  Orleans,  April 
22,  1865. 


402 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Ingham,  John,  enlisted  August  12, 

1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh. 

Johnson,  Simeon  O.,  enlisted  August 

12,  1861. 

Lyon,  Joseph  F.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  wounded  at  Shiloh,  dis- 
charged at  Keokuk,  November  8, 

1862. 

Lathrop,  Benj.  H.,  enlisted  August 

12, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  January  1, 
1864. 

Lowrey,  Chancey,  enlisted  August 

12, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  January  1, 
1864. 

Dower,  H.  H.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  wounded  at  Shiloh. 

McGlasson,  Wm.  T.,  enlisted  Aug- 
est  12,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864. 

McDevitt,  Chas.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  wounded  at  Shiloh  and 
Corinth,  discharged  at  Keokuk 
October  5,  1862. 

Moore,  Edwin  W.,  enlisted  August 

12, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  January  1, 
1864. 

Moore,  Geo.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh,  re- 
enlisted as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864. 

Morris,  Thos.  H.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  afterward  Sergeant,  wounded 
at  Jackson,  Miss.,  died  of  wounds 
July  19,  1863. 

Millar,  Henry  T.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
July  11, 1862,  at  Corinth. 

Middleton,  Andrew  J.,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 12,  1861,  taken  prisoner  at 
Shiloh,  re-enlisted  as  veteran, 
January  1,  1864. 

Marks,  Nelson  W.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  taken  prison  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  and  corpo- 
ral, January  1,  1864. 

McFall,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  August 

12, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
discharged  for  disability,  Septem- 
ber 3, 1863. 


McMains,  Anderson,  enlisted  Au- 
ust  12,  1861,  taken  prisoner  at 
hiloh. 

Murphy,  John,  enliited  August  12, 
1861,  missing  at  Shiloh. 

Padgett,  Wm.  Id.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  discharged  at  CorintK 
August  5,  1862. 

Phillips,  Wm.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  wounded  at  Shiloh. 

Prine,  Wm.  Id.,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  accidentally  wounded  at 
Sedalia,  wounded  at  Corinth,  dis- 
charged at  Keokuk,  July  31,  1862. 

Patrie,  Jeremiah,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  killed  at  Shiloh. 

Pomeroy,  W.  K.  enlisted  August 

12, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh. 

Rohrer,  Stephen  £).,  enlisted  August 

12, 1861,  died  of  wounds  at  Savan- 
nah, Tenn.,  April  10, 1862. 

Beome,  Chas.,  enlisted  August  12, 

1861,  discharged  at  St.  Louis, 
April  13, 1862. 

Rockwell,  enlisted  August  12,  1861, 
discharged  at  St.  Louis,  April  13, 

1862. 

Skiver,  James,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh,  re- 
enlisted as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864. 

Stratton,  Jacob,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh. 

Shoemake,  Isaac  G.,  enlisted  August 

12, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864. 

Slater,  Chauncey  H.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864. 

Totten,  Phillip,  enlisted  August  12, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864. 

Yanhook,  Marion  S.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran, 
January  1,  1864. 

Wayman,  Solomon  R.,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 12,  1861,  died  at  Sedalia, 
February  5, 1862. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


403 


Wilcox,  ¥m.  M.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1862,  wounded  in  shoulder  at 
Shiloh,  discharged  at  Keokuk, 
September  6,  1862. 

Williams,  Cyrus  T.,  enlisted  August 
12,  1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
discharged  January  8,  1863. 

ADDITIONAL  ENLISTMENTS. 

Allen,  Franklin,  enlisted  September 
28,  1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864. 

Bryan,  N.,  enlisted  September  28, 
1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh. 

Barr,  Z.  H.,  enlisted  September  28, 
1861,  accidentally  shot  and  killed 
at  Corinth,  July  21,  1862. 

Chadwick,  O.  B.,  enlisted  September 
28,  1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864. 

Coffin,  Erastus,  enlisted  September 
28,  1861,  wounded  at  Corinth. 

Deboard,  Geo.  J.,  enlisted  September 
28, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran,  January  1, 
1864,  died  of  congestion  at  Mont- 
gomery, July  10,  1865. 

Cummins,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 28, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at 
Shiloh,  re-enlisted  as  veteran,  Jan- 
uary 1,  1864. 

Hurley,  Isaac  B., enlisted  September 
28, 1861,  taken  prisoner  at  Shiloh, 
died  a prisoner  of  war  at  Ander- 
sonville,  September  20,  1864. 

Hiatt,  Jesse,  enlisted  September  28, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability, 
February  2,  1862. 

J oy,  Jas.  M.,  enlisted  September  28, 
discharged  for  disability,  October 
19,  1861. 

Mendenhall,  F.  M.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 28,  1861. 

Noel,  Isaac,  enlisted  September  28, 
1861,  mortally  wounded  at  Shiloh, 
died,  April  11,  1862. 


Sherman,  Win.,  enlisted  September 
28,  1861. 

Thorp,  Wm.  M.,  enlisted  September 
28,  1861,  discharged  August  11, 
1863,  for  disability. 

Williams,  Enoch,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 28,  1861,  taken  prisoner  at 
Shiloh. 

Wilson,  Jonathan,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 28,  1861,  discharged  for  disa- 
bility, July  22,  1862. 

Warner,  W m.  A.  S.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 28,  1861,  discharged  at  Seda- 
lia,  January  22,  1862. 

Winder,  Wm.  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 28, 1861,  discharged  at  Shiloh 
by  order  Gen.  Grant,  April  26, 
1862. 

Zane,  Isaac  H.,  enlisted  September 
28,  1861,  wounded  and  taken  pris- 
oner at  Shiloh. 

Prine,  Mathew  E.,  enlisted  August 
21,  1861,  promoted  Eighth  Cor- 
poral, May  1,  1863,  re-enlisted  as 
veteran,  January  1,  1864,  dis- 
charged for  disability,  November 
2,  1864. 

Pomeroy,  Edward,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 22,  1862,  promoted  Third  Ser- 
geant, September  1,  1863. 

Campbell,  Perry,  enlisted  December 
20,  1862,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864. 

Follett,  Jas.  K.,  enlisted  March  10, 
1863. 

Bedpath,  Wm.  R.,  enlisted  as  vet- 
eran, January  1,  2864. 

COMPANY  I. 

Captain  Charles  P.  Searle,  enlisted 
August  12,  1861,  in  Co.  H,  as 
Second  Sergeant,  promoted  Ser- 
geant-Major, March  1,  1862,  pro- 
moted First  Lieutenant,  Co.  I, 
August  12,  1861,  taken  prisoner 
at  Shiloh,  commissioned  Captain 
Co.  I,  March  4,  1863,  resigned, 
January  21, 1865. 


404 


PISTOEY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


FIFTEENTH  INFANTRY. 

The  place  of  rendezvous  for  volunteers  in  the  Fifteenth  Infantry  was  at 
Keokuk,  where  the  first  companies  of  the  regiment  appeared  in  autumn, 
1861.  Not  until  the  latter  part  of  February,  1862,  were  all  the  companies 
mustered  in.  In  marked  contrast  with  the  enlistment  of  the  Seventh  Reg- 
iment, from  the  same  place,  the  Fifteenth  had  had  weeks  of  military  drill,  and 
few  companies  ever  went  out  of  the  state  better  prepared  for  the  field  than 
those  of  this  regiment.  After  several  days  spent  at  St.  Louis  in  Benton 
Barracks,  on  the  first  day  of  April  the  regiment  eagerly  embarked  on 
steamer  for  the  department  of  the  Tennessee.  The  regiment  reached  Pitts- 
burg Landing  on  that  memorable  Sunday,  the  6th  of  April,  when  the  con- 
test had  already  been  raging  for  some  hours.  Immediately  ordered  to  the 
front,  on  that  and  the  following  day  the  regiment  won  the  praise  of  the  com- 
manders for  its  bravery  and  desperate  fighting.  The  maiden  sacrifice  of  the 
Fifteenth  was  one  hundred  and  eighty-eight  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
The  regiment  assisted  in  the  siege  of  Corinth  without  serious  loss.  In  rec- 
onnoitering  about  Bolivar,  in  a march  to  Corinth,  and  thence  to  Iuka,  where 
the  regiment  was  not  ordered  into  action,  the  time  was  spent  until  the  bat- 
tle of  Corinth,  in  which  the  Fifteenth  took  a gallant  part.  In  this  battle, 
as  well  as  at  Pittsburg  Landing,  Captain  See  vers  received  honorable  mention 
in  the  reports  of  his  superiors.  The  loss  in  this  battle  from  the  regiment  in 
wounded,  killed  and  missing,  was  eighty-five. 

November  2d  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  Grand  Junction,  and  for  sev- 
eral weeks  was  engaged  in  drill  with  other  troops.  The  command  engaged 
in  the  unsuccessful  campaign  against  Yicksburg,  and  in  January,  1863, 
went  into  camp  at  Memphis.  In  a few  days  the  regiment  was  transported 
to  Milliken’s  Bend,  thence  to  Lake  Providence,  and  back  to  Milliken’s  Bend 
in  April.  In  the  spring  campaign  against  Yicksburg  the  regiment  had  the 
remarkable  experience  of  frequent  engagements  and  several  weeks  in  rifle 
pits,  without  a single  casualty  during  the  entire  siege.  A share  was  taken 
in  the  movement  against  Jackson  immediately  following. 

The  command  took  part  in  the  luckless  expedition  to  Monroe,  Louisiana, 
and  also  in  the  famous  Meridian  raid.  It  had  in  the  meantime  become  a 
veteran  organization,  and  was  furloughed  in  March,  1864.  The  first  impor- 
tant campaign  participated  in  after  furlough  was  that  of  Atlanta.  Even 
before  the  battle,  it  had  lost  in  heavy  skirmishing  nearly  one  hundred  officers 
and  men.  Most  desperate  fighting  was  done  by  the  regiment  in  the  battle 
of  July  22,  the  total  casualties  for  that  day  being  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
two.  The  Fifteenth  was  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Ezra  Church,  but  with 
small  loss. 

With  undiminished  bravery  and  fortitude  the  Fifteeenth  engaged  in  the 
£-‘  Siege  of  Atlanta”  and  the  “ March  to  the  Sea.”  Savannah  to  Goldsboro, 
Goldsboro  to  Raleigh,  and  thence  to  Washington  City,  by  way  of  Peters- 
burg and  the  evacuated  Southern  capital.  The  regiment  next  went  to  Louis- 
ville for  muster  out,  and  to  Davenport  for  discharge,  an  aggregate  travel  of 
8,518  miles.  The  Fifteenth  Iowa  suffered  a greater  number  of  casualties 
than  any  other  regiment  ever  sent  out  from  the  state.  Of  one  thousand, 
seven  hundred  and  sixty-three  men  who  had  been  members  of  the  regiment, 
one  thousand  and  fifty-one  were  absent  at  the  muster  out. 

[Note. — This  regiment  was  mustered  out  at  Louisville,  July  24,  1865.  Officers  not  other- 
wise accounted  for,  mustered  out  as  with  the  regiment. J 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


405 


Nathan  A.  Leonard,  Drum-Major,  enlisted  October  22,  1861,  as  musician 
in  Company  B,  promoted  March  15,  1862,  discharged  for  disability  at  Cor- 
inth, July  11,  1862. 


COMPANY  C. 

Captain  James  A.  Seevers,  enlisted 
October  IT,  1861,  resigned  Novem- 
ber 2T,  1862. 

First  Lieutenant  John  D.  Shannon, 
enlisted  October  17,  1861,  com- 
missioned Quarter-Master  Decem- 
ber 9,  1862. 

Second  Lieutenant  Edmund  Krause, 
enlisted  October  IT,  1861,  as  pri- 
vate, commissioned  Second  Lieu- 
tenant December  15,  1864,  mus- 
tered out  December  31,  1864. 

Second  Lieutenant  Ebenezer  E.  Her- 
bert, enlisted  October  17, 1861,  re- 
signed at  Pittsburg  Landing  April 
22,  1862. 

Second  Lieutenant  John  D.  Kins- 
man, enlisted  October  IT,  1861,  as 
First  Sergeant,  promoted  to  Second 
Lieutenant  April  23,  1862,  killed 
at  battle  of  Corinth. 

Second  Lieutenant  Sylvester  By  near- 
son,  enlisted  as  Fourth  Corporal 
November  1,  1861,  promoted  Sec- 
ond Sergeant  March  1,  1862,  pro- 
moted First  Sergeant  May  1, 1862, 
promoted  Second  Lieutenant  Oc- 
tober 24,  1862,  promoted  First 
Lieutenant  December  10,  1862, 
Captain  June  26,  1865,  mustered 
out  June  29,  1865,  at  Louisville, 
Kentucky. 

First  Sergeant  Johnson  Totten,  en- 
listed as  First  Corporal  October 
IT,  1861,  promoted  TSecond  Ser- 
geant May  1, 1862,  promoted  First 
Sergeant  November  1, 1862,  trans- 
ferred for  promotion  in  Thirteenth 
Iowa  Infantry. 

Second  Sergeant  Andrew  B.  McMur- 
ray,  enlisted  as  Second  Sergeant 
October  IT,  1861,  reduced  to  ranks 
March  1,  1862,  promoted  Second 
Corporal  November  1,  1862,  died 
at  Keokuk  October  1,  1864,  of 
chronic  diarrhoea. 


Second  Sergeant  William  S.  Winters, 
enlisted  as  private  October  17, 

1861,  promoted  November  1, 1862, 
to  Second  Sergeant,  captured  at 
Atlanta,  Georgia. 

Third  Sergeant  Andrew  W.  Mather, 
enlisted  October  IT,  1861,  died 
July  30,  1862. 

Third  Sergeant  David  Hoff,  enlisted 
October  IT,  1861,  as  private,  pro- 
moted Third  Sergeant  July  30, 

1862,  wounded  severely  in  shoul- 
der at  Shiloh,  slightly  in  leg  at 
Corinth,  October  3,  1862,  promo- 
ted Second  Lieutenant  March  20, 

1863,  re-enlisted  as  veteran,  re- 
signed June  9,  1864. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Eli  Lundy,  enlisted 
October  IT,  1861,  reduced  to  ranks 
November  1,  1862,  discharged  De- 
cember 16,  1862. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Israel  S.  Warner, 
enlisted  October  T,  1861,  wounded 
severely  in  breast  at  Shiloh,  pro- 
moted Fifth  Sergeant  August  24, 
1862,  promoted  November  1, 1862, 
to  Fourth  Sergeant,  wounded 
slightly  in  leg  at  Corinth,  died 
August  5,  1863,  at  Keokuk. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Milton  Spain,  enlisted 
October  T,  1861,  died  of  diarrhoea 
at  Corinth,  Mississippi,  July  3, 
1862. 

Fifth  Sergeant  William  C.  Laird,  en- 
listed as  private  October  30,  1861, 
promoted  Fifth  Sergeant  Novem- 
ber 1,  1862. 

First  Corporal  Noah  Griffis,  enlisted 
October  IT,  1861,  promoted  First 
Corporal  May  1,  1862,  wounded 
slightly  in  leg  at  Corinth,  October 
3,  1862,  promoted  Sergeant,  re- 
enlisted as  veteran,  Dec.  30, 1863. 

Second  Corporal  Chas.  M.  Stuart, 
enlisted  October  IT,  1861,  reduced 
to  ranks  March  31,  1862,  re-en- 
listed January  1,  1864,  promoted 
First  Lieutenant  June  24,  1865. 


406 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Third  Corporal  Walter  A.  Tanner, 
enlisted  October  IT,  1861,  killed 
at  Corinth  October  3,  1862. 

Third  Corporal  Jacob  Timbrel,  en- 
listed as  private  October  17,  1861, 
promoted  Third  Corporal  Novem- 
ber 1,  1862,  wounded  in  thigh  at 
Shiloh. 

Fourth  Corporal  James  Hawkins, 
enlisted  October  26,  1861,  promo- 
ted Fourth  Corporal  November  1, 
1862,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  No- 
vember 19,  1863. 

Fifth  Corporal  Wm.  H.  Bomeslia, 
enlisted  February  16,  1862,  as  pri- 
vate, promoted  Fifth  Corporal  No- 
vember 1,  1863,  re-enlisted  as  vet- 
eran February  16,  1864,  wounded 
in  side  at  Atlanta  August  27, 1864. 

Fifth  Corporal  Wm.  B.  Good,  en- 
listed October  17,  1861,  died  at 
Keokuk  June  18,  1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  Wm.  T.  Algood,  en- 
listed November  17,  1861,  promo- 
ted Fifth  Corporal  November  1, 
1862,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  private 
November  19,  1863. 

Sixth  Corporal  J ames  M.  Ballinger, 
enlisted  October  17, 1861,  reduced 
to  ranks  August  18,  1862,  dis- 
charged for  disability. 

Seventh  Corporal  Uriah  A.  Smith, 
enlisted  October  17,  1861,  re- 
duced to  ranks  March  31,  1862. 

Eighth  Corporal  Bobert  W.  Oldham, 
enlisted  October  17, 1861,  reduced 
to  ranks  August  18,  1862. 

Eighth  Corporal  John  Stackley,  en- 
listed November  1,  1861,  promo- 
ted Eighth  Corporal  May  15, 1862. 

Musician  Louis  Crowder,  enlisted 
October  17,  1861,  re-enlisted  as 
veteran  January  1,  1864,  wounded 
near  Atlanta  July  28,  1864,  dis- 
charged for  wounds. 

Musician  John  P.  Jones,  enlisted  as 
private  October  17,  1861,  promo- 
ted drummer  December  31,  1861, 
discharged  July  12,  1862,  re-en- 
listed  as  A^eteran  Dec.  21,  1863. 

Wagoner  Wm.  P.  Hazlett,  enlisted 
October  17,  1861. 


PRIVATES. 


Abies,  II.  C.,  enlisted  October  12, 
1861,  transferred  July  1,  1864,  to 
veteran  reserve  corps. 

Antry,  Simon  P.,  enlisted  NoA^em- 
ber  1,  1861,  wounded  severely  in 
leg  at  Shiloh,  and  discharged 
August  20,  1862. 

Borrell,  Henry,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  wounded  severely  in  leg  at 
Shiloh,  and  discharged  August  20, 


1862. 


Bolton,  Geo.  T.,  enlisted  October  17, 

1861,  discharged  December  16, 

1862,  at  Abbeville,  Miss.,  for  dis- 
ability. 

Brown,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  October  17, 

1861,  Avounded  severely  in  hand  at 
Shiloh,  and  discharged  at  Corinth 
September  28, 1862. 

Bordrick,  Chas.  W.,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 12, 1861,  killed  at  Shiloh. 
Bowles,  Frank,  enlisted  January  4, 

1862,  died  of  fever  at  Monterey, 
Tenn.,  June  3,  1862. 

Bolton,  I.  J.,  enlisted  January  4, 
1862,  died  of  m easels  at  Keokuk, 
March  13,  1862. 

Chadwick,  Oliver,  enlisted  January 
4,  1862. 

Campbell,  Wm.  T.,  enlisted  January 
28,  1862,  died  of  measles  at  Keo- 
kuk March  11,  1862. 

Curry,  John  G.,  enlisted  December 
28,  1861. 

Cooley,  James,  enlisted  March  21, 
1864,  wounded  at  Atlanta  August 
23,  1864. 

Dysart,  Simon  K.,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  died  of  fever  at  Keokuk 
May  19,  1862. 

Devore,  David,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  wounded  slightly  in  side  at 
Shiloh,  and  discharged  December 
16, 1862. 

DaAvsey,  James,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Corinth  July  6,  1862. 

Douglas,  Benjamin,  enlisted  Octo- 
ber 17,  1861,  died  at  La  Grange, 
Tenn.,  January  9,  1863. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


407 


Dove,  Isaiah,  enlisted  November  1, 

1863,  wounded  slightly  in  leg  at 
Shiloh,  and  discharged  for  disabil- 
ity at  Corinth  June  13,  1862. 

Dawson,  Andrew  J.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 16,  1861,  deserted  May  16, 
1862. 

Dickson,  Joseph  W.,  enlisted  Janu- 
ary 4,  1862,  discharged  October 
10,  1862,  for  disability. 

Dickson,  Robert  H.,  enlisted  Janu- 
ary 4,  1862,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
January  4,  1864. 

Haines,  John  Q.,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  Corinth  June  16,  1862. 

Hiler,  C.  Y.,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  De- 
cember 6, 1863,  missing  at  Atlanta 
July  22,  1864,  prisoner. 

Hunt,  Levi,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  died  March  21,  1864,  at 
home,  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Hensell,  Henry,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  discharged  July  20,  1862. 

Hensell,  George,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861. 

Hinkle,  Benjamin,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  died  of  fever  at  St.  Louis 
May  18,  1862. 

Hodge,  Nathan,  enlisted  December 
29,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  Quincy,  111.,  October  20,  1862. 

Huit,  Win.,  enlisted  December  29, 
1861,  discharged  May  23,  1862. 

Hunt,  Eden  R.,  enlisted  October  17, 

1861,  wounded  severely  in  side  at 
Shiloh,  and  in  right  leg  at  Atlanta. 

Hawley,  Jerome  R.,  enlisted  October 
17, 1861,  wounded  slightly  in  hand 
at  Corinth  October  3,  1862,  re-en- 
listed as  veteran  January  1,  1864. 

Hawkins,  Stephen  E.,  enlisted  Janu- 
ary 4,  1862,  re-enlisted  January  4, 

1864,  wounded  severely  in  hand 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  21,  1864. 

Jackson,  Wm.,  enlisted  January  6, 

1862,  wounded  slightly  in  arm  at 
Corinth  October  3,  1862,  re-en- 
listed as  veteran  January  4,  1864, 
died  at  Yicksburg  February  20, 
1864. 


J ackson,  Byron,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  afterwards  drummer,  died  at 
Yicksburg  December,  1863,  of  in- 
flammation of  the  bowels. 

Jackson,  Geo.  S.,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864. 

Johnson,  Charley,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 1,  1861,  wounded  severely  in 
arm  at  Shiloh,  captured  near  At- 
lanta July  22,  1864. 

Kirk,  Caleb  L.,  enlisted  October  17, 

1861,  wounded  at  Shiloh  and  died 
from  wounds  at  Keokuk,  May  12, 

1862. 

Lewis,  Jacob  IL,  enlisted  , re- 

enlisted as  veteran  January  2, 

1864. 

Lundy,  Edmund,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  discharged  at  Grand 
Junction,  Miss.,  November  13, 
1862,  for  disability. 

Lewis,  Geo.,  enlisted  October  17, 

1861,  discharged  July  25,  1862. 
Lewis,  Henry,  enlisted  January  4, 

1862. 

Lathrop,  J.  R.,  enlisted  October  30, 

1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  De- 
cember 6,  1863,  wounded  in  left 
arm  near  Atlanta,  July  22,  1864, 
discharged  at  Keokuk  June  14, 

1865,  for  disability. 

Llo3Td,  Samuel,  enlisted  November 
23,  1861,  wounded  in  leg  at  Shi- 
loh, and  killed  at  Corinth. 

Myers,  John  D.,  enlisted  October 
30,  1861,  died  at  St.  Louis  Janu- 
ary 12,  1863. 

Myers,  Wesley  W.,  enlisted  October 
30,  1861,  discharged  for  disabil- 
ity* 

Miller,  Joseph  F.,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  Corinth  October  23,  1862. 
Morton,  James,  enlisted  January  8, 

1862,  left  the  service  at  Corinth 
July  11,  1862,  re-enlisted  as  vet- 
eran January  4,  1864,  wounded 
near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  4,  1864. 

Quitance,  Chas.,  enlisted  January  4, 
1862,  died  at  Odin,  111.,  of  Bron- 
chitis. 


408 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Reed,  Vm.  J.,  enlisted  January  2, 
1862. 

Spates,  ¥m.,  enlisted  January  4, 
1862. 

Rea,  John  C.,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  wounded  slightly  in  head  at 
Corinth,  captured  near  Atlanta, 
July  22, 1864. 

Smith,  Edward,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability, 
July  15,  1862. 

Spates,  R.  T.,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  No- 
vember 19,  1863,  wounded  at  At- 
lanta in  left  hand. 

Tanner,  A.  C.,  enlisted  October  17, 

1861,  killed  August  9,  1864,  on 
picket  duty. 

Vancleave,  Henry,  enlisted  January 
1,  1862,  wounded  severely  in  left 
leg  at  Atlanta,  July  22,  1864. 

Vancleave,  Joshua  V.,  enlisted  Jan- 
uary 1,  1862,  wounded  slightly  in 
hand  at  battle  of  Corinth,  October 
3,1862,  transferred  to  Marine  Brig- 
ade at  St.  Louis,  January  3,  1863. 

Weaver,  Cyrus,  enlisted  January  4, 

1862,  deserted  at  Corinth  July  11, 
1862. 

Whaling,  O.  M.,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  Lake  Providence,  La.,  March, 

1863, 

Whitlock,  Asa,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861. 

Whitlock,  E.  B.,  wounded  slightly 
in  abdomen  at  battle  of  Shiloh. 

Wymore,  G.  W.,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  wounded  and  missing  at 
battle  of  Corinth,  October  3, 
1862. 

Wymore,  Amos,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  Grand  Junction,  Miss.,  No- 
vember 13,  1862. 

Whitaker,  Noah,  enlisted  October 
17, 1861,  died  at  Keokuk  of  meas- 
les January  6,  1862. 

Williams,  Benj.,  enlisted  October 


17,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  Grand  Junction,  Miss.,  Novem- 
ber 18,  1862. 

Walker,  Smith,  enlisted  December 
28,  1861. 

Wilkins,  H , enlisted  March  28, 1864, 
died  of  chronic  diarrhoea  at  Rome, 
Ga.,  August  4,  1864. 

Williams,  Clark,  enlisted  December 
28,  1861,  discharged  for  disability 
at  Grand  Junction,  Miss.,  Novem- 
ber 18,1862. 

Youngblood,  James,  enlisted  No- 
vember 1,  1861,  wounded  severely 
in  thigh  at  battle  of  Shiloh,  re-en- 
listed December  6,  1863. 

Fallow,  Greenville,  enlisted , 

re-enlisted  as  veteran  February  1, 
1864,  killed  at  Kenesaw  Moun- 
tain, Ga.,  June  19,  1864. 

Fields,  Wilson,  enlisted  March  26, 
1864,  died  of  chronic  diarrhoea  at 
Atlanta,  September  11,  1864. 

COMPANY  D. 

First  Sergeant  Edward  C.  Fowler, 
enlisted  October  15,  1861  as  First 
Corporal,  promoted  First  Sergeant 
March  14,  1862,  killed  at  battle  of 
Shiloh. 

First  Sergeant  Benj.  F.  Stevens,  en- 
listed October  1,  1861,  as  Third 
Sergeant,  promoted  First  Sergeant 
July  1,  1862,  missing  after  battle 
of  Corinth. 

PRIVATES. 

Benbow,  E3om,  enlisted  October  15, 
1861,  died  October  26,  1864,  at 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

ILetherington,  James  E.,  enlisted 
October  15,  1861,  re-enlisted  as 
veteran  December  31,  1863. 

White,  J.  W.,  enlisted  October  1, 

1861,  died  at  Keokuk  January  26, 

1862. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


409 


COMPANY  G. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Jacob  McVay,en listed 
February  25,  1862,  as  private, 
wounded  in  hand  at  Shiloh,  pro- 
moted Fifth  Sergeant  October, 
1862,  promoted  Second  Sergeant 
August  1,  1864,  Second  Lieuten- 
ant December  22,  1864,  re-en- 


listed as  veteran  February  1, 
1864. 

COMPANY  H. 

Alfred  Baker,  enlisted  February  10, 
1862,  and  was  discharged  at  Keo- 
kuk for  disability,  September  30, 
1862. 


SEVENTEENTH  INFANTEY. 


This  regiment  rendezvoused  at  Keokuk  and  mustered  into  the  service 
with  Jno.  W.  Kankin  as  Colonel,  April  16,  1862.  Proceeding  to  St.  Louis 
to  receive  equipage  the  new  volunteers  reached  Mississippi  in  time  to  as- 
sist at  the  siege  of  Corinth.  The  part  taken  by  the  Seventeenth  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Iuka  received,  probably  unjustly,  the  censure  of  Eosecrans.  Smarting 
under  this,  the  command  went  into  the  battle  of  Corinth  with  the  determin- 
ation to  wipe  out  the  stain  cast  upon  its  reputation.  Its  success  is  best  told 
by  the  following  general  order,  No.  145: 

“ The  General  commanding  cannot  forbear  to  give  pleasure  to  many,  besides 
the  brave  men  immediately  concerned,  by  announcing  in  advance  of  the 
regular  order,  that  the  Seventeenth  Iowa  Infantry,  by  its  gallantry  in  the 
battle  of  Corinth,  on  the  fourth  of  October,  charging  the  enemy,  and  captur- 
ing the  flag  of  the  Fortieth  Mississippi,  has  amply  atoned  for  its  misfortune 
at  Iuka,  and  stands  among  the  honored  regiments  of  his  command.  Long 
may  they  wear  with  unceasing  brightness  the  honors  they  have  won. 

“ By  order  of  Major  General,  W.  S.  Eosecrans. 

C.  Goddard, 

A.  A.  A.  G.” 


Notwithstanding,  the  whole  number  of  casualties  was  but  twenty-five,  of 
whom  only  two  were  killed. 

Before  Vicksburg,  at  Chattanooga  and  in  the  defense  of  Tilton,  these 
troops  fought  with  a bravery  unrivaled.  In  the  defense  of  Tilton,  the  gar- 
rison was  compelled  to  surrender,  and  the  entire  regiment  with  the  excep- 
tion of  forty  or  fifty  men,  were  carried  away  prisoners.  Those  who 
remained  were  furloughed  and  were  a sorry  looking  band  when  compared 
with  the  stout  nine  hundred  and  fifty-six,  who  had  left  Iowa  two  and  a half 
years  before. 

The  regiment  was  mustered  out  at  Louisville,  July  25,  1865. 

COMPANY  C.  ^ privates. 


Second  Corporal  Jacob  L.  Mason, 
enlisted  as  private  March  27,  1862, 
promoted  Sixth  Corporal,  promo- 
ted Second  Corporal,  date  not 
known,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
March  29, 1864,  captured  at  Tilton, 
Ga. 


Barrickman,  Geo.,  enlisted  March  14, 
1862,  captured  at  Tilton,  Ga. 

Cox,  Harvey,  enlisted  February  10, 
1862. 

Martin,  ¥m.,  enlisted  March  6, 

1862. 


410 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


McKee,  ¥m.,  enlisted  March  11, 
1862,  died  of  diarrhoea  at  Farm- 
ington, Miss.,  July  19, 1862. 

McCormick,  James  F.,  enlisted 
March  7,  1862,  discharged  at 
Quincy  for  disability  December  9, 
1862. 

Summerlot,  Levi,  enlisted  March  16, 
1862. 

Tomson,  Theodore,  enlisted  March 
19,  1862,  re-enlisted  as  veteran, 
commissioned  First  Lieutenant 
January  30,  1864,  prisoner  at  Til- 
ton, October  13,  1864. 

Wright,  David,  enlisted  March  14, 
1862,  captured  at  Tilton,  Ga. 

Appleton,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted 

1862,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  March 
25,  1864,  prisoner  at  Tilton,  Ga. 

Bodenhammer,  A.  C.,  enlisted 

1862,  discharged  at  Keokuk  Octo- 
ber 14,  1862. 

Champion,  J.  R,  enlisted 

1862,  discharged  October  30,  1862, 
at  Keokuk  for  disability. 

Doan,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted 1862, 

captured  at  Tilton,  Ga. 

Elmer,  James,  enlisted 1862, 


discharged  at  St.  Louis  Novem- 
ber 13, 1862,  for  disability. 

Fenner,  John  D.,  enlisted  

1862,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Jackson,  Tenn.,  June  30,  1863. 

Graham,  John  B.,  enlisted 

1862. 

Hardy,  Wm.  D.,  enlisted  

1862,  wounded  May  16,  1862,  at 
Champion  Hills,  discharged  Sep- 
tember 2,  1864. 

Marshall,  John,  enlisted 1862, 

discharged  October  16,  1862,  for 
disability. 

Larimer,  Thos.  M.,  enlisted  as  veter- 
an March  21,  1864,  captured  at 
Tilton,  Ga. 

Stafford,  Thomas,  enlisted  March  27, 
1864,  wounded  at  Iuka. 

Bodenhammer,  J.  M.,  enlisted  April 

8,  1862,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Cairo  January  6,  1863. 

COMPANY  I. 

Yogeler,  Jacob,  enlisted  January  1, 
1862,  killed  at  Jackson,  Miss., 
May  13,  1862. 


EIGHTEENTH  INFANTRY 

Contained  squads  in  Co’s  D and  K,  from  Mahaska  county.  The  men 
were  mustered  in  at  Clinton,  the  place  of  rendezvous,  in  the  early  part  of 
August,  1862,  with  John  Edwards,  of  Lucas  county,  as  Colonel. 

The  regiment  was  almost  immediately  ordered  into  the  service  in  the 
army  of  the  Southwest,  where,  after  a wearisome  campaign,  it  was  made  a 
part  of  the  garrison  of  Springfield  during  the  winter  of  1862-3.  It  had  a 
taste  of  real  war  in  the  battle  of  Springfield  in  January,  1863,  in  which  a 
loss  of  fifty-six  was  incurred  in  killed  and  wounded.  The  irksome  duties 
of  the  garrison  continued  until  the  fall  of  1863.  After  a vain  chase  in  pur- 
suit of  Shelby,  the  regiment  was  again  placed  on  garrison  duty  at  Ft.  Smith, 
Arkansas. 

Disastrous  campaigning  and  some  brilliant  skirmishing  at  Prairie 
D’Anne,  and  about  Camden,  tried  the  energies  of  the  Eighteenth  until 
their  brilliant  struggle  April  17,  near  Poison  Spring,  in  defense  of  a forage 
train,  where,  for  a considerable  time,  the  regiment  “kept  at  bay”  a force 
of  five  to  one  of  its  number.  At  Jenkin’s  Ferry  it  was  used  as  a reserve 
force,  and  was  not  brought  into  action. 

From  this  time  the  regiment  was  on  garrison  duty  at  Ft.  Smith  most  of 
the  time  until  the  date  of  its  muster  out — often  enduring  hardships,  poor 
rations  and  heavy  labor. 

[Note. — This  regiment  mustered  out  at  Little  Rock,  Arkansas,  July  20,  1865.] 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


411 


Quarter-Master  Sidney  S.  Smith,  commissioned  August  9,  1862. 
Commissary  Sergeant  David  M.  Clover,  commissioned  August  9,  1862, 
discharged  at  Springfield,  Missouri,  for  disability  February  24,  1863. 


COMPANY  D. 

PRIVATES. 

Badger,  David  W.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  promoted  First  Corporal, 
captured  by  guerrillas  at  Darda- 
nelles, Ark.,  May  11,  1864. 

Billings,  Wm.  J.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  wounded  and  captured  at 
Poison  Spring,  Ark.,  April  18, 
1864. 

Billings,  Joseph,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862. 

Clark,  Win.,  enlisted  June  18,  1862. 

Gardner,  Aaron  B.,  enlisted  July  11, 
1862. 

Hoover,  Aaron  A.,  enlisted  June 
18  1862 

Hull’  L.  E.,  enlisted  July  11,  1862, 
died  of  typhoid  fever  December 
30,  1862,  at  Springfield,  Mo. 

Joy,  James  M.,  enlisted  July  11, 
1862. 

Kineeback,  Conrad,  enlisted  Julv  11, 
1862. 

Kobertson,  Franklin,  enlisted  June 
18,  1862,  taken  prisoner  at  Poison 
Spring,  Ark.,  April  18,  1864. 

COMPANY  K. 

First  Sergeant  Charles  Stanley,  en- 
listed J nly  7,  1 862. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Wesley  Depew,  en- 
listed as  private  July  7, 1862,  pro- 
moted Fifth  Sergeant  August  27, 
1862. 

First  Corporal  Woodson  Brown,  en- 
listed July  7, 1862,  discharged  for 
disability  at  Springfield,  Mo.,  Jan- 
uary, 19,  1863. 

Fourth  Corporal  Simeon  Stevens, 
enlisted  July  7,  1862,  died  at  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  of  congestion  of  brain, 
January  22,  1863. 

Seventh  Corporal  Henry  Bond,  en- 
listed July  7,  1862,  died  of  ty- 
phoid fever,  at  Springfield,  Mo., 
December  6,  1862. 


Wagoner  Barnabas  B.  White,  en- 
listed July  7,  1862,  discharged  for 
disability  February  18,  1863. 

PRIVATES. 

Alloway,  Nelson,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862! 

Beaghen,  Wm.,  enlisted  July  25, 
1862. 

Bircher,  Budolph,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability 
October  7,  1863. 

Bond,  Wm.,  enlisted  July  8,  1862, 
discharged  for  disability  January 
19,  1863. 

Billings,  Joseph  M.,  enlisted  July 
10,1862. 

Cousins,  Cornelius,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  died  at  Springfield,  Mo., 
Nov.  15,  1862. 

Clover,  David  M.,  enlisted  August 
8,  1862. 

Doan,  Levi  C.,  enlisted  July  7, 1862. 

Follett,  Wm.  F.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability 
February  24,  1863. 

Grimes,  M.  D.,  enlisted  July  8, 1862, 
discharged  for  disability  February 
25,  1863. 

Galer,  John  B.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862. 

Hale,  Albert,  enlisted  July  7,  1862. 

Hale,  John  F.,  enlisted  July  7, 1862. 

Neal,  Samuel,  enlisted  June  25, 
1862. 

Bamy,  Wm.,  enlisted  July  7,  1862. 

Summer,  John  M.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862. 

Taylor,  Levi  H.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  taken  prisoner  at  Moscow, 
Ark.,  April  13,  1864. 

White,  Abner  C.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability 
February  24,  1863. 

White,  Eli h n,  enlisted  July  22, 1862. 

Williams,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  July  7, 
1862,  died  March  13,  1863,  at 
Springfield,  Mo.,  of  fever. 


412 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


THIRTY-THIRD  REGIMENT  INFANTRY. 

This  regiment  contained  a greater  number  of  Mahaska  county  men  than  any 
other  engaged  in  the  war,  and  its  gallant  record  will,  by  general  consent,  be 
adjudged  a more  minute  notice  than  can  be  accorded  to  others.  The  regi- 
ment was  raised  and  organized  by  the  gallant  General  S.  A.  Rice,  of  whose 
brilliant  record  and  noble  sacrifice  we  have  occasion  to  speak  elsewhere. 
The  companies  of  this  regiment,  composed  of  four  from  Mahaska,  three  from 
Keokuk,  and  three  from  Marion  county,  were  all  filled  up  and  organized 
about  the  first  of  September,  1862,  within  a short  time  after  Colonel  Rice’s 
commission  as  commander  of  the  regiment. 

The  rendezvous  was  at  Oskaloosa,  the  encampment  being  on  the  county 
fair  grounds,  and  named  Camp  Tuttle,  in  honor  of  the  gallant  colonel  of  the 
Second  Infantry.  October  1st,  the  regiment  was  solemnly  sworn  into  the 
service,  and  numbered  in  all  nine  hundred  and  eighty  men. 

The  command  left  their  barracks  November  20,  marching  to  Eddyville, 
and  there  taking  the  cars  for  Keokuk,  thence  by  steamer  to  St.  Louis,  where 
the  men  were  assigned  to  provost  guard  duty  and  to  the  guarding  of  prisons. 
At  midnight,  December  21,  command  was  passed  through  the  regiment  to 
get  ready  to  move,  and  in  the  early  morning  a transport  steaming  down  the 
river  was  conveying  the  young  volunteers  to  Columbus,  Ky.  Reaching 
that  point  on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  they  disembarked  and  were  marched 
to  the  bottoms,  just  below  town,  where  they  were  drawn  up  in  line,  expect- 
ing attack  until  the  middle  of  the  afternoon,  when  work  was  commenced, 
throwing  up  earthworks,  and  was  continued  far  into  the  night.  A sorry 
Christmas,  and  several  succeeding  days  and  nights  were  spent  in  line  with- 
out shelter,  the  men  sleeping  on  the  bare  ground  in  mud  and  rain.  Tents 
were  afterward  procured,  but  on  New  Year’s  day  were  struck,  and  the  regi- 
ment moved  to  Union  City,  Tennessee,  where  an  attack  was  expected.  None 
was  made,  and  on  the  3d  the  command  returned  to  Columbus.  January  8, 
1863,  found  the  regiment  on  steamer,  bound  for  Helena,  Arkansas,  which 
point  was  reached  in  five  days.  A camp  was  pitched  one-half  mile  south  of 
town.  Expeditions  were  made  to  Yazoo  pass  and  Fort  Pemberton  during 
the  weeks  following — the  latter  without  success,  the  former  for  the  purpose 
of  clearing  the  pass  of  obstructions,  which  was  done  in  a season  of  almost 
incessant  rain  fall,  occasioning  much  sickness  and  disability  among  both  offi- 
cers and  regiment.  The  camp  was  moved  April  9th,  to  a better  location 
northwest  of  town.  About  this  time  Colonel  Rice  assumed  command  of 
the  brigade,  and  Lieut.  Colonel  Mackey  became  the  first  officer  in  the  regi- 
ment. Picket  duties,  scouting  parties,  foraging  expeditions,  the  repelling 
of  fancied  invasions,  drilling,  etc.,  took  up  the  time  of  the  regiment,  and 
taxed  the  energies  of  the  soldiers  until  July  4th. 

It  was  the  resolve  of  the  Confederate  Lieut.  Gen.  Holmes,  commanding  a 
large  body  of  troops  at  Little  Rock,  to  take  his  fourth  of  July  dinner  at 
Helena.  Reveille  aroused  our  men  about  two  o’clock  a.  m.;  pickets  were 
driven  in  at  four  o’clock,  and  fighting  commenced  at  the  same  time.  A full 
description  of  the  battle  would  not  here  be  in  place,  but,  be  it  remembered, 
that  the  Thirty-third  Iowa  acquitted  itself  bravely  and  heroically.  The  en- 
emy was  defeated  and  driven  back  toward  Little  Rock,  about  eleven  o’clock, 
a.  m.  Lieut.  Colonel  Mackey  commanding  the  Thirty-third,  has  the  follow- 
ing to  say  of  his  regiment:  “The  men  were  very  much  exhausted,  having 
been  constantly  engaged  for  six  hours.  The  loss  of  my  own  regiment  was : 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


413 


Killed  on  the  field,  17;  wounded,  52;  taken  prisoner,  17  (of  the  wounded 
several  afterward  died).  I went  into  the  engagement  with  five  hundred 
men.  The  officers  and  men  of  the  entire  command  behaved  themselves 
splendidly.  The  force  we  had  to  contend  with  was  at  least  five  to  one,  and  I 
feel  perfectly  safe  in  saying  that  the  regiment  took  as  many  prisoners  as  we 
had  men  in  action.”  Special  mention  is  made  of  Captains  Lolland  and 
Yerger. 

The  enemy  was  afterward  followed  toward  Little  Rock,  and  that  place  was 
captured  on  September  10th.  Rude  log  barracks  were  built  by  the  men 
themselves,  where  they  were  quartered  until  the  commencement  of  the  south- 
western expedition  in  March,  1864. 

In  course  of  this  expedition  considerable  skirmishing  and  artillery  duel- 
ling took  place  on  Prairie  D’Anne,  in  Hempstead  County,  Arkansas,  from 
the  10th  to  the  13th  of  March.  Gen.  Steele,  commanding  Union  forces,  re- 
solved to  march  rapidly  upon  Camden,  then  unoccupied,  and  get  possession 
of  it  before  the  rebels  could  reach  it.  His  purpose  becoming  known  a lively 
race  followed  between  the  two  armies.  There  was  more  or  less  skirmishing 
all  the  way,  but  with  the  Thirty-third  holding  the  van,  the  advanced  column 
entered  Camden  on  the  evening  of  the  fifteenth,  and  occupied  the  strong 
works  of  the  rebels.  Here  they  were  for  five  days  without  rations.  The 
men  lived  on  four  ears  of  corn  apiece  per  day,  which  they  ground  in  hand- 
mills  and  made  into  cakes. 

The  capture  of  supplies  and  other  misfortunes  overtook  the  command  at 
this  place,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  twenty-sixth,  the  men  “ folded 'their 
tents  like  Arabs,  and  quietly  stole  away.”  The  rebels  did  not  come  up  with 
the  rear  guard  of  the  retreat,  until  the  noon  of  March  29th,  from  which  time 
there  was  skirmishing  until  dark,  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Saline  River, 
some  times  known  as  the  battle  of  Jenkin’s  Ferry.  Here  it  wTas,  that  Gen- 
eral Rice  received  a wound  in  his  ankle,  from  which,  after  much  suffering, 
he  died  on  the  6th  of  July,  in  his  own  home,  surrounded  by  those  who 
loved  him  well.  The  battle  here  was  fought  upon  ground  affording  little 
advantage  to  either  party.  The  slaughter  was  terrible.  It  was  a battle  of 
musketry  alone,  and  for  seven  mortal  hours  the  roar  of  the  muskets  was 
unbroken,  and  undistinguishable.  Charge  after  charge,  made  by  the  rebels 
upon  the  Union  forces,  was  without  avail,  and  they  ingloriously  withdrew 
with  heavy  loss,  about  one  o’clock  p.  m.  The  loss  of  the  Thirty-third  was: 
Killed  on  the  field,  8;  wounded,  113;  missing,  12;  total  123.  Though  our 
forces  were  victorious,  the  commander  knew  that  safety  lay  only  in  retreat, 
which  was  immediately  made  across  the  muddy  and  swollen  stream  to  Lit- 
tle Rock.  At  this  point  the  regiment  under  command  of  Lieut.  Colonel 
Lofland  remained  on  garrison  duty,  and  under  constant  drill  until  October 
30,  1864,  when  it  marched  toward  Ft.  Smith,  guardinga  supply  train.  At 
Yan  Buren  the  train  was  unloaded,  and  the  regiment  returned  to  Little 
Rock.  Here  was  lived  out  the  remainder  of  1864,  and  most  of  the  first  of 
1865,  at  which  time  the  regiment  numbered  788  men. 

January  21,  1865,  an  expedition  was  undertaken  to  Mt.  Elba,  Ark.,  and 
return,  lasting  about  fourteen  days,  and  involving  a march  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty  miles.  The  regiment  left  Little  Rock  for  New  Orleans  February 
14th,  and  arrived  there  on  the  19th,  thence  it  proceeded  to  Navy  Cove, 
Ala.,  where  an  army  was  organized  for  an  expedition  against  Mobile.  The 
regiment  took  part  in  this  expedition,  which  was  successful,  with  small  loss. 
From  Mobile  the  regiment  removed  to  Whistler  Station,  thence  to  Mein- 


414 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


tosh’s  Blu ff,  Ala.,  April,  1865,  where  it  remained  until  the  first  of  June, 
when  it  was  ordered  to  Brazos  Island,  Texas,  thence  up  the  Bio  Grande  to 
Bagdad,  thence  to  New  Orleans,  where  the  regiment  was  mustered  out  on 
the  17 th  of  July,  1865,  except  those  of  the  three  year  recruits  who  were 
transferred  to  the  Thirty-fourth  Begitnent. 


The  number  mustered  out  was 430 

Total  number  of  men  killed 26 

Number  of  deaths  from  wounds  and  disease 236 

Number  of  men  discharged  for  various  causes 164 

N umber  of  men  wounded 166 

Number  of  men  taken  prisoner 73 

Transferred  to  other  regiments 27 


[Note. — This  regiment  mustered  out  at  New  Orleans  July  17,  1865.  Volunteers  not  oth- 
erwise accounted  for,  mustered  out  with  the  regiment.] 


Colonel  Samuel  A.  Bice,  commissioned  August  10,  1862,  promoted  Briga- 
dier-General August  4,  1863,  died  at  home  July  6,  1864,  of  wounds  re- 
ceived at  the  battle  of  Jenkin’s  Ferry.  See  biographical  sketch  on  pro- 
ceeding pages. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  John  Lolland,  commissioned  August  18,  1863,  enlisted 
August  7,  1862,  as  Captain  Co.  D,  mustered  out  at  New  Orleans,  July 
17,  1865. 

Surgeon  John  Y.  Hopkins,  commissioned  September  16,  1862,  as  assistant 
surgeon,  promoted  surgeon  June  12,  1864,  mustered  out  July  17,  1865. 

Quarter-Master  Henry  B.  Myers,  commissioned  August  22, 1862,  honorably 
discharged  March  16,  1864. 

Quarter- Master  EugeneW.  Bice,  appointed  Quarter-Master-Sergeant  August 
22,  1862,  commissioned  Quarter-Master  April  1,  1861,  mustered  out  July 
17,  1865. 

Chaplain,  Bev.  B.  A.  McAyeal,  commissioned  September  23, 1862,  resigned 
July  24,  1863. 

Sergeant-Major  Jno.  F.  Lacey,  appointed  August  23, 1862,  First  Lieutenant 
Co.  C,  April  16,  1863,  Captain  and  A.  A.  G.,  June  30,  1864,  Brevet-Ma- 
jor U.  S.  Volunteers,  March  26,  1863. 

Drum-Major  A.  L.  Ellis,  appointed  September  8,  1862. 


COMPANY  C. 

Captain  Andrew  J.  Comstock,  en- 
listed August  10,  1862,  commis- 
sioned October  1,  1862,  wounded 
severely  and  taken  prisoner  at 
battle  of  Jenkin’s  Ferry  April  30, 
1864,  resigned  September  7,  1864. 

Captain  Joshua  B.  Wells,  enlisted  as 
Second  Sergeant  September  4, 
1862,  promoted  Captain  Decem- 
ber 8,  1864,  wounded  slightly  in 
right  thigh  at  Saline  Biver,  mus- 
tered out  July  17,  1865. 

First  Lieutenant  Bobert  F.  Burden, 
enlisted  August  10, 1862,  resigned 
April  8,  1863. 


Second  Lieutenant  Normam  B. 
Hook,  enlisted  Fourth  Sergeant 
September  4, 1862,  promoted  Sec- 
ond Lieutenant  December  8,1864, 
mustered  out  July  17,  1865. 

Second  Lieutenant  Cyrus  H.  Tal- 
bott, enlisted  August  10,  1862, 
resigned  June  2,  1863. 

Second  Lieutenant  Oliver  J.  Ken- 
dig,  enlisted  September  4,  1862, 
as  private,  commissioned  Second 
Lieutenant  June  26,  1863,  pro- 
moted First  Lieutenant  December 
8,  1864,  mustered  out  July  17, 
1865. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


415 


First  Sergeant  Joseph  P.  Stuart,  en- 
listed August  10,  1862,  reduced 
to  ranks  October  2,  1862,  mus- 
tered out  July  17,  1865. 

First  Sergeant  Hamilton  Duke,  en- 
listed August  10,  1862,  promoted 
Sergeant  October  2,  1862,  dis- 
charged at  St.  Louis  February  25, 

1863. 

Third  Sergeant  Geo.  Foreman,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  mus- 
tered out  July  17,  1865. 

Fifth  Sergeant  John  T.  Gaunt,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  wound- 
ed severely  in  the  shoulder  at  Sa- 
line River,  mustered  out  July  17, 
1865. 

First  Corporal  Geo.  G.  Curry,  en- 
listed September  4.  1862,  missing 
at  Helena,  Ark.,  July  4,  1863, 
taken  prisoner. 

Second  Corporal  Reuben  Coomes, 
enlisted  September  4, 1862,  wound- 
ed in  right  shoulder  at  Helena, 
taken  prisoner  at  Saline  River. 

Third  Corporal  Robert  Kissick,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  dis- 
charged for  promotion  in  Sixth 
Arkansas  Infantry. 

Fourth  Corporal  E.  J.  Chick,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  reduced 
to  ranks  October  2,  1862. 

Fourth  Corporal  Thos.  Crowder,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  promot- 
ed Fourth  Corporal  October  2, 
1862,  discharged  March  10,  1863, 
at  Helena,  Ark.,  for  disability. 

Fifth  Corporal  Emanuel  Castleman, 
enlisted  September  4,  1863,  re- 
duced to  ranks  October  21,  1862, 
mustered  out  July  17,  1865. 

Fifth  Corporal  Frederick  Butler,  en- 
listed as  private  September  4, 
1862,  promoted  Corporal  October 
2,  1862,  missing  after  battle  of 
Helena,  Ark.,  taken  prisoner. 

Sixth  Corporal  Joseph  Harper,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  reduced 
to  ranks  October  2,  1862,  mus- 
tered out  July  17,  1865. 

Sixth  Corporal  James  B.  Scott,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  as  pri- 


vate, promoted  Sixth  Corporal 
October  2,  1862,  discharged  for 
disability  at  Memphis  April  17, 
1863. 

Seventh  Corporal  James  F.  Nation, 
enlisted  September  4,  1862,  died 
at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  March  25, 

1863. 

Eighth  Corporal  A.  B.  Kendig,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  mus- 
tered out  July  17,  1865. 

Musician  Chas.  F.  Crowder,  enlisted 
September  4,  1862,  mustered  out 
July  17,  1865. 

Musician  Samuel  Yeader,  enlisted 
September  4,  1862,  mustered  out 
July  17,  1865. 

Wagoner  Geo.  R.  Davis,  enlisted 
September  4,  1862,  died  at  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  March  14,  1863. 

PRIVATES. 

Adair,  Jas.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  wounded  at  Helena  and  dis- 
charged at  St.  Louis,  October  26, 
1862,  for  wounds. 

Adair,  Marion,  enlisted  February  1, 

1864,  transferred  to  Thirty-Fourth 
Infantry,  July  12,  1865. 

Bartlett,  Owen,  enlisted  January  30, 

1864,  wounded  slightly  at  Saline 
River,  in  ankle,  mustered  out 
July  17,  1865. 

Barleen,  Samuel,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  mustered  out  July  17, 
3 865. 

Bailey,  Quarv,  enlisted  August  9, 
1862,  mustered  out  June  14, 1865, 
at  N.  O. 

Barleen,  Jonas,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  mustered  out  July  18, 

1865. 

Butler,  Jacob,  B.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  died  of  typhoid  fever 
at  St.  Louis,  December  22,  1862. 

Baker,  James  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  discharged  at  Little 
Rock,  February  5,  1865,  for  disa- 
bility. 

Baldwin,  Sylvester,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  mustered  out  Julv 
17,  1865. 


416 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Berry,  Jos.  M.,  enlisted  February  29, 

1864,  died  at  Little  Bock,  Septem- 
ber, 11,  1864,  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Cootnes,  Henry,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  wounded  in  right  shoul- 
der at  Helena,  mustered  out  July 
IT,  1865. 

Chick,  Jas.  E.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  missing  after  battle  of  Hel- 
ena, taken  prisoner. 

Cotrell,  Wesley,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  mustered  out  July  17, 

1865. 

Crayton,  James,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  mustered  out  July  IT, 
1865. 

Campbell,  Win.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  mustered  out  July  IT, 
1865. 

Currier,  Edward,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  wounded  in  head  at  Hel- 
ena, Ark.,  and  died  from  effects  at 
Memphis,  August  8,  1863. 

Curry,  K.  W.  B.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  wounded  and  taken  pris- 
oner at  Saline  Biver. 

Chaplin,  James  M., enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  mustered  out  July  IT, 
1865, 

Dodge,  Wm.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability  at 
St.  Louis,  March  14,  1863. 

Delong,  Thos.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  promoted  Corporal,  wounded 
severely  in  left  thigh  at  Helena, 
mustered  out  July  17,  1865. 

Dove,  Geo.  M.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  mustered  out  July  IT,  1865. 

Dove,  John,  enlisted  September  4, 

1862,  wounded  in  left  breast  at 
Saline  Biver  and  taken  prisoner. 

Eckroate,  John,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  mustered  out  July  IT, 
1865. 

Ellis,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  died  at  Helena,  April  29, 

1863. 

Ellington,  M.  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4, 1862,  mustered  out  July  IT, 
1865. 

Ellington,  Jno.  D.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  deserted  October  8, 


brought  back  October  13,  deserted 
again  October  24. 

Fox,  Jacob,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  killed  at  Helena  in  battle, 
July  4,  1863. 

Fenn,  Lerno,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862. 

Goodwin,  J.  H.  D.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  missing  after  battle 
of  Helena. 

Graham,  Sanford,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4, 1862,  wounded  at  Helena  in 
left  side  and  discharged  for  wounds 
at  St.  Louis,  November  18,  1863. 

Graham,  Nelson,  enlisted  February 
27,  1864. 

Garey,  Frederick,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Grant,  Cyrus  A.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  died  at  Duval’s  Bluff, 
Ark.,  October  1,  1863. 

Grace,  James  B.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Grace,  Jno.  B.,  enlisted.  September 
4,  1862, , died  May  16,  1863,  at 
Helena,  of  disease. 

Gooden,  Thos.  G.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Graham,  Edward,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  wounded  severely  in 
left  groin  at  Saline  Biver,  and  died 
from  wounds  at  Princeton,  Ark., 
May  5,  1864. 

Groves,  Jno.  H.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Goodwin,  Abraham,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4, 1862. 

Holton,  Bichard,  enlisted  March  31, 

1864. 

Hains,  Wm.  II.,  enlisted  September 
4, 1862,  wounded  at  Helena  in  hip 
and  side,  and  died  from  effects  at 
Granville,  October  5,  1863. 

Johnston,  Oliver,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  wounded  at  Helena, 
Arkansas,  July  4,  1863,  died 
at  Memphis,  August  13,  1863,  of 
wounds. 

Jackson,  Mortimer,  enlisted  January 
18,  1864,  wounded  and  prisoner  at 
Saline  Biver,  April  30,  1864. 

Jones,  Alonzo,  enlisted  Sept.  4, 1862. 


Maj.  Genl  E.W.Rice 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


419 


Kuzman,  Jno.  G.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Kirkpatrick,  Jas.  W.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862. 

Knight,  Samuel,  enlisted  September 

4. 1862,  discharged  at  Little  Rock, 
June  9,  1864,  for  disability. 

Lundy,  ¥m.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
March  5,  1865. 

Ludington,  Henry  H.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862,  promoted  Corporal, 
killed  at  Helena,  Ark. 

Lincoln,  Levi  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Leatherman,  Jno.  D.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862. 

Miles,  Elias,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862. 

McBride,  Harry  G.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862. 

Morrow,  ¥m.  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Mullen,  Isaac  A.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

McIntosh,  ¥m.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

McIntosh,  Jeremiah,  enlisted  De- 
cember 22,  1863. 

Osborn,  Wm.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  wounded  at  Helena,  wounded 
and  captured  at  Saline  River, 
April  30,  1864. 

Pilgrim,  Jno.  V.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  missing  after  battle  of 
Helena. 

Patton,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Petty,  Amos  D.,  enlisted  September 

4. 1862. 

Rardin,  Jethro,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  transferred  to  invalid 
corps  December  1,  1863. 

Ryan,  Jacob  S.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Reeves,  Jas.  H.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  transferred  to  invalid 
corps  December  1,  1863. 

Ream,  John  T.,  enlisted  Octobor  9, 
1864,  transferred  to  Thirty-fourth 
Infantry  July  12,  1865. 


Ream,  Samuel,  enlisted  September 

4, 1862,  promoted  corporal  wound- 
ed at  Saline  river. 

Strond,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Sharp,  Geo.  H.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  discharged  at  Helena 

April  21,  1863,  for  disability. 

Spain,  Jas.  B.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  wounded  severely  in  foot 
and  side  at  Helena. 

Stephen,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  died  at  Duvall’s  Bluff 
August  23,  1863. 

Talbott,  Robert,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  transferred  to  Invalid 

Corps  July  1,  1864. 

Talbott,  R.  J.,  enlisted  September 

4,  1862,  discharged  at  Helena 

April  11,  1863,  for  disability. 

Vancleave,  Sam.  G.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862. 

Victor,  Wm.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862. 

Van  cleave,  Albert,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862. 

Wilson,  Wm.,  enlisted  September 

4, 1862,  discharged  at  Cairo  Feb- 
ruary 7,  1863. 

Wilson,  Clark,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Wilson,  Robert,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Wright,  Joshua,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Weeves,  John,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Winn,  Robert,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Williams,  Jno.  B.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  killed  at  Helena  July 
4,  1863. 

Walker,  Wm.  B.,  enlisted  December 
11, 1863,  wounded  and  taken  pris- 
oner at  Saline  River  April  30, 
1864. 

COMPANY  D. 

Captain  John  Lofland,  commissioned 
October  1,  1862,  promoted  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel August  18,  1863* 


26 


420 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Captain  Riley  Jessup,  enlisted  Oct. 
1,  1862,  as  Second  Lieutenant, 
promoted  Captain  April  11,  1864. 

First  Lieutenant  Denny  M.  Gunn, 
enlisted  October  1, 1862,  resigned 
October  24,  1864. 

First  Lieutenant  Henry  C.  Leighton, 
enlisted  September  6,  1862,  as 
Second  Corporal,  promoted  Sec- 
ond Lieutenant  June  11,  1864, 
First  Lieutenant  October  25, 1864, 
mustered  out  August  7,  1865, 
died  at  Oskaloosa  January  31, 
1878.  He  was  Adjutant  of  regi- 
ment at  time  of  muster  out. 

Second  Lieutenant  Amos  Hiatt,  en- 
listed as  private  September  6, 
1862,  promoted  Sergeant,  promo- 
ted Second  Lieutenant  October  25, 
1864. 

First  Sergeant  Ezra  F.  Hinds,  en- 
listed September  6,  1862,  trans- 
ferred July  8, 1865,  for  promotion 
in  Second  U.  S.  Volunteers. 

Second  Sergeant  Jno.  R.  Craw- 
ford, enlisted  September  6,  1862. 

Third  Sergeant  Jacob  Houser,  en- 
listed September  6, 1862,  killed  at 
Helena  July  4,  1863. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Chas.  G.  Bennett, 

Fifth  Sergeant  Jared  Hughes,  en- 
listed September  6,  1862. 

First  Corporal  David  Stevens,  en- 
listed September  6,  1862. 

Third  Corporal  ¥m.  Hillard,  en- 
listed September  6, 1862,  wounded 
and  taken  prisoner  at  Helena. 

Fourth  Corporal  Jno.  N.  Ewing,  en- 
listed September  6,  1862,  after- 
ward Sergeant,  killed  at  Saline 
River  April  30,  1864. 

Fifth  Corporal  Geo.  Adams,  enlisted 
September  6,  1862,  died  at  Little 
Rock  March  3,  1864. 

Sixth  Corporal  Oran  Counsil,  en- 
listed September  6,  1862. 

Seventh  Corporal  James  E.  Darrow, 
enlisted  September  6,  1862. 

Eighth  Corporal  John  W.  Jones,  en- 
listed September  6,  1862,  wounded 
and  taken  prisoner  at  Saline  River, 
Arkansas. 


Musician  A.  S.  Ellis,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862. 

Musician  Elisha  W.  Slater,  enlisted 
September  6,  1862. 

PRIVATES. 

Atwood,  Moses  F.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  wounded  slightly  in 
foot  at  Helena  July  4,  1863. 

Brown,  David  M.  C.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862. 

Bass,  Andrew  J.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Berkey,  Albert  G.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Ben  scoter,  Philander,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862. 

Brown,  Nathaniel  H.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  transferred  to  In- 
valid Corps  December  27,  1863. 

Batterson,  Edwin  B.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  killed  at  Helena 
July  4,  1863. 

Brundege,  Levi  E.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  wounded  at  Helena 
and  died  from  wounds  July  6, 
1864. 

Boyer,  William  E.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  taken  prisoner  at 
Helena  July  4,  1863. 

Chomp,  Thornton,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  accidentally  wounded, 
died  June  18,  1863,  at  Helena, 
Arkansas. 

Coe,  Alvin  H.,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 

Cope,  Henry,  enlisted  September  6, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability  at 
St.  Louis,  March  7,  1863. 

Doughman,  Samuel,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  wounded  slightly 
in  the  face  at  Saline  River. 

Deweese,  William  J.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  died  at  St.  Louis 
December  21,  1862. 

Deweese,  Samuel  L.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  wounded  severely 
in  arm  at  Saline  River,  discharged 
at  Keokuk  March  21,  1865,  on  ac- 
count of  wounds. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


421 


Donghman,  Andrew  J.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6, 1862,  afterward  corporal, 
died  at  Vicksburg  February  20, 
1865. 

Donelson,  Amos  W.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862. 

Dixon,  Harvey  M.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  discharged  at  Little 
Rock  December  16,  1863,  for  dis- 
ability. 

Evans,  William  M.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  transferred  to  Invalid 
Corps  January  22,  1864. 

Garden,  Thomas  J.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Hopkins,  Abram  C.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  taken  prisoner  at 
Helena  July  4,  1863. 

Hiner,  Jesse,  enlisted  September  6, 
1862. 

Hiner,  David,  enlisted  September  6, 

1862,  discharged  at  Helena  April 
18,  1863,  for  disability. 

Hiner,  William,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862,  discharged  May  6,  1863. 

Kendig,  William  H.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862. 

Hull,  Benjamin,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 

Killough,  John  H.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Kirkpatrick,  George  N.,  enlisted 
September  6,  1862. 

Locke,  William  G.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Likens,  William,  enlisted  September 
6, 1862,  discharged  April  18, 1863, 
at  Helena,  for  disability. 

Lafollet,  John  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Moore,  Eliphas,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862,  died  at  Shell  Mound, 
Mississippi,  April  4,  1863. 

Middleton,  Jesse  H.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  died  February  11, 

1863. 

Mahalfey,  John,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862,  died  at  Helena. 

McKinsey,  David  P.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  discharged  at  St. 
Louis  February  18,  1863,  for  dis- 
ability. 


Michener,  Henry  P.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  died  at  St.  Louis 
January  18,  1863. 

Needham,  David  L.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  discharged  May 
4,  1863,  at  Helena,  for- disability. 

Newton,  Henry,  enlisted  September 
6, 1862,  discharged  at  Helena,  Ar- 
kansas, for  disability,  April  14, 
1863. 

Pope,  Harrington  C.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862. 

Peckover,  William,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Peters,  William  C.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Proctor,  Jefferson,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Proctor,  William,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Packer,  Isaac  W.  D.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862. 

Quaintance,  Morris, enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner  Saline  River,  Arkansas. 

Reny,  John  IT.,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862,  wounded  at  Helena  in  the 
hand. 

Rockwell,  Alanson,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6, 1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis 
February  22,  1863. 

Roberts,  James  M.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Stevens,  Flugh,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 

Sandiland,  William,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Sandiland,  Alex,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862,  died  of  typhoid  fever  at 
Columbus,  Kentucky,  Jan.  1, 1863. 

Shannon,  John  A.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Stout,  Thomas  C.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Tracy,  William,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 

Totman,  Nathaniel,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Tracy,  Marion,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 

Tomson,  Joseph,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 


422 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Vickers,  Sanford,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 

Vickroy,  Lewis  F.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Williams,  Thomas  I.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 6,  1862,  died  at  Oskaloosa 
October  4,  1863. 

Winder,  Hugh  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 

Widows,  James  H.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  died  at  St.  Louis  De- 
cember 25,  1862. 

Wood,  David  J.  M.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862,  transferred  to  Four- 
teenth Kansas  Cavalry  March  28, 
1863. 

Young,  John  C.,  enlisted  September 
6,  1862. 

Zane,  William  L.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 6,  1862. 


ADDITIONAL  ENLISTMENTS. 


1864,  died  of  chronic  diarrhoea, 
September  11,  1864,  at  Little 
Lock. 

Flanders,  Nathan  N.,  enlisted  Jau- 
uary  14,  1864,  died  of  measles, 
February  18,  1864,  at  Cairo. 

Mitchell,  Riley,  enlisted  1864, 
wounded  severely  and  taken  pris- 
oner, April  30,  1864,  at  Saline 
River. 

Smith,  Wm.  T.,  of  Scott  Township, 
enlisted  March  21,  1864. 

Trobridge,  William,  enlisted  Febru- 
ary 1,  1864,  died  from  wounds  in 
head  at  Saline  River. 

McNeill,  Henry,  enlisted  October  18, 
1862,  transferred  to  Thirty-Fourth 
Infantry,  July  12,  1865. 

Mendenhall,  Wm.,  enlisted,  186-, 
died  on  Steamer  Carrie  Jacobs, 
September  9,  1864. 

COMPANY  E. 


Adams,  David,  enlisted  January  4, 
1864,  wounded  severely  in  the  leg 
at  Saline  River  and  taken  prisoner. 

Clark,  Henry  M.,  enlisted  January 
4,  1864. 

Collins,  Jno.  C.,  enlisted  December 
9,  1863. 

Dilley,  David  M.,  enlisted  December 
25,  1863. 

Gray,  Amos,  enlisted  May  27,  1863. 

Heaverlo,  Andrew,  enlisted . 

Larkins,  Joseph  W.,  enlisted  J anuary 
4,  1864. 

Peckover,  John,  enlisted  December 
12, 1863. 

Reams,  Vincent,  enlisted  December 
7,  1863. 

Swalm,  Albert  W.,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 9,  1863. 

Speley,  Benj.  F.,  enlisted  January  4, 
1864. 

Thorp,  Wm.  M.,  enlisted  December 
22,  1863,  wounded  severely  in  the 
breast  at  Saline  River  and  died  at 
Camden,  Ark.,  July  3,  1864,  from 
effects. 

Warner,  James  M.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 12, 1863. 

Enos,  Wm.  J.,  enlisted  February  5, 


Captain  John  P.  Walker,  enlisted 
July  21,  1862,  commissioned  Oc- 
tober 1,  1862,  resigned  April  2, 
1863. 


Captain  Cheney  C.  Prouty,  enlisted 
July  24, 1862,  as  First  Lieutenant, 
commissioned  Captain  April  3, 
1863,  mustered  out  July  17,  1865. 

First  Lieutenant  Theodorick  L.  See- 
vers,  enlisted  July  21,  1862,  as 
Second  Leiutenant,  commissioned 
First  Lieutenant  April  3,  1863, 
mustered  out  July  17,  1865. 

Second  Lieutenant  Jno.  A.  Brecken- 
ridge,  enlisted  July  21,  1862,  as 
First  Corporal,  promoted  Second 
Lieutenant  June  2,  1863,  resigned 
May  26,  1864. 

Second  Lieutenant  Geo.  L.  Robb, 
enlisted  July  28,  1862,  as  private, 
commissioned  January  6,  1865, 
never  mustered  in,  mustered  out 
as  First  Sergeant,  mustered  out 
July  17,  1865. 

First  Sergeant  Geo.  Himes,  enlisted 
July  23,  1862,  died  at  Helena, 
September  5,  1863. 

Second  Sergeant  Wm.  S.  Glenn,  en- 
listed July  24,  1862. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


423 


Third  Sergeant  Jno.  M.  Finney,  en- 
listed July  24,  1862,  wounded  at 
Saline  River,  and  discharged  Au- 
gust 24,  1864. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Jno.  Whittaker, 
enlisted  July  24,  1862,  wounded 
at  Helena  in  right  arm,  died  from 
effects  September  14,  1863,  at 
Memphis. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Henry  T.  Miller,  en- 
listed July  30,  1862. 

Second  Corporal  Marion  Dunbar,  en- 
listed July  22,  1862,  taken  pris- 
oner at  Saline  River. 

Third  Corporal  Lewis  H.  Cochran, 
enlisted  July  24.  1862,  wounded 
in  back  at  Saline  River, 

Fourth  Corporal  James  S.  Plumley, 
enlisted  July  30, 1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  Robert  H.  Haynes, 
enlisted  July  30,  1862,  wounded 
at  Helena  in  left  arm. 

Sixth  Corporal  Wm,  M.  Blackstone, 
enlisted  July  30.  1862. 

Seventh  Corporal  Richard  M.  Boyer, 
enlisted  July  24,  1862. 

Eighth  Corporal  Clement  A.  Davis, 
enlisted  July  24,  1862,  probably 
reduced  to  ranks. 

Eighth  Corporal  Tilford  H.  Ruby, 
enlisted  as  private  July  28,  1862, 
died  of  fever  at  Columbus,  Ky., 
December  31,  1862. 

Eighth  Corporal  Jno.  West,  enlisted 
as  private  July  23, 1862,  promoted 
Corporal  January  15,  1863. 

Musician  James  M.  Ogden,  enlisted 
July  21,  1862. 

Musician  Hale  B.  W.  Brown,  en- 
listed July  21,1862. 

Wagoner  Henry  Snoke,  enlisted 
July  21,  1862. 

PRIVATES. 

Allen,  Elam,  enlisted  July  21, 1862. 

Brown,  J.  D.,  enlisted  July  21, 1862, 
died  at  Helena,  March  3,  1863. 

Bones,  John,  enlisted  July  24,  1862. 

Baughman,  Elias,  enlisted  July  24. 
1862,  transferred  to  Invalid  Corps, 
January  15, 1864. 


Barnes,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  July  24, 

1862,  died  at  Little  Rock,  Septem- 
ber 8,  1864. 

Boswell,  Joshua  R.,  enlisted  July  24, 
1862. 

Bird,  Willis  S.,  enlisted  June  9, 

1863,  slightly  wounded  April  30, 

1864,  wounded  at  Saline  River. 
Chadwick,  Wheeler,  enlisted  January 

4,  1864,  died  of  wounds,  May  26, 
1864. 

Capper,  Howard,  enlisted  July  24, 
1862. 

Clammer,  David,  enlisted  July  24, 
1862,  transferred  for  promotion  in 
U.  S.  colored  troops  at  Helena, 
July  28,  1863. 

Church,  Alonzo  H.,  enlisted  J uly  24, 
1862 

Corns,  Amos,  enlisted  July  25, 1862, 
wounded  in  abdomen,  at  Saline 
River,  died  from  effects  at  Prince- 
ton, May  15,  1864. 

Couzen,  Benj.,  enlisted  July  21,1862, 
wounded  and  taken  prisoner  at 
Saline  River. 

Cochran,  John  T.,  enlisted  July  23, 
1862. 

Church,  Washington,  enlisted  July 

23. 1862,  killed  by  fall  from  hay 
wagon,  July  30,  1867. 

Carson,  Greo.  S.,  enlisted  July  23, 
1862,  taken  prisoner  at  Saline 
River. 

Cralty,  Wm.M.,  enlisted  August  23, 

1862,  discharged  at  Helena,  De- 
cember 27,  1864. 

Crowder,  Rob’t  S.,  enlisted  August 
23,  1862,  discharged  April  14, 

1863. 

Dodd,  Jesse,  enlisted  July  21,  1862, 
discharged  at  St.  Louis,  January 
23,  1863,  on  provost  duty. 
Downing,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862. 

Eichelbarger,  Adam,  enlisted  July 

21. 1862,  wounded  and  taken  pris- 
oner at  Saline  River. 

Eveland,  Lewis,  G-.,  enlisted  July 
27,  1862,  died  at  Little  Rock,  Oc- 
tober 18,  1863. 


424: 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Eveland,  Frank,  enlisted  July  27, 
1862,  died  at  Memphis,  December 
10,  1863. 

Faucett,  Geo.,  enlisted  July  21, 

1862,  transferred  for  promotion  in 
Fifty-fourth  Regiment  Calvary 
Troops,  September,  1863. 

Grover,  James  H.,  enlisted  January 
30,  1864,  died  of  wounds  May  18, 
1864,  received  at  Saline  River. 
Glendenning,  Jas.  E.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 21,  1862. 

Green,  Wm.  L.,  enlisted  September 
1,  1864. 

Gosnell,  Sam.  D , enlisted  August 
21,  1862,  died  at  Memphis,  Tenn., 
April  15,  1863. 

Gosnell,  Jesse  S.,  enlisted  August 
21,  1862,  died  in  Mound  City 
Hospital,  of  paralysis,  June  5, 

1863. 

Halman,  Jas.  B.,  enlisted  July  24, 
1862. 

Harris,  Wm.  B , enlisted  July  27, 
1862. 

Harris,  John  B.,  enlisted  July  27, 
1862,  wounded  slightly  at  Saline 
River  in  left  thigh. 

Howard,  Walter,  enlisted  July  26, 
1862,  discharged  at  Cairo  August 
27,  1863. 

Hawk,  Wm.  W.,  enlisted  Julv  22, 
1862. 

Himes,  Jacob  M.,  enlisted  July  22, 
1862. 

Hollowav,  Jno.  S.,  enlisted  July  22, 
1862.  " 

Haney,  Jacob  D.,  enlisted  July  21, 

1862,  died  at  Memphis  March  29, 

1863. 

Harland,  H.  M.,  enlisted  July  25, 
1862. 

Horn,  Jno.  W.,  enlisted  July  22, 
1862,  discharged  at  Keokuk  for 
disability,  February  7,  1865. 
Haydock,  Daniel  W.,  enlisted  July 
21,  1862. 

Hinkle,  Thos.  H.,  enlisted  July  28, 
1862,  killed  at  Saline  River,  April 
13,  1864. 

Hall,  Zachary  T.,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862. 


Hawk,  Anthony,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862. 

Hines,  Theodore,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862,  discharged  at  Mound  City, 
August  18,  1863. 

Kirkendall,  Jos,  W.,  enlisted  July 
24,  1862,  died  at  Shell  Mound, 
Miss.,  March  23,  1863. 

Kinsman,  Theo.  S„  enlisted  July  22, 
1862,  died  at  St.  Louis,  Septem- 
ber 4,  1863. 

Lvster,  Arthur  W.,  enlisted  July  27, 
1862. 

Lockart,  Isaac  M.,  enlisted  August 
20,  1862. 

Miller,  Jno.  H.,  enlisted  November 
19, 1863,  wounded  at  Saline  River 
• and  taken  prisoner. 

McMullen,  Philander,  enlisted  July 
30,  1862,  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner  at  Saline  River. 

McClean,  John,  enlisted  July  30, 
1862,  died  of  small  pox,  January 
2,  1863. 

McClean,  Alex.,  enlisted  July  30, 

1862,  discharged  for  disability 
May  17,  1863,  at  St.  Louis. 

McCulley,  James  A.,  enlisted  July 
30,  1862,  died  at  Helena,  July  22, 

1863. 

McCulley,  Wm.  S.,  enlisted  July  30, 
1862. 

Miller,  Philander  M.,  wounded  and 
taken  prisoner  at  Saline  River. 
Nolan,  Eugene,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862. 

Phillips,  John,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862,  wounded  at  Little  Rock 
severely  in  the  leg. 

Perrigo,  Ambrose,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis, 
April  21,  1863. 

Robertson,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  July 
28,  1862,  died  at  Oskaloosa,  No- 
vember 14,  1863. 

Ross,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  July  23, 

1862,  died  at  Helena,  January  28, 

1863. 

Rowland,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  July 
23,  1862,  died  at  St.  Louis,  De- 
cember 21, 1862. 

Ruby,  M.  C.,  enlisted  July  23, 1862. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


425 


Reno,  William,  enlisted  July  28, 

1862. 

Redpath,  James  T.,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862,  slightly  wounded  at  Saline 
River  in  left  arm. 

Robertson,  Samuel  S„  enlisted  July 
31,  1862,  slightly  wounded  in 
right  breast  at  Saline  River. 
Redpath,  Joseph,  enlisted  January 
4,  1864,  wounded  in  left  arm  at 
Saline  River. 

Sawyer,  James  H.,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862,  wounded  in  breast  at  He- 
lena. 

Shaver,  Levi  C.,  enlisted  July  30, 

1862,  discharged  November  27, 

1863,  at  St.  Louis. 

Shaw,  Levi,  enlisted  July  30,  1862, 
wounded  slightly  in  hand  at  Sa- 
line River. 

Shaw,  Charles  W.,  enlisted  July  30, 
1862,  died  at  Little  Rock  January 
14,  1865,  of  wounds. 

Satchell,  James  W.,  enlisted  July 
30,  1862. 

Shelleday,  LeanderN.,  enlisted  July 
21,  1862. 

Stolzer,  Stephen,  enlisted  July  21, 

1862,  died  at  Helena,  July  26, 

1863. 

Summer,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  July  23, 
1862,  died  at  Little  Rock,  Decem- 
ber 7,  1863. 

Smith,  Marion  D.,  enlisted  July  23, 

1862,  died  at  Helena,  August  7, 

1863. 

Stephenson,  Charles  M.,  enlisted 
July  25,  1862. 

Slamal,  Peter,  enlisted  July  25, 1862, 
died  at  St.  Louis,  January  5, 
1863. 

Tipton,  Joshua  D.,  enlisted  July  23, 
1862,  discharged  at  Helena  March 
1,  1863. 

Wharton,  John  S.,  enlisted  July  30 
1862. 

Wilson,  David  G.,  enlisted  July  30, 
1862,  afterwards  Corporal,  wound- 
en  severely  in  shoulder  at  Saline 
River,  died  at  Camden,  October 
20,  1864,  of  wounds. 


Whitaker,  Reuben,  enlisted  August 
^22,  1862. 

Young,  Thos.  H.,  enlisted  July  28, 
1862. 

Young,  Jonathan  E.,  enlisted  July 
28,  1862. 

Welch,  Hiram,  enlisted  February 
24,  1864,  died  at  Little  Rock,  July 
10,  1864,  of  fever. 

Wells,  John  W.,  enlisted  July  21, 
1862. 

COMPANY  F. 

Third  Corporal  John  McCreeny,  en- 
listed August  20,  1862,  appointed 
Corporal  August  23,  1862,  dis- 
charged for  disability  at  St.  Louis, 
January  21,  1863. 

COMPANY  G. 

First  Lieutenant  Geo.  R.  Ledyard, 
enlisted  October  1, 1862. 

PRIVATE. 

John  W.  Owen,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  transferred  to  Mississippi 
Marine  Brigade  February  19, 1863, 

COMPANY  H. 

Fourth  Corporal  Albert  Cooper,  en- 
listed September  1,  1862,  and  ap- 
pointed Fourth  Corporal,  discharg- 
ed at  Memphis  September  9, 1863. 

PRIVATES. 

Edmundson,  Wm.  F.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember J,  1862,  discharged  at 
Helena  for  disability  April  22, 

1863. 

Thompson,  Thos  M.,  enlisted  March 
30,  1864. 

Ilallaway,  David,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 1,  1862. 

Newport,  Jesse,  enlisted  March  26, 

1864. 

Hale,  Henry,  enlisted  September  1, 
1862. 


426 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


COMPANY  K. 

Captain  Thornton  McIntosh,  com- 
missioned October  1,  1862,  re- 
signed March  31,  1863. 

Captain  John  M.  Baugh,  enlisted 
and  commissioned  Second  Lieu- 
tenant October  1,  1862,  promoted 
Captain  March  4,  1863,  resigned 
August  16,  1864. 

Captain  Win.  A.  Rankin,  enlisted 
as  Corporal  September  4,  1862, 
promoted  Second  Lieutenant 
March  4,  1863,  promoted  First 
Lieutenant  June  18,  1864,  pro- 
moted Captain  August  17,  1864, 
mustered  out  July  17,  1865. 

First  Lieutenant  Geo.  L.  Gilchrist, 
commissioned  October  1,  1862, 
resigned  March  3,  1863. 

First  Lieutenant  Thomas  R.  Conner, 
enlisted  September  4,  1862  as 
Fourth  Sergeant,  promoted  First 
Lieutenant  March  4,  1863,  mor- 
tally wounded  at  battle  of  Jenkin’s 
Ferry  April  30,  1864,  died  July 
5,  1864. 

First  Lieutenant  James  Loughridge, 
enlisted  as  First  Sergeant  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  promoted  Second 
Lieutenant  June  18,  1864,  pro- 
moted First  Lieutenant  Aug.  17, 
1864,  mustered  out  July  17, 1865. 

Second  Sergeant  ¥m.  H.  Shaw,  en- 
listed September  2,  1862. 

Third  Sergeant  Henry  S.  Drinkle, 
enlisted  September  2,  1862. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Henry  S.  Heath,  en- 
listed September  4, 1862,  discharg- 
ed for  disability  at  St.  Louis  Feb- 
ruary 19,  1863. 

First  Corporal  Benjamin  Foster,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862. 

Second  Corporal  Solomon  William- 
son, enlisted  September  4,  1862. 

Third  Corporal  Royal  Haskell,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  reduced 
to  ranks  December  3,  1862. 

Third  Corporal  Jasper  H.  Gordon, 
enlisted  September  4,  1862  as  pri- 
vate, promoted  Third  Corporal 
December  3,  1863. 


Fourth  Corporal  S.  A.  Williamson, 
enlisted  September  4,  1862,  re- 
duced to  ranks  at  his  own  request 
November  2,  1862. 

Fourth  Corporal  Andrew  J.  Burgess, 
enlisted  as  private  September  4, 
1862,  promoted  corporal  Novem- 
ber 3,  1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  Benj.  S.  Musgrove, 
enlisted  September  4,  1862,  died 
at  Oskaloosa  October  6,  1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  J.  B.  Shipley,  enlist- 
ed as  private  September  4,  1862, 
promoted  Fifth  Corporal  Novem- 
ber 3,  1862,  died  at  Clarendon, 
Ark.,  August  18,  1863. 

Sixth  Corporal  M.  D.  Gilchrist,  en- 
listed September  4,  1862,  killed 
at  Helena. 

Eighth  Corporal  Wm.  T.  McAllister, 
enlisted  September  4,  1862,  died 
at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  of  chronic  diar- 
rhoea February  3,  1863. 

Musician  Felix  G.  Mershon,  enlist- 
ed September  4,  1862,  discharged 
at  Keokuk  for  disability  March 
23,  1863. 

Musician  John  A.  Morris,  enlisted 
September  26,  1862,  died  of  mea- 
sles at  St.  Louis,  December  21, 
1862. 

Wagoner  T.  A.  Kernahain,  enlisted 
September  4,  1862,  wounded  at 
Helena  in  the  arm  July  4,  1863, 
died  there  of  disease  January  13, 
1864. 


PRIVATES. 

Andrews,  T.  R.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  transferred  to  Invalid 
Corps  February  16,  1864. 

Ashmead,  J.  T.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Agnew,  James,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis 
for  disability  March  13,  1863. 

Allgood,  Jefferson,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  discharged  at  Helena 
for  disability  April  16,  1863. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


427 


Boswell,  John,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  died  at  Little  Rock,  No- 
vember 3,  1863. 

Blair,  Robert,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862. 

Bell,  James  M.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Bond,  Win.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862. 

Broyles,  enlisted  September  4, 1862. 

Buntain,  Cary  A.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  died  at  St.  Louis  Jan- 
uary 21,  1863. 

Burgess,  Amos,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Boyd,  Robert  I.  F.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  discharged  at  Keokuk 
October  20,  1863. 

Boswell,  Levi,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  died  at  Helena,  Ark.,  May 
9,  1863. 

Crozier,  Thos.  S.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Cowan,  Wm.  R.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  afterward  Corporal, 

wounded  at  Helena  and  at  Saline 
River. 

Collins,  Merrill  P. 

Crozier,  Matthew  W. 

Carnahan,  Francis  M. 

Criss,  John,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis  Feb- 
ruary 14, 1864. 

Dickinson,  N.  C.,  enlisted  September 
30,  1862,  died  of  fever  at  Browns- 
ville, Arkansas,  Sept.  24,  1863. 

Dysart,  David,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  transferred  to  U.  S.  Ma- 
rine Corps  January  12,  1863. 

Dixon,  Matthew,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Douglass,  John  W.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Eastburn,  Sanford,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  discharged  at  Little 
Rock  May  10,  1864. 

Evans,  David  T.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  wounded  at  Saline  River, 
died  at  Little  Rock  September  22, 
1864. 

Emory,  William  T.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 


Fox,  James  B.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Furgeson,  John,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  discharged  at  Mound  City 
for  disability,  December  7,  1863. 

Gregory,  William,  enlisted  Novem- 
‘ ber  7,  1862,  discharged  at  Quincy, 
Illinois,  for  wounds,  Feb.  22, 1864. 

Gaston,  Cyrus,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Huff,  Charles  A.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  discharged  January  23, 
1863,  at  Memphis,  for  disability. 

Higgins,  Thomas,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Haskell,  Daniel,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Llartman,  Robert  R.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862,  died  at  Helena, 
Arkansas,  February  9,  1863. 

Howe,  William  H.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4, 1862,  died  at  St.  Louis  May 
14,  1863. 

Harris,  Augustus  A.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862,  died  of  measles  at 
St.  Louis  December  25,  1862. 

Henry,  John  N.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

James,  Alexander,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 7,  1862,  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner  at  Saline  River. 

Haskell,  Henry  C.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  wounded  at  Saline 
River,  and  died  from  wounds  at 
Princeton,  Ark.,  June  24,  1864. 

Morgan,  John  G.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Miller,  William  G.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

McFall,  David,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

McC unes,  David,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Myers,  David,  enlisted  September  4, 

1862,  died  of  fever  at  Oskaloosa 
October  7,  1862. 

Morgan,  Lewis,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

McKinney,  William,  enlisted  No- 
vember 7,  1862,  discharged  for 
disability  at  Helena,  April  16, 

1863. 


428 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Nicliol,  David  F.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Porter,  John,  enlisted  September  4, 

1862. 

Pleyel,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  wounded  at  Saline 
Fiver,  and  died  at  Princeton,  May 
23,  1864,  of  wounds. 

Pettichord,  William  M.,  enlisted 
September  4,  1862. 

Padget,  James,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  discharged  at  Memphis 
May  6,  1863,  for  disability. 

Fobertson,  Darius,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Fobinson,  James,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Fea,  John  B.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862. 

Fea,  Cyrus,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862. 

Foberts,  John  C.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  wounded  slightly  in 
the  leg  at  Saline  Fiver,  discharged 
at  Keokuk  June  14,  1865. 

Fyan,  Charles  E.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  died  at  Little  Hock, 
Arkansas,  September  25,  1864,  of 
falling  from  a window  in  the  hos- 
pital. 

Stratton,  George  B.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  severely  wounded  at 
Saline  Fiver,  afterward  corporal. 

Smith,  Franklin,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Tucker,  Leander  O.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Todd,  Benjamin,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862. 

Tennis,  Samuel  K.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  taken  prisoner  at 
Mark’s  Mills,  Arkansas,  April  25, 
1864. 

Walker,  James  A.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862. 

Wymore,  Fobert  E.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 4,  1862. 

Wagoner,  Lazarus,  enlisted  Septem- 


ber 4,  1862,  transferred  to  Missis- 
sippi Marine  Brigade. 

ADDITIONAL  ENLISTMENTS. 

Elwell,  Thomas,  enlisted  December 
25,  1863,  died  July  25,  1864,  at 
Little  Fock. 

Jackson,  William  M.,  enlisted  De- 
cember 14,  1863. 

Johnson,  James  M.,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 27,  1863. 

Kunnon,  Frances,  enlisted  December 
15,  1863. 

Martin,  John  N\,  enlisted  December 

11. 1863,  wounded  at  Saline  Fiver. 
Stephenson,  James  M.,  enlisted  Feb- 
ruary 3,  1863. 

Wendel,  James,  enlisted  August  3, 

1863,  killed  at  Saline  Fiver. 
Withrow,  William  EL.,  enlisted  Jan- 
uary 4, 1864,  wounded  at  Camden, 
and  again  at  Saline  Fiver. 

Anderson,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  Janu- 
ary, 4,  1864,  wounded  at  Saline 
Fiver,  also  at  Camden,  Ark.,  both 
times  in  the  thigh. 

George,  Jacob,  enlisted  February  25, 

1864,  died  at  Little  Fock,  Septem- 
ber 8,  1864. 

Henderson,  E.  F.,  enlisted  January 

19. 1864,  wounded  at  Saline  Fiver. 
Lockard,  Samuel  M.,  enlisted  Feb- 
ruary 6,  1864,  died  December  29, 
1864,  at  Little  Fock. 

Femington,  Sylvester,  enlisted 
March  29,  1864. 

Smith,  Samuel,  enlisted  February  6, 

1864,  wounded  at  Saline  river  in 
the  ankle,  and  discharged  May  16, 

1865,  at  St.  Louis. 

Smith,  Ephraim  S.,  enlisted  Febru- 
ary 29,  1864,  wounded  at  Saline 
Fiver,  and  died  from  wounds  at 
Princeton,  Ark.,  May  1,  1864. 
Lough  ridge,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  No- 
vember 3,  1862,  wounded  at 

Helena. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


429 


THIRTY-SIXTH  INFANTRY. 


COMPANY  B. 

Eighth  Corporal  Joshua  N.  Miller, 
enlisted  August  6,  1862,  discharg- 
ed at  Keokuk  for  disability  March 
7 , 1863. 

PRIVATES. 

Archer,  Thomas,  enlisted  August  6, 
1862,  mustered  out  August  24, 
1865. 

Blowers,  Squire,  enlisted  August  6, 
1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis  for 
disability  February  26,  1863. 

Dutton,  Jesse,  enlisted  August  4, 
1862,  taken  prisoner  at  Mark’s 
Mills,  Ark. 

Hox,  ¥m.  H.,  enlisted  August  11, 
1862,  discharged  at  Little  Rock 
for  disability  November  21,  1863. 

Harshbarger,  Henry,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 6,  1862,  mustered  out  August 
24,  1865. 

Harshbarger,  John,  enlisted  August 

6,  1862,  killed  at  Mark’s  Mills. 

McVay,  Josiah  D.,  enlisted  August 
6,  1862,  taken  prisoner  at  Mark’s 
Mills. 

McChesnev,  Robert  W.,  enlisted 
August  11,  1862,  mustered  out 
August  24,  1865. 

Rose,  John  M.,  enlisted  August  6, 
1862,  captured  at  Mark’s  Mills, 
died  of  chronic  diarrhoea  while  a 
prisoner  of  war  at  Shreveport,  La. 

Sheets,  Seamore,  enlisted  August  6, 
1862,  died  at  Duval’s  Bluff,  Ark., 
of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

West,  Sanford  C.,  enlisted  August  6, 
1862,  taken  prisoner  at  Mark’s 
Mills,  Ark. 

Watts,  Thos.,  enlisted  August  11, 


1862,  died  at  Keokuk  May  24, 

1863,  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Moore,  Richard  W.,  enlisted  Febru- 
ary 10,  1864,  taken  prisoner  at 
Mark’s  Mills,  Ark.,  April  25, 1864. 

COMPANY  D. 

Second  Corporal  Andrew  Heaverlo, 
enlisted  September  6,  1862,  dis- 
charged at  Memphis  April  3, 1863, 
for  disability. 

PRIVATE. 

Wm.  B.  Griffis,  enlisted  February 
29,  1864,  taken  prisoner  at  Mark’s 
Mills,  discharged  June  8,  1865. 

Holmes,  Paschal  P.,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862,  mustered  out  August  24, 
1865. 

COMPANY  F. 

Wood,  David  H.,  enlisted  February 
15, 1865,  mustered  out  August  24, 
1865. 

COMPANY  H. 

Hockett,  Enos,  enlisted  July  23, 
1862,  wounded  and  taken  prisoner 
at  Mark’s  Mills,  where  he  died 
May  IT,  1864,  of  wounds. 

McFall,  Samuel  T.,  enlisted  August 
15,  1862,  wounded  and  taken  pris- 
oner at  Mark’s  Mills. 

Vaughn,  Wm.  R.,  enlisted  July  23, 
1862,  transferred  to  Marine  Brig- 
ade January  20,  1863. 

Williams,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  August 
23,  1862,  transferred  to  Invalid 
Corps  September  3,  1863. 


THIRTY-SEVENTH  INFANTRY. 

This  regiment  was  known  all  over  the  country  as  the  Grey  Beard  Beg - 
intent , being  composed  entirely  of  men  over  forty-five  years  of  age.  It 
was  the  only  band  of  Grey  Beards  in  the  field. 

The  command  rendezvoused  at  Camp  Strong  near  Muscatine,  and  mus- 


430 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


tered  into  service  December,  1862.  They  attracted  marked  attention  at 
St.  Louis,  where  they  served  as  guards  to  military  prisons  until  May,  1863, 
then  served  along  the  line  of  Pacific  railway  about  two  months;  then  they 
were  ordered  to  Alton,  111.,  where  they  guarded  prisoners  until  January, 
1864,  when  they  w^ere  placed  on  similar  duty  at  Rock  Island  until  June 
5th.  They  were  then  engaged  in  picket  duties  near  Memphis  for  about 
three  months,  when  the  regiment  wTas  divided  into  squads,  stationed  at 
Indianapolis,  Cincinnati,  Columbus  and  Gallipolis;  May  20,  1865,  they 
were  ordered  to  Davenport,  where  they  were  mustered  out  May  24,  1865. 

Below  we  give  the  age  of  these  volunteers  at  time  of  enlistment. 


COMPANY  E. 

First  Lieutenant  Edward  Gerard,  en- 
listed September  10,  1862,  com- 
missioned December  15,  1862,  age 
46,  mustered  out  May  24,  1865. 

Second  Sergeant  Sylvester  Green- 
ough,  enlisted  September  6,  1862, 
appointed  November  1,  1862,  age 
52,  mustered  out  May  24,  1865. 

Third  Sergeant  ¥m.  S.  Wells,  en- 
listed September  12, 1862,  appoint- 
ed November  1,  1862,  age  54, 
mustered  out  May  24,  1865. 

Second  Corporal  Agustus  F.  Myers, 
enlisted  September  11,  1862,  ap- 
pointed November  1, 1862,  age  49, 
mustered  out  May  24,  1865. 

Third  Corporal  Adam  Keck,  enlist- 
ed October  9,  1862,  appoined 
November  1,  1862,  age  55,  mus- 
tered out  May  24,  1865. 

Fifth  Corporal,  Geo.  R.  Holt,  enlist- 
ed September  4,  1862,  appointed 
November  1,  1862,  age  53,  mus- 
tered out  May  24,  1865. 

Musician,  Nicholas  Rancey,  enlisted 
September  26,  1862,  appointed 
November  1,  1862,  discharged  for 
disability  March  11,  1863,  at  St. 
Louis,  age  72. 

Musician,  John  Neeley, enlisted  Oct- 
ober 3, 1862,  appointed  November 
1,  1862,  mustered  out  May  24, 
1865. 

PRIVATES. 

Bateman,  Wm.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 4,  1862,  age  56,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Bartlett,  Jacob,  enlisted  September 


19,  1862,  discharged  April  28, 
1863,  at  St.  Louis  for  disabtlity, 
age  48. 

Brown,  John  F.,  enlisted  October  17, 
1862,  age  45,  mustered  out  May 
24,  1863. 

Ballard,  Wm.,  enlisted  September  4, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability, 
April  28,  1863. 

Brock  way,  Joseph,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 10,  1862,  age  46,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Cleveland,  James,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 5,  1862,  age  60,  discharged  at 
Memphis,  February  9,  1865,  for 
disability. 

Calville,  John,  enlisted  October  16, 
1S62,  age  64,  mustered  out  May 
24,  1865. 

Crawford,  Nathan,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 24, 1862,  age  55,  died  at  Alton, 
Illinois,  December  3,  1863. 

Finarty,  Joseph,  enlisted  October  13, 
1862,  age  66,  mustered  out  May 
24,  1865. 

Gately,  John  J.,  enlistad  September, 
1862,  age  50,  mustered  out  May 
24,  1865. 

Hinkle,  Peter,  enlisted  September 
28,  1862,  age  50,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Howard,  Patrick,  enlisted  October 

20,  1862,  age  46,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Jones,  Rees  C.,  enlisted  November 
26,  1862,  age  60,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Lawson,  James,  enlisted  October  7, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability  at 
Cincinnati  February  30,  1865,  age 
63. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


431 


Laraway,  Philip,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 15,  1862,  discharged  at  Pock 
Island  May  18,  1864,  age  66. 
Mason,  Joseph,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  age  59,  died  at  Muscatine 
January  2,  1863. 

Newell,  Thos.,  enlisted  September 
4,  1862,  age  46,  discharged  at  In- 
dianapolis, November  6,  1864. 
Park,  Simpson,  enlisted  October  20, 

1862,  age  51,  discharged  April  28, 

1863,  at  St.  Louis,  for  disability. 
Powland  ¥m.,  enlisted  September 

13,  1862,  age  60,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Stockdale,  Charles,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 23, 1862,  age  59,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Steele,  John  A.,  enlisted  September 
12,  1862,  discharged  at  Memphis, 
J une  26  1864,  age  55. 


Todd,  Samuel,  enlisted  September 
20,  1862,  age  45,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Thompson,  John,  enlisted  October 
14,  1862,  age  57,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Yan  Koop,  Jacob  T.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 15,  1862,  died  at  St.  Louis 
May  14, 1863,  age  46. 

Williams,  Charles,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 5, 1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis 
April  28,  1863,  age  56. 

Williams,  Lyman,  enlisted  October 
11.  1862,  age  45,  mustered  out 
May  24,  1865. 

Wellslager,  Samuel,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 13,  1862,  discharged  at 
Memphis  Aug.  24,  1864,  age  62. 

Wybrow,  Geo.  F.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 22,  1862,  age  47,  mustered 
out  May  24,  1865. 


THIPTY-EIGIITH  INFANTRY. 


COMPANY  D. 

Fifth  Corporal  Perrie  G.  Burch,  en- 
listed August  22,  1862,  as  Sixth 
Corporal,  promoted  Fifth  Corpo- 
ral, died  at  Carrollton,  La.,  August 
19,  1863,  of  disease. 

Eighth  Corporal  John  Daskam,  Jr., 
enlisted  as  private  August  22, 
1862,  promoted  Eighth  Corporal, 
transferred  to  Co.  EL.,  Thirty- 
fourth  Regiment,  promoted  First 
Corporal. 


PRIVATES. 

Carter,  Aslibell,  enlisted  August  22, 
1862,  transferred  to  Co.  H,  Thirty- 
fourth  Infantry. 

Long,  Robert,  enlisted  August  22, 
1862,  transferred  to  Co.  H,  Thirty- 
fourth  Infrntry. 

Scott,  Ethan  A.,  enlisted  August  21, 
1862,  died  at  Vicksburg,  Miss., 
August  2,  1863,  of  disease. 

Scott,  Julius  C.,  enlisted  August  21, 
1862,  died  at  New  Orleans  Octo- 
ber 13,  1863,  of  disease. 


FORTIETH  INFANTRY. 

On  the  15th  of  November,  1862,  this  regiment  mustered  into  the  service 
about  900  strong  at  Iowa  City.  Moving  to  Cairo  by  rail  they  embarked 
for  Columbus,  Ky.,  which  place  they  reached  on  the  night  of  the  18th. 
Here  they  remained,  suffering  from  disease  and  many  hardships  of  camp  life 
during  the  following  winter,  until  March  3,  1863,  when  they  removed  to 
Paducah,  where  they  were  comfortably  quartered  for  nearly  three  months. 
On  the  last  day  of  May  they  left  for  Yazoo  river  country,  and  in  the  cam- 
paign of  Vicksburg  were  stationed  along  that  miasmatical  stream,  which 
greatly  reduced  the  force  of  the  regiment  by  disease.  Pestilential  Helena, 
the  army’s  next  quarters,  was  but  little  better.  August  13  the  command 


432 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


joined  in  the  expedition  against  Little  Rock.  Entering  the  city  triumph- 
antly September  10,  they  remained  there  until  March  23,  1864,  save  the 
time  spent  in  several  important  and  rather  disastrous  expeditions  through 
Arkansas.  In  the  battle  of  Jenkins’  Ferry  the  regiment  did  not,  at  any 
time,  engage  in  a body.  Companies  H,  E,  K and  G did  most  of  the  regi- 
ment’s hard  fighting  in  this  combat,  and  suffered  quite  severely.  The 
Fortieth  had  its  share  in  the  sad  and  trying  retreat  to  Little  Rock.  Hun- 
ger, disease  and  death  preyed  upon  the  brave  men  who  were  engaged,  half 
starved,  in  building  corduroy  roads  and  marching  in  mire  half  way  to  their 
knees. 

The  command  remained  most  of  the  time  at  Little  Rock  until  the  fol- 
lowing February,  when  Brigadier-General  Bussey,  at  Ft.  Smith,  asked  the 
department  command  to  send  him  a “ first-rate  regiment.”  The  Fortieth 
was  ordered  to  Ft.  Smith  as  filling  that  description.  Some  time  after  the 
regiment  was  assigned  to  Ft.  Gibson,  and  saw  no  further  warfare  until  their 
country  was  saved  and  their  services  no  longer  needed. 

Note. — This  regiment  was  mustered  out  at  Ft.  Gibson  August  2,  1865.  Officers  not  other- 
wise accounted  for,  mustered  out  as  with  the  regiment. 


COMPANY  C. 

First  Lieutenant  ¥m,  B.  Anderson, 
enlisted  August  13, 1862,  resigned 
March  26,  1864. 

First  Lieutenant  John  T.  S.  Fry,  en- 
listed August  14, 1862,  as  Second 
Sergeant,  promoted  Second  Lieu- 
tenant March  27,  1864,  First 
Lieutenant  January  15,  1865. 

Second  Lieutenant  Geo.  Lieurance, 
enlisted  August  13,  1862,  commis- 
sioned November  15,  1862,  re- 
signed June  19,  1863. 

Seeond  Lieutenant  David  A.  Tan- 
ner, enlisted  as  Fourth  Sergeant 
August  16,  1862,  promoted  Sec- 
ond Lieutenant  January  15, 1865, 
wounded  in  skirmish  near  Oca- 
lona,  Ark.,  April  3,  1864. 

Third  Sergeant  John  C.  Tucker,  en- 
listed Augtst  15,  1862,  appointed 
Sergeant  November  15,  1862. 

Fifth  Sergeant  John  H.  Brown,  en- 
listed August  13,  1862,  appointed 
Sergeant  November  15,  1862,  dis- 
charged March  20,  1863,  for  dis- 
ability. 

First  Corporal  Mortimer  W.  Nelson, 
enlisted  August  15,  1862,  ap- 
pointed Corporal  November  15, 
1862,  wounded  at  Jenkins’  Ferry. 


Second  Corporal  Peter  Y.  Lash,  en- 
listed August  20,  1862,  appointed 
Corporal  November  15,  1862. 

Third  Corporal  Johnson  Miller,  en- 
listed August  22, 1862,  appointed 
November  15, 1862,  died  at  Mem- 
phis of  remittent  fever  September 
3,  1863. 

Fourth  Corporal  Robert  B.  Boyd, 
enlisted  August  13,  1862,  ap- 
pointed November  15,  1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  Chris  C.  Mateer, 
enlisted  August  21,  1862,  ap- 
pointed November  15,  1862. 

Sixth  Corporal  Robert  A.  Gray,  en- 
listed August  14,  1862,  appointed 
November  15,  1862,  discharged 
February  19,  1863,  for  disability. 

Seventh  Corporal  Wm.  W.  Graham, 
enlisted  August  13,  1862,  ap- 
pointed Corporal  November  15, 
1862. 

Eighth  Corporal  Eljiah  Gray,  en- 
listed August  14,  1.862,  appointed 
November  15,  1862,  died  of  fever 
at  Ft.  Smith,  Ark.,  April  24, 1865. 

Musician  Jas.  W.  Wroughton,  en- 
listed August  13,  1862. 

Musician  Major  A.  Victor,  enlisted 
August  13,  1862. 

Wagoner  D.  D.  Eidson,  enlisted 
August  13,  1862. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


433 


priyatp:s. 

Allen,  Wm.  T.,  enlisted  August  22, 
1862. 

Allen,  Isham  P.,  enlisted  August  20, 
1862. 

Ankeny,  Seth  P.,  enlisted  August  22, 
1862. 

Armstrong,  Thos.,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862. 

Barnes,  Bailey,  enlisted  August  22, 
1862. 

Barnes,  Zaehariah,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862. 

Brown,  Bertrand,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 1,  1864. 

Barnard,  John,  enlisted  September 
1,  1864. 

Bates,  Samuel  D.,  enlisted  August 
22,  1862,  discharged  at  Little 
Rock,  March  24,  1864,  for  disa- 
bility. 

Biggs,  Wm.,  enlisted  August  15, 
1862,  discharged  at  St.  Louis, 
June  3,  1863,  for  disability. 

Bradley,  William,  enlisted  August 
13,  1862. 

Brown,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862. 

Bodenhamer,  John  S.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 14,  1862,  discharged  at  Keo- 
kuk for  disability,  December  26, 
1864. 

Boyd,  Wm.  W.,  enlisted  August  13, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability 
April  22,  1862. 

Brown,  Gilbert  B.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 1,  1864. 

Callaway,  Jesse  C.,  enlisted  August 

13,  1862. 

Doan,  Zacli.,  enlisted  Jan.  24,  1864. 

Dagger,  John,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862. 

Dugger,  Micajah,  enlisted  August 

14,  1862. 

Evans,  John,  enlisted  August  15, 
1862. 

Ewing,  Franklin,  enlisted  August 
18,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K, 
November  3,  1862,  died  October 
1,  1864,  of  congestive  fever,  at 
Little  Rock. 


Embree,  Cyrenius,  enlisted  January 
15,  1862,  died  of  phthisic  August 
25,  1864,  at  Memphis. 

Embree,  Jos.  W.,  enlisted  January 
6,  1864. 

Houghton,  Joab,  enlisted  August 
20,  1862. 

Hudson,  Lewis  H.,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862,  afterwards  Corporal, 
discharged  at  Keokuk,  July  10, 
1865,  for  wounds. 

Herrald,  Benjamin,  enlisted  August 
21,  1862. 

Hensyel,  Aaron,  enlisted  August  20, 
1862. 

Harreld,  Anderson  F.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 15,  1862. 

Harraman,  Winget,  enlisted  August 
22.  1862. 

Johnson,  Robert,  enlisted  August 
22,  1862,  died  of  typhus  fever, 
Feb.  6,  1863,  at  Columbus,  Ky. 

Jones,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862,  died  November  8, 1862,  pre- 
vious to  muster. 

Kriser,  Jacob,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862. 

Kelly,  John,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862,  died  at  Paducah,  Ky,  May 
10,  1863,  of  typhoid  fever. 

Kriser,  Michael,  enlisted  August  15, 
1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K,  No- 
vember 3,  1862. 

Kinney,  Isaac,  enlisted  August  8, 
1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K,  No- 
vember 3,  1862. 

Lockard,  Martin  W.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 15,  1862. 

Lutz,  John,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862. 

Leathers,  Josiali,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862. 

Lockard,  John  H.,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862. 

Lockard,  James  M.  C.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 14,  1862. 

McMahon,  Uriah,  enlisted  August 
13,  1862. 

Mayberry,  Sylvester,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 14,  1862,  died  at  Keokuk, 
January  11,  1865,  of  chronic 
bronchitis. 


434 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


McMaines,  Joseph,  enlisted  August 

13,  1882,  died  at  Little  Rock,  of 
chronic  diarrhoea,  August  15, 
1864. 

McMaines,  Alex.,  enlisted  August 

14,  1862. 

McMaines,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 14,  1862. 

Myers,  Andrew  J.,  enlisted  August 

15,  1862. 

McKaney,  Andrew,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862. 

Myers,  Jesse  C.,  enlisted  August  14, 

1862,  discharged  for  disability 
March  20,  1863,  at  Paducah,  Ky. 

McMaines,  Robert,  enlisted  August 

14,  1862,  died  of  typhoid  fever 
August  10,  1863,  at  Helena,  Ark. 

Mateer,  James,  enlisted  August  21, 
1862. 

McMahon,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  August 

15,  1862. 

McMaines,  Samuel  T.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 15,  1862,  discharged  at  Mound 
City,  for  disability,  October  7, 

1863. 

Myers,  Adolphus  C.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 14,  1862. 

Mavberry,  Geo.  W.,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862. 

McManus,  Asbury,  enlisted  Febru- 
ary 20,  1864. 

McCollam,  David,  enlisted  August 
22,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K, 
.November  3,  1862. 

Miller,  Richard,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862,  discharged  at  Davenport 
for  disability  December  16,  1864. 
Murray,  James  II.,  enlisted  August 
13,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K, 
November  3,  1862. 

Maple,  Daniel  N.,  enlisted  August 
13,  1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K, 
November  3,  1862,  died  at  Fort 
Smith,  Ark.,  of  erysipelas,  May 
10,  1865. 

Murrow,  David,  enlisted  August  14, 

1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K,  No- 
vember 3,  1862,  died  of  typhoid 
fever  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  March  24, 

1863. 


Roberts,  Chas.  A.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 14,  1863. 

Parr,  Noah,  enlisted  August  20, 
1862. 


Parr,  Mathew  G.,  enlisted  August 
15,  1862. 

Roberts,  Joseph  C.,  enlisted  August 
22,  1862. 

Rosel,  Asbury,  enlisted  August  21, 
1862. 

Roarty,  Rodgers,  enlisted  August  13, 
1862. 


Richardson,  Jno.  W.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 18,  1862. 

Snodgrass,  O’Kane,  enlisted  August 
15,  1862. 

Starnes,  James  M.,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862. 

Stanley,  Wm.  P.,  enlisted  August 
18,  1862,  afterwards  Corporal, 
discharged  for  disability  at  Little 
Rock,  January  30,  1865. 

Stinnett,  Isham,  enlisted  August  14, 


1862. 


Stinnett,  Moses,  enlisted  August  15, 


1862. 


Stoalabarger,  Reuben,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 20,  1862. 

Starvis,  Samuel  Me.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 22,  1862. 

Snook,  Napoleon  B.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 20,  1862,  died  of  typhoid  fever 
April  24,  1863,  at  Paducah,  Ky. 

Stanley,  Lyman,  enlisted  August  20, 
1862,  discharged  for  disability 
May  20,  1863,  at  Paducah,  Ky. 

Snodgrass,  John  F.,  enlisted  August 
16,  1862. 

Sanford,  Joseph,  enlisted  August  18, 
1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K.  No- 
vember 3, 1862. 

Sands,  John,  enlisted  August  13, 
1862,  transferred  to  Co.  K. 

Shaw,  Wm.,  enlisted  September  1, 

1864. 

Taylor,  W m.  O.,  enlisted  August  14, 
1862. 


Yan  Winkle,  Jonah,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 22,  1862,  died  at  Dupont,  Ind., 
of  typhoid  fever,  February  24, 
1863. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


437 


Whitehead,  Edward,  enlisted  August 
22,  1862. 

Whitehead,  Win.,  enlisted  August 
22,  1862. 

Wymore,  Samuel,  enlisted  August 
14,  1862,  died  October  27,  1863, 
at  Memphis  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Wymore,  A.  E.  S.,  enlisted  August 
18,  1862,  died  of  typhoid  fever  at 
Helena,  August  19,  1863. 

Whitaker,  Wm.,  enlisted  August  13, 
1862,  died  of  typhoid  fever  at 
Helena,  Ark.,  August  10,  1863. 

Wymore,  Elam  M.,  enlisted  August 
13,  1862. 

Williams,  John  C.,  enlisted  August 
18,  1862. 

Wymore,  John  W.,  enlisted  August 
22,  1862. 

Wymore,  James  W.,  enlisted  August 
13,  1862. 

Walden,  James  A.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 1,  1864. 

Walden,  Geo.,  enlisted  September  1, 
1864. 

Williams,  John  C.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 1,  1864. 

Wymore,  M.  H.,  enlisted  February 
17,  1864. 

Zunmalt,  Jacob,  enlisted  September 
1,  1864. 

COMPANY  F. 

Second  Lieutenant  Thomas  H.  For- 
syth, enlisted  August  9,  1862, 
commissioned  November  15, 1862, 
resigned  July  1,  1863. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Geo.  W.  Coleman, 
enlisted  August  9,  1862. 

Fifth  Corporal  John  Harlow,  enlist- 
ed August  9,  1862,  died  Novem- 
ber 28,  1862,  at  Iowa  City  of 
pneumonia. 

Seventh  Corporal  Titus  Wise,  en- 
listed August  9,  1862,  discharged 
for  disability  at  Little  Rock,  Feb- 
ruary 14,  1865. 

Eighth  Corporal  David  M.  Wise, 
enlisted  August  9,  1862,  died  at 
Columbus,  Ky.,  of  pneumonia, 
March  2,  1863. 

27 


PRIVATES. 

Adams,  James  F.,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862,  transferred  to  Invalid 
Corps  February  15,  1864. 

Armstrong,  Joseph,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862,  died  at  Memphis  Septem- 
ber 30,  1863,  of  intermittent  fever. 

Adams,  John  W.,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862. 

Brougher,  John,  enlisted  August  11, 
1862. 

Cooper,  Albert  M , enlisted  August 
9,  1862. 

Doughman,  Andrew,  enlisted  July 
26,  1862. 

Deen,  Jesse,  enlisted  August  9, 1862. 

Gregory,  James  P.,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862,  died  at  Mound  City,  111., 
J uly  30, 1863,  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 

Kilgore,  Andrew,  enlisted  August  9, 
1862. 

Mosher,  James  H.,  enlisted  August 
2,  1862. 

Mosher,  Nathaniel  E.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 9,  1862,  died  at  Bellefountaine 
of  chronic  diarrhoea  Dec.  20, 1863. 

McClure,  Alex  S.,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862; 

Mercer,  Eli  S.,  enlisted  August  9, 
1862. 

McYay,  James  A.,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862. 

Mosher,  Geo.  G.,  enlisted  August  9, 
1862. 

Stubling,  Wm.  L.,  enlisted  July  25, 
1862. 

Stone,  Joseph  S.,  enlisted  August  9, 
1862,  wounded  severely  in  right 
thigh  at  Prairie  De  Anne,  April  10, 
1864. 

Warford,  Franklin  M.,  enlisted  Aug- 
ust 9,  1862. 

Wise,  John  A.,  enlisted  August  9, 
1862. 

Wise,  Edward  W.,  enlisted  August 
9,  1862,  died  of  chronic  diarrhoea 
at  Memphis,  September  3,  1863. 

COMPANY  G. 

Lee,  Nathaniel  M.,  enlisted  August 
18, 1862. 


438 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


FORTY-SEYENTH  INFANTRY 

This  was  one  of  the  regiments  raised  in  accordance  with  the  proposition 
of  the  “War  Governors”  of  Illinois,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Iowa,  and  Minnesota, 
to  supply  to  the  United  States  85,000  volunteers  for  one  hundred  days’  ser- 
vice, which  offer  was  accepted  by  the  President,  April  23,  1864. 

Company  I of  this  regiment  was  raised  from  Mahaska  county,  by  Capt. 
Batterton,  in  May.  The  rendezvous  of  the  command  was  at  Davenport. 
From  that  point  the  Forty-seventh  was  ordered  to  Helena,  Arkansas,  where 
it  encamped  until  the  expiration  of  term  of  service,  when  it  returned  to 
Davenport  without  having  “ smelled  powder,”  or  heard  the  roar  of  battle. 
The  camp  at  Helena  was  sickly,  for  some  reason,  and  quite  a number  of  the 
command  there  fell  victims  to  disease,  which  in  all  armies  is  usually  more 
destructive  than  the  enemy’s  guns. 

The  regiment  was  mustered  out  at  Davenport,  October,  186  E 


Colonel  James  P.  Sanford,  commissioned  June  4,  1864. 
Assistant  Surgeon  Jno.  H.  Fry,  enlisted  May  11,  1864. 


COMPANY  A. 

Musician  Nathan  D.  Leonard,  en- 
listed May  23, 1864. 

Broyles,  Sanford  P.,  enlisted  May  16, 
1864. 

COMPANY  C. 

Wagoner  Thos.  Cowles,  enlisted  June 
4,  1864. 

Blair,  Jacob,  enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

Higens,  Joseph  C.,  enlisted  May  10, 
1864. 

Tyler,  James  M.,  enlisted  May  17, 
1864. 

COMPANY  H. 

Eighth  Corporal  Jonathan  B.  Hawk, 
enlisted  May  14, 1864. 

Bridges,  James  G.,  enlisted  May  14, 
1864. 

Corns,  Alonzo,  enlisted  May  14, 1864. 

Hatcher,  Washington,  enlisted  May 
14,  1864. 

Hatcher,  E.  R.,  enlisted  May  14, 
1864. 

McCoy,  Benjamin,  enlisted  May  14, 
1864. 

COMPANY  I. 

Captain  Henry  Batterton.  enlisted 
May  17, 1864,  commissioned  June 
4,  1864. 


First  Lieutenant  David  L.  Needham, 
Jr.,  enlisted  May  7,  1864,  com- 
missioned June  4,  1864. 

Second  Lieutenant  Wm.  R.  Roberts, 
enlisted  May  7,  1864,  commis- 
sioned June  4,  1864. 

First  Sergeant  Joseph  A.  Cunning- 
ham, enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

Second  Sergeant  Jonathan  R.  Cham- 
pion, enlisted  May  10, 1864. 

Third  Sergeant  Chas.  H.  Loring,  en- 
listed May  7,  1864,  died  at  Helena, 
Ark.,  July  17, 1864. 

Third  Sergeant  Thos.  Sweem,  en- 
listed as  Fourth  Sergeant,  May  7, 
1864,  promoted  Third  Sergeant 
July  30,  1864. 

Fourth  Sergeant  Jas.  E.  St.  John, 
enlisted  as  private  May  7,  1864, 
promoted  Fifth  Sergeant,  promo- 
ted Fourth  Sergeant  J uly  30, 1864. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Jackson  Hughbanks, 
enlisted  May  7,  1864,  probably 
reduced  to  ranks. 

Fifth  Sergeant  Charles  Leighton,  en- 
listed as  private  May  7, 1864,  pro- 
moted Sergeant  July  30,  1864. 

First  Corporal  Harrison  H,  McFar- 
lan,  enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

Second  Corporal  McKee  T.  Elsey, 
enlisted  May  10,  1864. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


439 


Third  Corporal  W m.  D.  Boyd,  en- 
listed May  9,  1864,  reduced  to 
ranks  at  his  own  request,  J uly  30, 
1864. 

Third  Corporal  R.  P.  Bolles,  enlist- 
ed as  private  May  21,  1864,  pro- 
moted Third  Corporal  July  30, 
1864. 

Fourth  Corporal  Benj.  H.  Winkle- 
man,  enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

Fifth  Corporal  Jno.  O.  D.  Ross,  en- 
listed May  7,  1864, 

Sixth  Corporal  John  H.  Coffman, 
enlisted  May  7,  1864,  reduced  to 
ranks. 

Seventh  Corporal  Aaron  Phillips, 
enlisted  May  9,  1864,  reduced  to 
ranks. 

Seventh  Corporal  David  E.  Rice,  en- 
listed as  private  May  30, 1864,  pro- 
moted Corporal  June  29,  1864, 
died  at  Davenport,  September  19, 
1864,  of  typhoid  fever. 

Eighth  Corporal  Francis  M.  Chil- 
ders, enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

PRIVATES. 

Allen,  Andrew,  enlisted  May  7, 1864. 

Armstrong,  Matthew,  enlisted  May 
14.  1864,  deserted  July  12,  1864. 

Ball,  Thomas,  enlisted  May  13, 1864. 

Bones,  Win.  H.,  enlisted  May  14, 
1864, 

Beckman,  Diedrick,  enlisted  May 
14,  1864. 

Bump,  Martin  Y.,  enlisted  May  16, 
1864. 

Brackney,  Elias,  enlisted  May  7. 
1864,  died  at  Davenport,  Septem- 
ber 26,  1864. 

Bergren,  Wm.,  enlisted  May  10, 1864. 

Barr,  Smith  M.,  enlisted  May  7, 1864. 

Benton,  Wm.  E.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Chick,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  May  7, 1864. 

Coffman,  D.  H.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Crispin,  John  F.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Ellis,  Perry,  enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

Eubanks,  Jesse  D.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 


Ellison,  James,  enlisted  May  7, 1864. 

Ellis,  Linza,  enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

Enloe,  Isaac  N.,  enlisted  May  12, 
1864. 

Fletcher,  James  C.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Fleming,  Justin,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Gregory,  Wm.  H.  H.,  enlisted  May 
7,  1864. 

Graham,  Wm.  M.,  enlisted  May  10, 
1864. 

Gatewood,  John  F.,  enlisted  May  14, 
1864. 

Glaze,  Wm.  B.  L.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Haupt,  Geo.,  enlisted  May  9,  1864. 

Hendrick,  Wm.  A.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Keenan,  Ebenezer,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864,  died  on  Steamer  UD.  A. 
January,”  September  4,  1864  of 
typhoid  fever. 

Kinsler,  Wm.,  enlisted  May  7, 1864, 
discharged  October  26,  1864. 

Knight,  Itnmer  M.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Little,  Jared,  enlisted  May  10, 1864, 
died  at  Helena,  July  30,  1864. 

Lough,  Sidney  S.,  enlisted  May  6, 
1864. 

Lee,  Wm.  T.,  enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

McClure,  Robert,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Mattox,  Cyrus  M.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

McCann,  James  A.,  enlisted  May 
24,  1864. 

Miles,  Lewis.  H.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Mullen,  Job,  enlisted  May  9,  1864. 

McMains,  Robert  A.,  enlisted  May 
10,  1864. 

McDonald,  Tlios.  E.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Morgan,  J.  P.,  enlisted  May  7,  1864. 

Ralston,  Wilson  D.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Ruppel,  Lewis  F.,  enlisted  May  10, 
1 864. 

Rickets,  Lemuel,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 


440 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Ross,  Andrew  0.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Stone,  George,  enlisted  May  24, 
1864. 

Sutton,  ¥m.  F.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Shock,  Oliver  H.,  enlisted  May  24, 
1864. 

So utli wick,  Jonathan  W.,  enlisted 
May  16,  1864,  died  at  Helena, 
Arkansas,  August  21,  1864,  of 
camp  fever  and  diarrhoea. 

Swearingen,  Alden  B.,  enlisted  May 
9,  1864. 

Stafford,  Jonathan  A.,  enlisted  May 
7,  1864. 


Sloan,  Richard  D.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Thissell,  Austin  C.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Tryon,  Gosvenor  A.,  enlisted  May 
9,  1864. 

Talbert,  Gustavus  F.,  enlisted  May 
7.  1864. 

Timbrel,  Jasper  M.,  enlisted  May  7, 
1864. 

Winters,  John  T.,  enlisted  May  10, 
1864. 

Workman,  Jas.,  enlisted  May  7, 1864, 
died  at  Helena  July  21,  1864. 

Weaver,  Henry  W.,  enlisted  May 
21,  1864. 


THIRD  CAVALRY. 


COMPANY  D. 

Binder,  Wm.,  enlisted  September 
10,  1861,  discharged  at  Helena, 
Arkansas,  January  12,  1863. 

COMPANY  K. 

Second  Corporal,  Geo.  Williams,  en- 
listed September  3,  1861,  subse- 
quently reduced  to  ranks,  re-en- 
listed  as  veteran  January  1,  1864. 

Third  Corporal,  Wm.  E.  Jones,  en- 
listed September  3,  1861,  subse- 
quently reduced  to  ranks,  wound- 
ed at  Salem,  Arkansas,  and  dis- 
charged September  26,  1862. 

Angel,  Wilson,  enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864,  killed  in  battle 
at  Ripley,  Miss.,  June  11,  1864. 


Himes,  Wm.  H.,  enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864. 

McYay,  Jacob  H.,  enlisted  as  vete- 
ran January  1,  1864. 

Randall,  Israel  W.,  enlisted  as  vete- 
ran January  1,  1864. 

COMPANY  L. 

Hicks,  Alfred  B.,  enlisted  August 
15,  1861. 

COMPANY  M. 

Second  Corporal,  Alexander  Cowan, 
enlisted  October  3,  1861  as  pri- 
vate, promoted  Second  Corpo- 
ral November  25,  1862,  died  at 
Memphis,  September  13,  1863. 


FOURTH  CAVALRY. 

This  regiment  was  raised  during  the  latter  part  of  1861,  with  rendez- 
vous at  Camp  Harlan,  Mount  Pleasant,  and  contained  squads  of  Mahaska 
county  men  who  enlisted  with  the  regiment,  or  as  recruits  after  it  had  en- 
tered the  service,  quite  a number  enlisting  in  1863  and  1864. 

During  May,  1863,  the  regiment  was  in  several  engagements  in  Missis- 
sippi, at  Jackson,  at  Raymond,  and  twice  at  Mechanicsburg,  on  the  24th  and 
29th  of  that  month.  During  the  previous  part  of  the  year  the  regiment 
had  been  stationed  at  Helena,  Arkansas,  doing  scouting  and  picket  duty. 
Under  Gen.  Sherman  at  Black  River,  in  June,  a portion  of  the  regiment 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


441 


had  quite  a severe  encounter  with  the  enemy’s  cavalry,  about  125  Union 
men  being  surrounded  by  800  Rebels.  The  former  were  successful  in  cut- 
ting their  way  out  with  a loss  of  near  fifty  men  in  killed  and  taken  pris- 
oners. During  the  remainder  of  the  year  the  regiment  was  engaged  in 
skirmishing  in  Mississippi,  but  without  serious  loss. 

During  1864,  no  regiment  in  the  army  was  in  more  active  service  than 
the  Fourth  Cavalry.  After  several  skirimishes  and  long  marches  in  the 
early  spring,  or  rather  during  the  winter,  they  were  furloughed  March  4, 
1864,  by  special  order  of  Gen.  Sherman.  Various  expeditions  were  under- 
taken upon  the  return  of  the  regiment  to  Mississippi,  involving  marches 
of  some  thousands  of  miles  and  numerous  brilliant  engagements.  Of  his 
men,  December  1,1864,  Colonel  Winslow  says:  ‘‘So  language  can  de- 
scribe their  sufferings,  or  give  them  credit  for  that  distinguished  bravery 
and  endurance  which  have  taught  the  enemy  to  respect  them  and  fear  their 
coming,  as  the  people  of  the  Indies  fear  the  Simoon.  Four  expeditions 
against  Forrest  and  one  against  Price,  bear  testimony  to  the  fatigues  en- 
dured, the  dangers  encountered,  the  defeats  shared,  the  victories  won.” 

During  March  and  April,  1865,  a most  brilliant  march  with  frequent 
fighting,  was  made  from  Chickasaw,  Alabama,  to  Macon,  Georgia.  Seven 
battle  flags  were  captured  in  a single  engagement,  near  Columbus,  Georgia, 
by  volunteers  of  this  regiment.  During  the  month  occupied  in  this  expe- 
dition, 610  miles  were  marched,  2,436  prisoners  captured,  21  pieces  of 
artillery,  1,650  stand  of  small  arms,  and  880  horses  and  mules  taken. 

[Note. — This  regiment  was  mustered  out  at  Atlanta,  Georgia,  August  10,  1865.  Men 
not  otherwise  accounted  for,  mustered  out  as  with  the  regiment. 


COMPANY  E. 

Mitchell,  John,  enlisted  January  3,. 
1863. 

Byers,  James  W.,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 21,  1863. 

Boswell,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  No- 
vember 9,  1863. 

Dumont,  Thomas,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 17, 1863. 

Good,  William,  enlisted  November, 
1863. 

McGee,  William,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 13,  1863. 

Riggs,  Franklin,  enlisted  November 
17,  1863. 

COMPANY  F. 

Second  Sergeant  Hira  W.  Curtis, 
enlisted  October  17,  1861,  taken 
prisoner  in  a skirmish  at  Black 
River,  Mississippi,  June  22,  1863. 

Third  Sergeant  Levi  Smith,  enlisted 
October  17,  1861,  a&  private,  pro- 
moted Fifth  Sergeant  December  1, 


1861,  promoted  Fourth  Sergeant 
September  1 , 1862,  promoted  Third 
Sergeant  October  1,  1862,  re-en- 
listed as  veteran  December  12, 
1863. 

Fourth  Sergeant  William  Glasgow, 
enlisted  as  Fifth  Sergeant  October 
29,  1861,  promoted  Fourth  Ser- 
geant, discharged  for  disability 
August  23,  1862. 

Fourth  Sergeant  A.  Loughridge,  en- 
listed as  private  October  17,  1861, 
promoted  Eighth  Corporal  May  1, 

1862,  promoted  Seventh  Corporal 
August  1,  1862,  promoted  Sixth 
Corporal  September  1,  1862,  pro- 
moted Fourth  Corporal  October  1, 
1862,  promoted  Fifth  Sergeant 
May  1,  1864,  promoted  Fourth 
Sergeant  July  1,  1864. 

Sixth  Sergeant  William  J.  McFall, 
enlisted  as  private  October  17, 
1861,  promoted  Eighth  Corporal 
September  1, 1862,  promoted  Sixth 
Sergeant  October  1>  1862. 


442 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


First  Corporal  Joseph  Cline,  enlisted 
October  14, 1861,  returned  to  ranks 
March  15,  1862,  taken  prisoner 
and  paroled,  transferred  to  Invalid 
Corps  February  15,  1864. 

First  Corporal  Joseph  Glasgow,  en- 
listed October  29,  1861,  as  Second 
Corporal,  promoted  First  Corporal 
October  1,  1862,  taken  prisoner  at 
Black  Biver,  Mississippi,  in  a skir- 
mish, June  22,  1863. 

Fifth  Corporal  E.  D.  Bratton,  en- 
listed as  private  October  17,  1861, 
promoted  Eighth  Corporal  August 
1,  1862,  promoted  Seventh  Cor- 
poral September  1,  1862,  promo- 
ted Fifth  Corporal  October  1, 1862, 
reduced  to  ranks  January  1,  1863, 
re-enlisted  as  veteran  Jan.  1,  1864. 

Sixth  Corporal  Elijah  Busby,  enlisted 
as  private  October  17,  1861,  pro- 
moted Sixth  Corporal  October  1, 
1862,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  De- 
cember 12, 1863,  promoted  Second 
Corporal  January  1, 1864,  promo- 
ted Sixth  Sergeant  May  1,  1864, 
promoted  Fifth  Sergeant  July  1, 
1864,  captured  in  a skirmish  at 
Black  Biver,  Mississippi,  and  re- 
leased. 

Seventh  Corporal  Jeremiah  Everett, 
enlisted  October  17, 1861,  reduced 
to  ranks  at  his  own  request  De- 
cember 1,  1861,  discharged  No- 
vember 7,  1862,  for  disability. 

PRIVATES. 

Allison,  Charles  B.,  enlisted  October 
14,  1861. 

Boswell,  F.  M.,  enlisted  November 
9,  1863. 

Butler,  James  W.,  enlisted  October 
14,  1861,  died  of  congestion  of 
brain  at  Helena,  Arkansas,  March 
4,  1863. 

Byers,  James  W.,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 21,  1863. 

Crane,  Hiram  T.,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861. 

Barnes,  B.  B.,  enlisted  February  2, 
1864. 


Carnahan,  Harlan,  enlisted  October 
17,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864,  promoted  Sev- 
enth Corporal  May  1,  1864. 
Bristol,  M.  B.,  enlisted  February 
19,  1864. 

Barnes,  A.  W.,  enlisted  Januury  12, 
1864. 

Davis,  Caleb,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  died  at  Batesville,  Arkansas, 
June  23,  1862. 

Dumont,  Thomas,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 7,  1863. 

Good,  Samuel,  enlisted  October  14, 
1861,  discharged  for  disability 
March  13,  1863. 

Good,  William,  enlisted  November, 

1863. 

Griffith,  John  P.,  enlisted  October 
29,  1861,  discharged  November 
22,  1864. 

McGee,  William,  enlisted  November 

13,  1863. 

Pickens,  Alpheus,  enlisted  October 

14,  1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
December  12,  1863. 

Lewis,  Samuel,  enlisted  September 
3,  1864. 

Pugh,  William  H.,  enlisted  February 
19,  1864. 

Pike,  John  B.,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  transferred  to  Marine  Brig- 
ade April  7,  1863. 

Miles,  Elihu,  enlisted  January  5, 

1864. 

Bose,  Enos,  enlisted  October  14, 
1861,  died  at  Keokuk  November 
7,  1862,  of  chronic  diarrhoea. 
Pierson,  James  B.,  enlisted  January 

12,  1864,  wounded  and  discharged 
September  15,  1864. 

Scott,  William,  enlisted  October  17, 
1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  De- 
cember 12, 1863,  promoted  Farrier 
January  1,  1864. 

Scott,  Lewis  W.,  enlisted  February 

13,  1864,  discharged  for  disability 
December  22,  1864. 

Bartlett,  William,  enlisted  January 
1,  1862. 

Walton,  N.  D.,  enlisted  September 
2,  1862. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


443 


Riggs,  Franklin,  enlisted  November 
7, 1863. 

Thomas,  Sylvester  W.,  enlisted  Feb- 
ruary 8,  1864,  died  May  2,  1864, 
at  Vicksburg 

Thomas,  C.  M.,  enlisted  February  2, 
1864. 

COMPANY  S. 

Third  Sergeant  Samuel  N.  Miller, 
enlisted  Fourth  Sergeant  Septem- 
ber 19, 1861,  promoted  Third  Ser- 
geant August  1,  1862. 

Black,  Samuel  O.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 26,  1861,  promoted  Corporal, 
wounded  near  St.  Francis  River, 
Arkansas,  April  8,  1863. 

Enslow,  William  H , enlisted  No- 
vember 23,  1861,  died  of  chronic 
diarrhoea,  at  Helena,  Arkansas, 
April  17, 1863. 

Jones,  Joseph  H.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 26,  1861. 

Kinney,  John,  enlisted  October  4, 
1861,  taken  prisoner. 

Kinney,  H.J.,  enlisted  Feb.  17, 1864. 

White,  Henry  C.,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber 23, 1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran 
December  12,  1863. 

Sheppard,  George  W.,  enlisted  Oc- 
tober 6, 1862,  wounded  at  St.  Fran- 
cis River,  Arkansas. 


Casler,  Clinton  B.,  enlisted  as  vet- 
eran December  12,  1863. 


VOLUNTEERS — COMPANIES  UNKNOWN. 

Gates,  James  O.,  enlisted  January  5, 
1864. 

Hays,  John  H.,  enlisted  January  5, 
1864. 

Harris,  James,  enlisted  January  5, 
1864. 

Jones,  N.  B.,  enlisted  January  4, 
1864. 

Jones,  Edward,  enlisted  January  4, 
1864. 

Kernehan,  James  B.,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 12,  1863. 

Lee,  Charles  H.,  enlisted  January 
11,  1864. 

Kenworthy,  Henry  A.,  enlisted  Jan- 
uary 4,  1864. 

Morgan,  Clinton  C.,  enlisted  Jan- 
uary 2,  1864. 

Posegate,  Francis,  enlisted  Decem- 
ber 25,  1863. 

Thompson,  Andrew  T.,  enlisted  Jan- 
uary 5,  1864. 

Kinkade,  David  N.,  enlisted  as  vet- 
eran February  29,  1864. 

Smith,  George  D., enlisted  as  veteran 
January  1,  1864. 


SEVENTH  CAVALRY. 


This  regiment  was  formed  at  Camp  Hendershott,  Davenport,  Iowa,  dur- 
ing the  summer  of  1863.  On  the  27th  most  of  the  regiment  was  ordered 
to  Omaha,  and  served  on  the  frontier  during  their  entire  period  of  service. 
They  took  part  in  every  expedition  against  the  Indians,  in  the  departments 
of  Missouri,  Kansas,  and  the  Northwest,  during  1863  and  1864.  The  regi- 
ment was  retained  in  the  Indian  service  until  1866.  The  regiment,  except 
Companies  K,  L and  M,  was  mustered  out  at  Leavenworth,  Kansas,  May 
17,  1866.  The  remainder  at  Sioux  City,  June  22,  1866.  The  Colonels  of 
the  regiment  were  Sam  W.  Summers  and  H.  H.  Heath. 


COMPANY  B. 

First  Sergeant,  Levi  Sumner,  en- 
listed November  3,  1362,  dis- 
charged for  disability,  April  12, 
1865. 

Third  Sergeant,  Joseph  W.  West, 
enlisted  March  7,  1863. 


PRIVATES. 

Anthony,  Wm.,  enlisted  October 
29,  1862. 

Blackston,  John  W.,  enlisted  Octo- 
ber 26,  1863. 

Evans,  John  T.,  enlisted  March  11, 
1863. 


444 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Henry,  Thomas  B.,  enlisted  March 
2,  1863. 

Kersey,  Samuel,  enlisted  November 
6,  1862,  wounded  at  Horse  Creek, 
July  14,  1864. 

Sumner,  Washington,  enlisted  No- 
vember 5,  1862. 

COMPANY  C. 

McPherson,  John,  enlisted  April  10, 
1863. 

COMPANY  D. 

Commissary  Sergeant,  C.  H.  Spur- 
lock, enlisted  December  10,  1862. 

Eighth  Corporal,  Simon  B.  Wood- 
ward, enlisted  January  21,  1863, 
promoted  Eighth  Corporal,  June 
8,  1863. 

Ankeny,  Wm.  H , enlisted  Decem- 
ber 25,  1862. 

Allison,  Jas.,  enlisted  Jan.  24,1862. 

Martin,  Wm.,  enlisted  December 
20,  1862. 

Small,  Wm.  T.,  enlisted  December 
23,  1862. 

Wortman,  Daniel,  enlisted  March 
2,  1863. 

COMPANY  G. 

Third  Corporal,  Samuel  O.  Kinzer, 
enlisted  April  6,  1863. 


COMPANY  H. 

McMullen,  Ross,  enlisted  June  20, 
1863. 

Wagoner,  Fred,  enlisted  June  20, 

1863. 

COMPANY  L. 

Berry,  John  P.,  enlisted  March  31, 

1864. 

Parrott,  Thomas  J.,  enlisted  March 
12,  1864. 

ADDITIONAL  ENLISTMENTS — COMPANIES 
UNKNOWN. 

English,  James,  enlisted  September 
6,  1864. 

Floro,  Geo.,  enlisted  June  8,  1864. 
Houser,  James,  enlisted  September 
6,  1864. 

Meeks,  David,  enlisted  September 
3,  1864. 

Noe,  William,  enlisted  June  8, 1864. 
Picken,  Michael,  enlisted  September 
6,  1864. 

Pearson,  Chas.  R.,  enlisted  March 
8,  1864. 

Sprague,  Allen,  enlisted  September 
8,  1864. 

Walker,  Stephen,  enlisted  Septem- 
ber, 11,  1864. 


NINTH  CAVALRY. 


COMPANY  I. 

Benscoter,  S.  H.,  enlisted  November 

. 19,  1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Brockway,  John  W.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 23,  1863,  mustered  out 
March  15,  1866. 

Martin,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  Octo- 
ber 1,  1863,  mustered  out  March 
15,  1866. 

Mullin,  Joseph,  enlisted  October  1, 
1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Sexton,  Wm.  J.,  enlisted  October  30, 
1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Sharp,  W.  T.,  enlisted  November 


19,  1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Spain,  Sanford  S.,  enlisted  October 
14,  1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Vance,  Taylor,  enlisted  September 
9,  1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Whitsel,  Chas.  J.,  enlisted  October 
1,  1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Woten,  Nathan,  enlisted  October 
27,  1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 

Wym,  John,  enlisted  September  25, 
1863,  mustered  out  March  15, 
1866. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


445 


LIGHT  ARTILLERY. 

The  Fourth  Battery  was  organized  at  Davenport  in  the  latter  part  of 
November,  1863.  Its  members  came  from  all  parts  of  the  State,  and  many 
of  them  had  previously  been  in  the  service.  It  was  a line  command  in 
every  respect,  but  did  not  have  the  good  fortune  to  particularly  distinguish 
itself  in  the  field.  Its  theater  of  operations  was  for  the  most  part  in  Lou- 
isiana. The  Battery  was  mustered  out  at  Davenport,  July  14,  1865.  The 
Captain  was  Phillip  H.  Goode,  of  Mills  county.  The  enlistments  from 
Mahaska  county  were  as  follows: 


FOURTH  BATTERY. 

Junior  Second  Lieutenant  Francis 
M.  Ellsworth,  enlisted  July  24, 
1863,  resigned  April  5, 1864. 

Eleventh  Corporal  Mathew  N.  Prine, 
enlisted  August  1, 1863,  mustered 
out  July  14,  1865. 

Musician  Robert  A.  Crosson,  en- 
listed July  27,  1863,  mustered  out 
July  14,  1865. 

Artificer  John  N.  Morgan,  enlisted 
August  1, 1863,  mustered  out  July 
14,  1865. 

PRIVATES. 

Avy,  Levi,  enlisted  August  1, 1863, 
mustered  out  July  14,  1865. 

Atkins,  Wm.  T.,  enlisted  November 
4,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Buekmaster,  Asbury,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 5,  1863,  mustered  out  July 
14,1865. 

Brown,  Wm.  R.,  enlisted  August  29, 
1863,  mustered  out  July  14,  1865. 

Bodenhammer,  A.  C.,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 3,  1863,  mustered  out  July 
14,  1865. 

Bodenhammer,  Jas.  M.,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 3,  1863,  mustered  out  July 
14,  1865. 

Bass,  Wm.  M.,  enlisted  August  4, 
1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 1865. 

Barton,  Thos.  S.,  enlisted  August  16, 
1863,  mustered  out  July  14,1865. 

Collins,  Geo.  G.,  enlisted  August 
21,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Co  wen,  Ceo.  T.,  enlisted  September 
1,  1863,  discharged  for  disability 
September  5,  1864. 


Downs,  Jacob  E.,  enlisted  August 
26,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Gateley,  Joseph  H.,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 18,  1S63,  mustered  out  July 
14,  1865. 

Gerard,  Francis  M , enlisted  August 
1,  1863,  served  ten  months  in  Co. 

H,  Eighth  Infantry. 

Glasgow,  James  T.,  enlisted  October 
6,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Hennis,  Benjamin  T.,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 3,  1863,  died  at  Davenport 
February  2, 1864,  of  typhoid  pneu- 
monia. 

Huber,  John  M.,  enlisted  July  26, 
1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 1865. 

Hartman,  Oliver  C.,  enlisted  July 
29,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Hendryx,  Thos.  J.  enlisted  August 
5,  1863,  discharged  for  disability 
August  11,  1864. 

Ives,  Samuel  C.,  enlisted  August  5, 
1863,  mustered  out  July  14,  1865. 

Johnson,  Ab.,  enlisted  August  1, 
1863,  mustered  out  July  24,  1865. 

Jessup,  Alex  L.,  enlisted  November 
3,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Kincaid,  Benj.  F.,  enlisted  August 
5,1863,  mustered  out  July  14,1865. 

McManes,  Andrew,  enlisted  August 
3,  1863,  discharged  for  disability 
March  5,  1864. 

Nafe,  Augustus  W.  enlisted  August 
3,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Ponell,  Joseph,  enlisted  September 

I,  1863,  mustered  out  July  1865, 


446 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Quaintance,  G.  P.,  enlisted  August 
18,  1868,  mustered  out  July  14. 
1865. 

Sproule,  Win.  H.,  enlisted  August 


23,  1863,  mustered  out  July  14, 
1865. 

Young,  Jones  H.,  enlisted  Novem- 
ber 4,  1862,  mustered  out  July 
14,  1865. 


MISCELLANEOUS  ENLISTMENTS. 


Alder,  John  F.,  enlisted  May  14, 

1864,  Co.  D,  Fourty-fourtli  Infan- 
try. 

Byers,  S.  H.  M.,  enlisted  June  24, 
1861,  as  first  Corporal,  Co.  B, 
Fifth  Infantry,  promoted  Quarter- 
Master  Sergeant,  March  1,  1862, 
promoted  Adjutant  April  23, 

1863,  imprisoned  at  Libby,  ex- 
changed, discharged  March  19, 

1865,  appointed  Consul  to  Zurich 
Switzerland  under  Grant,  which 
appointment  he  now  holds;  was 
the  author  of  the  song  “Sherman’s 
March  to  the  Sea,”  written  while 
in  Libby  Prison. 

Bryan,  Andrew-  A.,  enlisted  August 
22,  1861,  Co.  F,  Tenth  Infantry, 
wounded  at  Yicksburg  and  dis- 
charged at  St.  Louis,  for  wounds. 

Bennington,  Samuel,  enlisted  Octo- 
ber 13,  1861,  in  Co.  E,  Twelfth 
Infantry,  died  at  St.  Louis  Janu- 
ary 15,  1862. 

Beattie,  James,  appointed  Musician, 
Forty-fifth  Infantry,  May  25, 

1864. 

Bryney,  A.  J.  enlisted  as  substitute 
in  Ninth  Infantry  November  18, 
1864. 

Barnes  John  C.,  enlisted  October  27, 
1861,  re-enlisted  January  5,  1864. 

Chapman,  Samuel  H.,  enlisted  as 
Captain  Co.  B.,  5th  Infantry,  re- 
signed December  2,  1861. 

Cummings,  William  C.  commission- 
ed Assistant  Surgeon,  Tenth  In- 
fantry, April  16,  1862,  resigned 
October  17,  1862. 

Cromley,' John  W.,  enlisted  August 
16,  1863,  Co.  E,  First  Iowa  Infan- 
try (African  descent). 

Cummings,  John  S.,  enlisted  Sep- 
tember 11, 1861,  in  Engineer  Beg- 


iment  of  the  West,  Second  Ser- 
geant, Co.  K,  promoted  Second 
Lieutenant  Co.  H,  Oct.  19,  1862. 

Cox,  Thomas  S.,  enlisted  August  9, 
1861,  Co.  A.,  Seventh  Mo.,  Cav- 
alry. 

Collins,  Elisha,  enlisted  September 
1,  1864,  Co.  I,  Twenty-third  In- 
fantry. 

Cox,  Joshua  S.,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  19,  1864,  Ninth 
Infantry. 

Clark,  James  D.,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  19,  1864,  Ninth 
Infantry. 

Dent,  William  B.,  enlisted  August 
22,  1861,  Co.  F,  Tenth  Infantry, 
died  at  Bird’s  Point,  Mo.,  of  ty- 
phoid fever. 

Dickens,  Bobert  S.,  enlisted  August 

16,  1863,  First  Corporal,  Co.  E, 
First  Iowa  Infantry  (of  African 
descent). 

Dodd,  Charles  J.,  enlisted  as  veteran 
February  15,  1864,  in  Second 
Veteran  Infantry. 

Draper,  M.  Y.  B.,  enlisted  as  veter- 
an December  17,  1863,  in  Co  I, 
Second  Veteran  Infantry. 

Dryden,  Cyrus,  enlisted  September 
io,  1864,  Co.  F,  Tenth  Infantry. 

Douglass,  B.  B.,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  14,  1864,  in  Ninth 
Infantry. 

Ellsworth,  Francis  M.,  enlisted  May 
7,  1864,  as  private,  Co.  B,  Forty- 
eighth  Infantry,  promoted  Eighth 
Corporal  June  13,  1864. 

Griffith,  John,  enlisted  July  3, 1861 
in  Co.  F,  Fifth  Infantry,  re-en 
listed  as  veteran  January  1,  1864 
in  Fifth  Cavalry. 

Gregory,  O.  C.,  enlisted  September 

17,  1861,  Co.  D,  Tenth  Infantry. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


447 


Hildreth,  Levi,  enlisted  August  28 
1862,  in  Co.  G,  Tenth  Infantry. 

Harlan,  James  E.,  enlisted  May  15, 
1864,  Co.  D,  Forty-fourth  Infan- 
try. 

Hale,  Roberts,  enlisted  May  7, 1864, 
Co.  B,  Forty-eighth  Infantry. 

Hall,  G.  M.,  enlisted  November  18, 
1864,  as  substitute  in  Ninth  In- 
fantry. 

Henderson,  Thomas  J.,  enlisted  as 
substitute  December  1,  1864,  in 
Sixteenth  Infantry. 

Hendrickson,  J.,  enlisted  as  veteran 
December  9,  1863,  Co.  I,  First 
Cavalry,  as  veteran. 

Kelso,  Martin,  enlisted  August  18, 
1862,  Co.  G,  Tenth  Infantry, 
killed  at  Champion  Hills,  in  bat- 
tle, May  16,  1863. 

Kuntz,  John  R.,  enlisted  November 
28,  1864,  as  substitute  in  Nine- 
teenth Regiment. 

Kissick,  William,  enlisted  October 
22,  1861,  in  Co.  C,  Sixteenth  In- 
fantry, promoted  Second  Corporal 
November  15,  1862,  promoted 
Second  Lieutenant  November  17, 
1864,  having  re-enlisted  January 
4,  1864. 

Lafferty,  G.  W.,  enlisted  February 
10,  1861,  in  Tenth  Pennsylvania, 
Reserve  Volunteer  Corps,  dis- 
charged May  31,  1864. 

Lee,  George  R.,  enlisted  October, 
1861,  Battery  E,  First  Illinois 
Light  Artillery,  discharged  at 
Louisville,  December  23,  1864. 

Lamond,  Eli  C.,  enlisted  Second 
Sergeant  Co.  C,  Sixteenth  In- 
fantry, October  26,  1861,  died  at 
Davenport,  June  27,  1862. 

McIntosh,  James  M.,  enlisted  as  pri- 
vate in  Co.  D,  Thirteenth  Infantry 
October  10, 1861,  promoted  Sixth 
Corporal  June  3,  1862,  captured 
at  Atlanta,  and  died  a prisoner  of 
war  at  Florence,  S.  C.,  November  • 
13,  1864. 

Milligan,  — , enlisted  June  18, 1864, 
Co.  B,  Forty-Eighth  Infantry. 


Miles,  William,  enlisted  March  30, 
1864,  in  Third  Battery. 

Mann,  A.  E.,  enlisted  August  30, 

1864. 

McDavitt,  M.  S.,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  14,1864,  in  Ninth 
Infantry. 

Lieutenant  W.  H.  Needham  enlisted 
from  Albia,  July  31,  1862,  as  pri- 
vate in  Co.  D,  Twenty-Second  In- 
fantry, promoted  Fourth  Sergeant 
(date  unknown);  at  assault  on 
Vicksburg,  Mr.  Needham  was 
the  second  of  twelve  volunteers 
who  succeeded  in  entering  the  ene- 
my’s works,  of  whom  honorable 
mention  was  made  in  General 
Grant’s  report;  of  these  only 
three  or  four  escaped.  In  recog- 
nition of  his  bravery,  Sergeant 
Needham  was  promoted  Second 
Lieutenant  June  5,  1863,  First 
Lieutenant  August  3, 1863,  acted 
as  Adjutant  and  Quarter-Master 
for  six  months  during  1865,  mus- 
tered out  at  Davenport  August  4, 

1865. 

Nesbitt,  Joseph  B.,  enlisted  August 
24,  1861,  Co.  B,  Twelfth  Illinois 
Infantry,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  and 
promoted  to  rank  of  Lieutenant, 
mustered  out  in  1865. 

Noel,  Abraham,  enlisted  May  6, 
1861,  Co.  K,  Second  Infantry,  died 
at  St.  Louis,  December  3,  1861, 
in  hospital. 

Patton,  T.  J.,  enlisted  as  private  in 
Co.  E,  Second  Infantry,  May  6, 
1861,  promoted  Fourth  Corporal 
September  1,  1862. 

Parks,  John  D.,  enlisted  as  veteran 
in  Co.  F,  Second  Veteran  Infantry; 
date  of  First  Lieutenant,  June  1, 
1861. 

Pattee,  Alfonso,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  5,  1864,  in  Ninth 
Regiment. 

Remington,  T.,  enlisted  October  27, 
1861,  re-enlisted  as  veteran  Janu- 
ary 4,  1864,  in  Co.  C,  Sixteenth 
Infantry. 


448 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Shuck,  John  M.,  enlisted  August  9, 
1862,  Co.  B,  Thirtieth  Infantry. 

Seymour,  John  S.,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  2,  1864,  in  Third 
Battery. 

Spates,  Jacob  R.,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  18, 1864,  in  Ninth 
Infantry. 

Smith,  William  H.,  enlisted  October 
2T,  1861,  Co.  C,  Sixteenth  Infan- 
try, wounded  at  Iuka,  re-enlisted 
January  5,  1864,  promoted  Cor- 
poral, missing  at  Atlanta  July  22, 
1864. 

Taylor,  William  P.,  enlisted  July  12, 
1861,  in  Co.  K,  Sixth  Infantry, 
wounded  at  Shiloh,  discharged 
September  1,  1863. 

Thomas,  John  W.,  enlisted  as  Third 
Corporal,  Co.  B,  Forty-Eighth  In- 
fantry June  16,  1864. 

Van  Hook,  Macon,  enlisted  July  12, 


1861,  in  Co.  K,  Sixth  Infantry, 
severely  wounded  at  Reseca,  Ga., 
re-enlisted  January  1, 1864. 

Van  Dyke,  Benjamin  F.,  enlisted  No- 
vember IT,  1862,  Co.  I,  Four- 
teenth Infantry,  wounded  at  Pleas- 
ant Hills,  La. 

Woodward,  I.  J.,  enlisted  May  6, 
1861,  in  Co.  K,  Second  Infantry. 

Williamson,  John  R.,  enlisted  Au- 
gust 9,  1862,  Co.  D,  Twentieth 
Infantry,  transferred  to  Invalid 
Corps  in  1863. 

Weese,  Elisha,  enlisted  May  23, 1864, 
Co.  B,  Forty-eighth  Infantry. 

Wilkens,  Hiram,  enlisted  March  28, 
1864,  died  of  chronic  diarrhoea  at 
Rome,  Ga.,  August  4,  1864. 

Wheeling,  John,  enlisted  as  substi- 
tute November  2,  1864,  in  Thir- 
teenth Infantry. 


SOLDIERS’  REUNION. 

Friday,  August  25,  1865,  was  a gala  day  in  Oskaloosa,  the  occasion  being 
a grand  reunion  of  Mahaska’s  returned  soldiers,  and  a welcome  dinner 
given  them  by  her  citizens. 

Early  morning  found  crowds  from  the  country  thronging  upon  the  town, 

“Like  mountain  torrents  pouring  to  the  main; 

From  every  glen  a living  stream  came  forth, 

From  every  hill  in  crowds  they  hastened  down.” 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  by  the  reader  that  the  hills  of  Mahaska  are 
not  very  high,  and  that  the  similarity  to  the  mountain  torrent  is  applicable 
to  the  stream  alone. 

At  10i  o’clock  the  procession  was  formed  on  Main  street,  by  order  of 
the  officers  of  the  day,  J.  W.  McMullen  being  marshal,  and  Col.  John  Lof- 
land  in  command  of  the  soldiers.  The  following  is  the  order  of  the  pro- 
cession: 

1.  Brass  Band. 

2.  Returned  soldiers  in  old  company  organizations. 

3.  Civilians. 

In  this  order  they  marched  to  the  speakers’  stand  in  the  public  square, 
where  the  exercises  opened  with: 

1.  Music. — “Hail  Columbia,”  by  brass  band. 

2.  Prayer. — Rev.  R.  A.  McAyeal. 

3.  Music. — “When  Johnny  Comes 'Marching  Home,”  by  the  choir. 

4.  Reception  Speech. — W.  S.  Ken  worthy. 

5.  Music  by  the  band. 

6.  Reading  of  President  Lincoln’s  last  Inaugural  by  Judge  Loughridge. 

7.  Music. — “ Rest,  Martyr,  Rest,”  by  the  choir. 


HISTOKY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


449 


Following  these  exercises  the  soldiers  marched  to  groaning  tables  await- 
ing them  under  the  shade  trees  of  the  square.  The  banquet  served  was  a 
credit  to  the  ladies  in  charge,  to  whom  had  flown  the  milk  and  honey  from 
Mahaska’s  capacious  fountains  of  good  things,  which  they  prepared  in 
most  tempting  forms,  as  the  soldiers  thought,  in  quite  happy  contrast  with 
the  hard-tack  and  bacon  of  the  camp. 

After  dinner  the  exercises  were  continued  as  follows: 

Music  by  the  band. 

Return  by  Co.  EL,  Third  Iowa  Infantry  of  their  battle-stained  flag  (pre- 
sented to  them  by  the  ladies  of  Oskaloosa,  May  31,  1861),  to  the  hands  of 
the  fair  donors. 

Toasts : 

1.  Soldiers  of  Iowa;  the  story  of  their  dauntless  bravery  on  the  battle- 
fields of  the  republic  will  illumine,  the  pages  of  her  history  and  crown  it 
with  unfading  laurels;  green  and  unperishable  be  the  memory  of  the  fal- 
len; loved  and  honored  be  those  who  still  live  to  bear  aloft  the  radiant  ban- 
ner of  the  free. 

Response  by  Captain  J.  H.  Warren. 

2.  The  fallen  soldiers. 

Response  by  Judge  Loughridge. 

Music  by  the  choir. 

3.  The  Army  and  Navy  of  the  United  States;  they  have  crushed  the 
mightiest  rebellion  the  world  ever  saw,  vindicated  and  restored  the  author- 
ity of  the  Government,  put  all  its  enemies  under  its  feet,  and  by  exhaust- 
less strength  and  irresi stable  power  commanded  the  respect  of  the  entire 
world. 

Response  by  Captain  J.  F.  Lacey. 

Music  by  the  band — “Ellsworth  March.” 

4.  Union  prisoners  in  the  South;  their  treatment  while  in  southern 
prisons  was  the  refinement  of  barbarism  and  inhumanity;  treatment  which 
none  but  fiends  could  inflict;  in  the  name  of  justice  and  the  starved  and 
murdered  soldiers,  we  demand  that  all  rebels  connected  directly  or  indi- 
rectly with  those  barbarities,  be  brought  to  swift  and  merited  punishment. 

Music  by  the  choir. 

5.  Our  country  and  the  union;  the  former  the  hope  of  liberty  through- 
out the  world,  the  latter  the  joy  of  every  loyal  heart;  let  them  be  handed 
down  one  and  imperishable  to  all  coming  generations. 

Response  by  Joseph  Kelly. 

Music  by  the  choir. 

6.  George  Washington  and  Abraham  Lincoln;  the  one  the  father  of  the 
country,  and  the  other  the  savior;  their  names  will  stand  side  by  side 
upon  the  page  of  their  country’s  history;  we  will  sacredly  cherish  their 
memory  and  be  guided  by  their  precepts  and  examples. 

Response  by  Judge  W.  H.  Seevers. 

Music  by  the  band. 

7.  Andrew  Johnson,  the  president  of  the  United  States;  born  in  poverty 
and  obscurity,  educated  through  his  own  industry,  strengthened  by  the 
storms  of  adversity  and  the  fires  of  revolution,  placed  in  power  by  the 
friends  of  liberty  and  the  union;  may  he  be  true  to  liberty  and  a cham 
pion  for  the  right;  a worthy  successor  to  the  immortal  Lincoln. 

Response  by  Col.  C.  W.  Fisher. 

Music  by  the  band. 


450 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA.  COUNTY. 


8.  The  loyal  women  of  Iowa;  true  to  their  government  and  the  cause  of 
liberty  by  their  sacrifices,  and  devoted  and  untiring  labors  for  the  comfort 
and  health  of  soldiers  during  the  war,  they,  in  common,  with  their  sisters 
of  the  entire  North,  have  shown  themselves  worthy  descendants  of  the 
women  of  the  Revolution. 

Response  by  Rev.  C.  H.  Gates. 

Music  by  the  band. 

9.  Friends  of  liberty  throughout  the  world;  they  have  sympathized  with 
us  in  our  struggle  for  national  life;  in  their  contests  with  despotism  and 
tyranny  in  the  old  world,  may  speedy  and  triumphant  success  crown  their 
efforts. 

Response  by  Dr.  C.  Beardsley. 

Music  by  the  choir. 

10.  General  Samuel  A.  Rice,  the  soldier  and  patriot;  his  name  is  en- 
shrined in  the  hearts  of  all  lovers  of  liberty.  Peace  to  his  ashes. 

Response  by  Rev.  R.  A.  McAyeal. 

Music  by  the  choir. 

Doxology. 

“The  crowd  then  dispersed,  every  one  going  his  own  way,  with  a smile  of 
satisfaction  illuminating  his  countenance.  Seldom  has  been  seen,  at  any 
public  meeting,  such  universal  good  feeling  and  such  general  satisfac- 
tion rendered.  Not  one  unpleasant  circumstance  occurred  to  mar  the 
enjoyment  of  any  one  present,  sobriety  and  good  conduct  being  the  order 
of  the  day.  In  the  evening  the  city  hall  was  tendered  to  such  as  wished  to 
enjoy  a social  gathering,  and  quite  a large  number  assembled  and  passed 
the  evening,  each  in  a manner  best  suiting  his  taste,  some  in  social  con- 
verse, while  not  a few  tipped  the  light  fantastic  toe,  until  warned  by  the 
‘wee  sma’  hours’  to  seek  their  homes.  Mahaska  county  never  saw  a 
brighter  or  happier  day.  Long  may  it  be  remembered.” 

Such  is  the  account  given  by  the  Herald. 

About  the  time  of  this  reunion,  a subscription  paper  was  started,  the 
object  being  to  secure  sufficient  funds  for  the  erection  of  a soldiers’  monu- 
ment. This  paper  was  headed  by  several  names  at  one  hundred  dollars  per 
name,  but  the  project  was  never  completed — for  what  reason  we  did  not 
learn. 

The  graves  of  fallen  soldiers  were  first  decorated  May  30, 1868,  on  which 
occasion  J.  W.  McMullen  was  marshal  of  the  day,  and  Rev.  T.  E.  Corkhill 
delivered  the  oration.  Probably  not  more  than  twenty  soldiers  are  buried 
in  Oskaloosa. 

At  present  writing,  August,  1878,  several  meetings  have  been  held  by 
soldiers  of  Oskaloosa,  having  in  view  a second  reunion  of  those  engaged 
from  Mahaska  in  the  late  war.  This  movement  has,  as  yet,  taken  no  defi- 
nite shape,  but  in  the  language  of  one  of  the  veterans,  “ We  are  going  to 
have  a reunion  or  bust.” 

TEE  RICE  MONUMENT. 

When  the  news  of  Gen.  Rice’s  death  reached  his  brigade  in  the  summer 
of  1864,  it  was  resolved  to  build  a monument  to  his  memory.  This  brig- 
ade was  composed  of  the  Ninth  Missouri,  the  Fiftieth  Indiana,  and  the 
Twenty-ninth  and  Thirty-third  Iowa  Infantry  regiments.  The  amount 
raised  was  three  thousand  dollars.  At  a meeting  at  Gen.  Bussey’s  head- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


451 


quarters,  the  regimental  officers  got  into  some  misunderstanding,  the  result 
of  which  was  that  the  twelve  hundred  dollars  raised  by  the  first  two  regi- 
ments named  were  returned  to  the  individual  donors.  The  Iowa  regiments 
placed  over  Gen.  Rice’s  grave,  in  Forest  Cemetery,  a tine  marble  shaft  23 
feet  in  height  and  5 feet  4 inches  square  at  the  base. 

On  the  upper  part  of  the  column  are  the  names  of  the  actions,  or  expe- 
ditions in  which  the  General  was  engaged;  on  the  west,  Camden,  Prairie 
D’Anne;  on  the  south,  Helena,  Jenkins’  Ferry;  on  the  east,  Terre 
Horn,  Elkins’  Ford;  on  the  north,  Little  Rock,  Yazoo  Pass. 

Below  is  the  following  inscription : 

“SAMUEL  A.  RICE,  Brigadier  General  U.  S.  Yolunteers, 

Born  January  $27,  1888, 

Died  July  6 , 186  f 

Of  wounds  received  at  the  battle  of  Jenkins’  Ferry. 

Erected  in  honor  of  their  gallant  leader  by  the 
members  of  the  Twenty-ninth  and  Thirty - 
third  Iowa  Infantry  Regiments 
of  Rice’s  Brigade. 

Upon  the  left  are  cut  the  United  States  Flag  and  Shield;  also  a pair  of 
muskets  crossed  in  the  form  of  an  X.  The  monument  was  the  work  of 
Messrs.  Glaze  & Co.,  of  Oskaloosa. 

SHERMAN’S  MARCH  TO  THE  SEA. 

The  following  beautiful  poem,  which  has  won  for  its  author  a National 
reputation,  and  has  been  sung  in  the  theaters  of  Europe,  was  written  in  a 
Southern  prison  by  Adjutant  S.  H.  M.  Byers,  at  present  (1878)  U.  S.  Con- 
sul at  Zurich,  Switzerland.  In  his  little  book,  “ What  I saw  in  Dixie,”  on 
page  73-4,  he  copies  from  his  diary,  December  25,  1865,  as  follows:  “ This 
is  my  second  Christmas  in  prison.  ******* 
Lieutenant  Tower,  of  Ottumwa,  Iowa,  who  had  lost  a leg  in  the  army,  and 
was  afterward  captured,  is  now  to  be  exchanged  and  sent  home.  He  wears 
a hollow,  artificial  wooden  limb  in  place  of  the  one  he  lost;  this  we  packed 
full  of  letters,  one  of  which  contained  ‘ Sherman’s  March  to  the  Sea.’  The 
Rebels  little  suspected  our  novel  way  of  communicating  with  our  friends. 
The  Lieutenant  went  safely  through,  and  the  letters  were  all  delivered”: 

Our  camp  fires  shone  bright  on  the  mountains 
That  frowned  on  the  river  below, 

While  we  stood  by  our  guns  in  the  morning 
And  eagerly  watched  for  the  foe — 

When  a rider  came  out  from  the  darkness 
That  hung  over  mountain  and  sea, 

And  shouted  ‘‘  Boys,  up  and  be  ready, 

For  Sherman  will  march  to  the  sea.” 

Then  cheer  upon  cheer  for  bold  Sherman 
Went  up  from  each  valley  and  glen, 

And  the  bugles  re-echoed  the  music 
That  came  from  the  lips  of  the  men. 

„ For  we  knew  that  the  stars  in  our  banner 

More  bright  in  their  splendor  would  be, 

And  that  blessings  from  Northland  would  greet  us 
When  Sherman  marched  down  to  the  sea. 


452 


HISTOEY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Then  forward,  boys,  forward  to  battle, 

We  marched  on  our  wearisome  way, 

And  we  stormed  the  wild  hills  of  Resaca, 

— God  bless  those  who  fell  on  that  day — 
Then  Kenesaw,  dark  in  its  glory, 

Frowned  down  on  the  flag  of  the  free, 

But  the  East  and  the  West  bore  our  standards, 
And  Sherman  marched  on  to  the  sea. 

Still  onward  we  pressed,  till  our  banners 
Swept  out  from  Atlanta’s  grim  walls, 

And  the  blood  of  the  patriot  dampened 
The  soil  where  the  traitor  flag  falls ; 

But  we  paused  not  to  weep  for  the  fallen, 

Who  slept  by  each  river  and  tree ; 

Yet  we  twined  them  a wreath  of  the  laurel, 

As  Sherman  marched  down  to  the  sea. 

0,  proud  was  our  army  that  morning 
That  stood  where  the  pine  darkly  towers, 
When  Sherman  said,  “ Boys,  you  are  weary, 
This  day  fair  Savannah  is  ours.” 

Then  sang  we  a song  for  our  chieftain 
That  echoed  o’er  river  and  lea, 

And  the  stars  in  our  banner  shone  brighter, 
When  Sherman  marched  down  to  the  sea. 


CITIES  AND  TOWNS. 


OSKALOOSA. 

Very  much  of  the  history  of  the  county-seat  has  of  course  been  involved 
in  the  history  of  the  county.  Oskaloosa  was  the  first  town  of  any  import- 
ance, and  since  the  time  of  its  inception  has  been  without  a rival  within 
the  boundaries  of  the  county. 

The  date  and  manner  of  its  location  and  naming,  in  May,  1841,  as  well 
as  a mention  of  many  of  its  early  institutions,  has  already  been  given. 
The  first  house  built  on  the  town  plat  was  by  Mr.  D.  Canfield,  in  the  spring 
of  1844.  Smith  & Cameron  started  the  first  store  about  the  same  time. 

G.  W.  Jones  started  the  second  grocery  store,  in  which  were  kept  such 
provisions  as  the  country  afforded  and  his  capital  would  secure.  A grocery 
in  that  day  also  included  a barrel  of  whisky  in  its  staple  stock,  which  was 
dealt  out  in  quantities  from  a fraction  of  a pint  to  a number  of  gallons. 

We  have  been  informed  by  one  who  came  here  in  September,  1844,  that 
at  that  time  there  were  no  buildings  upon  the  town  plat  except  the  resi- 
dence and  boarding-house  of  Canfield  and  the  store  above  mentioned.  This, 
however,  is  probably  a mistake,  as  mention  has  been  made  by  others  of  sev- 
eral dwellings  erected  in  Oskaloosa  during  the  summer  of  1844. 

The  fall  and  winter  of  that  year  found  the  tide  of  immigration  rapidly 
increasing,  and  the  growing  number  of  saw-mills  in  the  county  affording 
more  suitable  material,  the  growth  of  the  town  was  quite  rapid,  so  that 
January  1,  1845,  found  Oskaloosa  attaining  the  dignity  of  a village. 

Wm.  B.  Street  erected  the  first  frame  store  building  on  the  west  side  of 
the  square,  and  was  one  of  Oskaloosa’s  earliest  and  most  enterprising  mer- 
chants. 

Mr.M.  T.  Williams  is  the  oldest  citizen  of  Oskaloosa  now  living  in  the 
place,  he  having  settled  here  in  May,  1844,  at  the  time  the  town  was  laid 
out,  and  though  absent  a part  of  the  following  winter,  still  maintained  his 
residence  in  the  village. 

Sam’l  Gossage,  who  first  came  here  in  the  fall  of  1844,  is  again  a citizen 
of  Oskaloosa,  now  being  proprietor  of  the  National  House. 

Dr.’s  Weatherford  and  Porter  located  in  Oskaloosa  in  1844,  and  were  the 
first  physicians  of  the  place.  Dr.  E.  A.  Boyer,  of  Jackson  (now  Scott)  town- 
ship, had  been  the  main  practising  physician  in  this  part  of  the  county  pre- 
viously, sharing  with  Dr.  Warren,  late  of  Richland  township,  the  frontier 
practice  of  this  part  of  the  State.  Those  physicians  frequently  rode  beyond 
Des  Moines  to  visit  patients. 

The  first  regular  minister  who  came  to  Oskaloosa  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
ducting religious  services  we  understand  to  have  been  a young  Methodist 
28 


456 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


theologue  (a  student  from  Cincinnati)  about  twenty  years  of  age,  who  came 
to  Mahaska  county  as  a missionary  and  organized  Methodist  classes  in  pri- 
vate houses.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  the  first  regular  class  in  Oska- 
loosa  was  organized  by  Rev.  A.  W.  Johnson,  in  the  fall  of  1844,  and  in  the 
house  of  A.  G.  Phillips.  Others  say  Simon  Cameron,  a Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian, was  the  first  minister. 

To  the  dweller  in  the  county  seat  to-day  it  is  a difficult  matter  to  realize 
what  was  the  appearance  of  Mahaska  county  and  of  Oskaloosa  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1844,  and  for  a few  years  following.  To  one  standing  in  the  middle 
of  the  square  only  a few  scattered  cabins  were  in  sight.  The  “ City  of 
Trees”  did  not  yet  exist,  and  no  foliage  interrupted  the  view  down  the  di- 
vide for  miles,  while  away  to  the  south  stretched  an  unbroken  sea  of  prairie 
grass.  In  that  day  no  roads  of  iron  bound  the  settler  to  the  ready  aid  of 
older  States,  nor  reached  out  their  grips  of  steel  to  bring  in  the  arts  of  trade 
or  the  means  of  progress.  Ro  metallic  nerve  held  us  in  daily  intercourse 
with  a developed  East  and  the  progress  of  an  older  continent, 

“ On  its  wings  of  lightning  bearing 
Thought’s  swift  mission  through  the  air.” 

While  now  Oskaloosa  is  a minature  hub  with  her  half  dozen  spokes  of  Bes- 
semer steel  pointing  in  various  directions;  while  now  almost  every  hour  of 
the  day  and  night  is  pierced  by  the  shriek  of  a locomotive,  or  made  restless 
by  the  rumbling  wheels  of  her  inland  trade;  then  was  she  in  the  midst  of 
a vast  though  smiling  wilderness.  Only  four  times  a fortnight,  perhaps, 
would  Finck  & Co.’s  rattling  hack  or  rumbling  stage  bring  to  the  new  vil- 
lage Uncle  Sam’s  burden  from  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi.  Early  stage 
traveling  was  attended  with  difficulties.  The  sloughs  were  not  bridged, 
and  in  the  spring  of  the  year  it  was  no  uncommon  thing  for  a passenger  to 
make  part  of  his  journey  on  foot,  carrying  a rail  on  his  shoulder  with  which 
to  pry  the  half-empty  vehic'e  out  of  the  mud.  At  first  there  were  no 
stages  at  all;  next  a hack  line  from  Fairfield;  then  came  Finck  & Walker’s 
stage  line,  which  ran  a stage  perhaps  twice  a week;  then  the  Western  Stage 
Co.  This  brought  to  Oskaloosa  traveling  the  “dawning  of  a better  day.” 
Perhaps  it  would  be  more  proper  to  say  that  the  travel  brought  the  stage 
line,  but  in  either  case  the  traffic  in  passengers  rapidly  increased,  until  at 
times  a half  dozen  four-horse  stages  would  pass  through  in  a single  hour. 
Those  were  balmy  days  for  the  stage  lines,  and  when  the  Western  Stage 
Co.  quit  business  they  were  property  owners  all  over  the  West.  The  prof- 
its of  the  business  were  immense.  The  time  between  Oskaloosa  and  “The 
River  ” was  from  one  to  two  days,  according  to  the  condition  of  the  roads. 
When  the  highways  were  in  good  order  passengers  leaving  Oskalsosa  after 
supper  were  in  Ft.  Des  Moines  for  breakfast.  This  was  the  terminus  of 
one  line;  another  extended  to  Council  Bluffs. 

With  the  first  settlement  of  the  country  vehicles  were  scarce.  For  the 
first  two  or  three  years  Wm.  Edmundson,  the  sheriff,  owned  the  only  buggy 
in  the  county,  and  this  was  the  only  livery  rig  which  could  be  borrowed, 
even  in  case  of  a wedding,  as  late  as  September,  1845.  M.  T.  Williams 
and  wife  made  their  bridal  tour  in  this  buggy.  At  this  time  traveling  was 
mostly  done  in  wagons,  generally  by  horse  power.  Oxen  were  quite  exten- 
sively used  in  breaking  prairie  and  in  local  hauling,  but  in  teaming  from 
“The  River”  the  main  reliance  was  horse-flesh.  If  a lawyer  or  merchant  was 
called  on  a business  trip  to  “ The  River  ” he  usually  went  on  horse-back  or 
rode  in  a loaded  wagon  which  hauled  merchandise  or  produce. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


457 


Until  tlie  country  was  considerably  settled,  there  was  a great  scarcity  of 
money.  For  instance:  Out  of  some  twenty-six  justices  and  constables 
elected  in  1844,  only  six  of  them  had  money  to  pay  the  clerk  of  court  for 
examining  their  bonds  and  qualifying  them  for  office.  The  currency  in 
use,  was  mostly  State  notes  of  Illinois,  Indiana  and  Missouri.  Occasionally 
some  silver,  and  anon  a gold  piece  would  be  seen.  No  frame  dwelling  was 
erected  in  Oskaloosa  until  that  of  M.  T.  Williams,  which  he  built  in  the 
summer  gf  1845,  with  his  own  hands,  just  north  of  the  present  City  Hall, 
and  which  is  still  standing.  The  previous  structures  were  of  logs,  and  in 
the  absence  of  brick,  or  on  account  of  too  great  haste  to  go  after  stone,  the 
chimneys  were  built  of  sod,  where  any  chimneys  were  used.  Some  fami- 
lies brought  with  them  a cooking  stove,  but  during  the  first  season  were 
sometimes  puzzled  for  something  to  cook.  Game  was  quite  abundant,  and 
the  undisturbed  timber  yielded  a harvest  of  wild  fruits,  such  as  has  not 
since  been  known.  The  substantial  were  pork,  corn  meal  and  wheat 
coffee.  Even  these  gave  out  sometimes.  On  one  occasion  the  boarders  at 
the  Canfield  House  had  a rather  late  breakfast.  It  happened  in  this  wise: 
The  landlord  had  noticed  his  larder  was  running  low,  but  he  was  in  hourly 
expectation  of  supplies  from  below.  One  evening  the  pantry  was  bankrupt, 
but  the  host  was  in  hopes  his  team  would  come  with  provisions  before 
morning.  But  “hope  deferred,  maketh  the  heart  sick”  at  every  dawn.  W m. 
D.  looked  wistfully  down  the  divide  in  vain.  He  mounted  a horse  and  left 
for  Richard  Perkin’s,  secured  a small  quantity  of  meal,  and  half  a side  of 
bacon,  from  a settler  down  there,  and  started  for  home.  The  half  dozen 
hungry  boarders  sat  in  front  of  the  cabin,  pining  for  the  flesh  pots  of  civil- 
ization, but  soon  their  spirits  rose,  and  their  mouths  began  to  water,  for 
away  to  the  south  came  the  plucky  landlord,  riding  like  a Jehu,  and  hold- 
ing aloft  the  half  side  of  bacon  as  a sign  of  relief.  And  this  supply  failed 
not  until  other  provisions  came. 

This  incident,  as  well  as  another  we  are  about  to  relate,  serves  to  show 
that  the  early  settlers  were  not  accustomed  to  ask  “ Who  is  my  neighbor?” 
Suffering  themselves  the  hardships  and  privations  of  a new  country,  the 
pioneers  divided  with  whoever  came,  down  to  the  last  hand-full,  and  did 
all  cheerfully.  Generosity  in  that  day  was  not  only  a finer,  but  more  com- 
mon article  than  it  is  now,  though  it  be  to  our  shame  that  we  are  compelled 
to  say  it. 

The  father  of  T.  G.  Phillips  was  among  the  first  to  come  to  Oskaloosa. 
He  realized  the  fact  that  he  was  coming  to  a new  country,  and  he  resolved 
to  come  well  provided.  Accordingly  lie  brought  with  him,  what  he  sup- 
posed to  be  a sufficient  quantity  of  flour  to  supply  his  family  for  an  entire 
year.  The  family  came  into  the  village  in  the  evening.  The  news  of  Phil- 
lips’ abundant  supply  spread  like  a prairie  fire,  and  he  had  an  abundance  of 
callers.  Everybody  came  to  see  him.  Everybody  seemed  to  appreciate 
him.  They  were  all  plain  spoken  people,  and  were  not  ashamed  to  ask  for 
what  they  wanted;  Mr.  Phillips’  levee  lasted  till  bed  time,  and  was  contin- 
ued in  the  morning  ^until  breakfast,  at  which  hour  he  found  he  had  loaned 
out  just  one  barrel  of  flour  to  entire  strangers,  and  it  is  likely  all  Oskaloosa 
breakfasted  on  hot  biscuit  instead  of  corn-bread,  which  was  the  more  com- 
mon fare. 

Sometime  after  this,  when  he  had  the  logs  prepared,  Phillips  let  drop 
the  remark  that  he  expected  to  raise  his  house  on  a certain  day.  He  invit- 
ed no  one  to  come  to  assist  him,  but  on  the  morning  appointed  no  less  than 


458 


HIST0KY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


seventy-five  persons  were  present*  for  the  purpose  of  giving  their  neighbor 
a lift.  Will  some  one  show  us  a parallel  case  in  the  decade  of  1870-80? 

In  1843  there  were  very  few  settlers  on  the  road  along  the  divide.  It  is 
said  that  from  Waugh’s  Point,  six  miles  east  of  the  present  town  of  Fre- 
mont, to  where  Pella  now  stands,  that  for  most  of  the  way  no  house  would 
he  in  sight.  Wm.  Morrow  was  located  at  Fremont,  and  between  his  house 
and  Oskaloosa,  Richard  Parker’s  was  the  only  dwelling  on  the  highway, 
until  1844.  Of  course  the  country  was  without  hotels,  and  the  .people  in 
cabins  were  accustomed  to  accommodate  travelers,  and  it  was  no  uncommon 
thing  to  see  a cabin  floor  strewn  with  prostrate  and  sleeping  travelers,  or 
hunters,  who  happened  in  that  vicinity  for  the  night. 

As  an  index  to  the  business  of  Oskaloosa  in  that  day,  and  as  a prompter 
to  old-time  memories  to  its  citizens,  we  give,  as  far  as  we  are  able  to  learn 
them,  the  chief  business  houses  of  Oskaloosa,  at  the  close  of  1850.  Gen- 
eral stores:  Street  Bros.,  Wm.  S.  Dart,  E.  Perkins,  and  Phillips  & More- 
land; Dry  Goods,  H.  Temple  & Co.,  Jones  & Young;  Tailors,  M.  Baldwin, 
James  S.  Chew,  R.  C.  Campfield,  and  Currier  & Co.,;  Boots  and  Shoes, 
Wise  & Mathews, and  J.  M.  Whitney;  Saddlers,  W.  S.  Edgar,  and  J.  D. 
Fletcher;  Eagle  Hotel;  G.  F.  Santler  & Co.,  Jewelry;  T.  W.  Rodgers, 
Wagon-maker;  T.  Shriver  & Co.,  Gunsmiths;  B.  Goodrich,  Stoves  and 
Tinware;  B.  T.  Pirkey,  Furniture. 

The  principal  lawyers  were  M.  T.  Williams,  J.  A.  L.  Crookham,  Wm.  T. 
Smith,  John  R.  Needham,  Wm.  FI.  Seevers,  Eastman  & Skiff  and  A.  M. 
Cassiday. 

The  physicians  were  C.  G.  Owen,  N.  IFenton,  A.  Barker,  E.  W.  Hyde, 
and  W.  Weatherford. 

The  record  of  Oskaloosa’s  public,  and  some  of  her  private  institutions, 
as  given  on  the  following  pages,  will  give  you  some  idea  of  the  change 
wrought  in  twenty-eight  years. 

While  there  was  not  at  the  time  of  its  location,  a single  tree  in  the 
boundaries  of  the  plat,  such  attention  has  been  given  by  citizens  to  the 
cultivation  of  shade  trees,  as  to  have  earned  for  the  town  the  appellation 
of  “ City  of  Trees.”  Quite  a number  of  the  streets  are  perfect  vistas,  un- 
der the  shade  of  whose  over-hanging  boughs  are  found  a welcome  promen- 
ade, and  refreshing  drive.  These  various  avenues  of  maple  and  elm  are 
lined  with  residences  of  the  most  inviting  appearance.  Neatly  shaven 
lawns  and  shaded  walks  or  retreats,  tell  of  the  taste  and  culture  of  the  in- 
habitants. 

Oskaloosa  is  a quiet  place.  While  it  improves  gradually,  it  has  not  the 
drive  and  feverish  energy  of  many  western  towns.  Its  population  is  com- 
posed mainly  of  native  Americans,  the  strong  temperance  sentiment  pre- 
vailing, making  it  uninviting  to  a foreign  element,  who  like  their  liquor, 
and  a laxity  of  Sabbath  laws.  To  one  who  wishes  the  advantages  of  a 
city,  and  yet  a quiet  home  among  people  of  refinement  and  education,  the 
West  affords  no  more  suitable  place  than  Oskaloosa. 

The  plat  of  the  original  survey  provides  for  a public  square  in  the  cen- 
ter of  the  quarter  section  on  which  the  county-seat  is  located.  At  an 
early  day  this  square  was  surrounded  by  a fence — and,  as  an  adornment, 
different  citizens  set  out  one  or  several  trees  which  they  tended  with  praise- 
worthy pride  and  thus  afforded,  years  ago,  a most  excellent  shade,  in  this, 
the  only  public  park  the  city  has  provided  for  its  citizens.  Unfortunately 
for  the  time  to  come,  when  it  is  hoped  that  Mahaska  county  will  have  a 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


459 


fine  court  house,  the  square  is  not  large  enough  to  afford  room  for  such  a 
building  as  the  county  will  need. 

The  business  of  Oskaloosa  is  largely  confined  to  retail  stores  in  Boots 
and  Shoes,  Dry  Goods,  Groceries,  Drugs  and  Agricultural  Implements. 
Surrounded  as  the  city  is,  by  a fine  agricultural  country,  the  trade  in  each 
of  these  departments  is  very  considerable.  There  are  some  wholesale 
stores  in  the  city. 

The  population  of  Oskaloosa  as  shown  by  the  census  returns  for  1870, 
was  3,204.  In  1873  it  was  3,425.  In  1875,  the  date  of  last  state  census,  it 
was  4,263.  At  this  time  the  population  is  probably  not  far  from  4,800. 
The  figures  above  given  are  from  official  returns,  and  are  smaller  than 
those  claimed  by  the  city  generally,  as  is  the  case  in  most  western  towns. 

The  absence  of  any  water  supply  has  cost  Oskaloosa  the  absence  of 
many  manufactures  she  might  otherwise  have  had.  Of  the  attempt  and 
failure  to  secure  a supply  by  means  of  an  artesian  well,  we  have  occasion 
to  speak  elsewhere.  A project  is  now  being  agitated  proposing  a main  or 
aqueduct  to  be  constructed  to  Skunk  River  whence  an  abundance  of  water 
could  be  obtained  for  all  purposes.  This  undoubtedly  will  be  done  some- 
time. 

Oskaloosa  has  three  railroads.  The  Central  R.  R.  of  Iowa,  affording 
excellent  north-and-south  communication  and  a great  outlet  for  Mahaska 
coal  to  northern  Iowa  and  Minnesota;  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  & Pacific 
bringing  Oskaloosa  within  about  90  miles  of  the  Mississippi  river,  and 
affording  direct  eastern  communication  with  low  freights  to  Chicago;  the 
Keokuk  & Des  Moines  Ry.  with  Oskaloosa  station  at  Beacon,  2-|  miles 
distant.  The  passage  of  this  road  into  the  hands  of  the  C.,  R.  I.  & P. 
will  make  Oskaloosa  quite  an  eligible  point  for  the  company’s  car  shops. 

With  a good  supply,  of  water,  Oskaloosa  is  more  favorably  located  as  a 
manufacturing  city  than  almost  any  other  town  in  the  state.  Surrounded 
by  an  agricultural  country  second  rank  to  none  in  Iowa,  underlaid  by  a 
thick  and  almost  inexhaustible  vein  of  coal,  with  considerable  timber 
skirting  the  streams  of  Mahaska,  with  three  railroads  radiating  in  six 
different  directions  from  the  city  as  a center,  located  in  a healthy  locality, 
the  citizen  may  well  ask  what  Hawk-eye  town  can  offer  better  inducements 
to  the  capitalist? 

The  first  movement  made  toward  the  establishment  of  a city  government, 
was  in  December,  1851,  when  E.  W.  Eastman,  on  behalf  of  petitioners, 
appeared  in  the  county  court  requesting  a special  election  to  be  held,  in 
which  it  should  be  decided  by  a vote  of  citizens  whether  the  town  should 
be  incorporated  or  not.  The  election  was  ordered  to  be  held  at  the  court 
house,  December  27,  1851,  at  which  time  it  appeared  there  were  sixty-three 
ballots  cast  “ for  incorporation  ” and  sixty-one  ballots  “ against  incorpora- 
tion.” At  another  election  held  January  3,  1852,  the  following  persons 
were  chosen  to  prepare  a charter,  viz:  E.  W.  Eastman,  John  R.  Needham, 
A.  S.  Nichols,  Win.  IJ.  Seevers  and  M.  T.  Williams.  For  some  reason 
these  persons  failed  to  act,  and  the  matter  was  allowed  to  rest  until  May 
12,  1853,  when  a similar  application  to  the  one  above  mentioned  was  pre- 
sented by  Win.  Loughridge  to  Judge  Crookham,  who  ordered  a special 
election  to  be  held  at  the  court  house  on  the  20th  of  May,  1853,  for  the 
purpose  of  selecting  a committee  to  draft  a charter.  The  vote  stood  seven- 
ty-three to  six  in  favor  of  a charter.  On  May  28th  an  election  was  held  to 
choose  persons  to  prepare  a charter,  of  which  the  following  i&  the  report : 


460 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Oskaloosa,  May  30,  1853. 

Now  comes  S.  A.  Rice,  one  of  the  clerks  appointed  to  conduct  an  election  in  the  village  of 
Oskaloosa  for  the  election  of  three  resident  voters  of  said  village,  to  prepare  a charter  or 
articles  of  incorporation  for  said  village  to  become  a city,  holden  on  the  28th  day  of  May, 
1853,  and  files  a return  of  said  election,  by  which  it  appears  that  M.  T.  Williams.  S.  A.  Rice 
and  Wm.  Loughridge  were  elected  by  the  voters  of  said  village  to  prepare  said  charter  or 
articles  of  incorporation  for  said  village  to  become  a city;  and  it  is  thereupon  ordered  that 
the  clerk  of  this  court  notify  said  officers  of  their  election,  and  it  is  furthermore  ordered  that 
they  prepare  said  charter  or  articles  of  incorporation , and  present  them  to  this  court  on  or 
before  the  first  day  of  the  next  regular  term  of  this  court. 

J.  A.  L.  CROOKHAM,  County  Judge. 


The  charter  was  presented  to  the  court  on  June  17th,  submitted  to  the 
people  June  28th,  ratified  by  them  by  a vote  of  forty -four  to  two,  and  the 
first  city  election  ordered  to  be  held  July  2,  1853. 

This  charter,  after  defining  the  limits  of  the  city  and  declaring  the  pur- 
pose of  its  incorporation,  provided  for  its  legislature  to  be  composed  of  a 
mayor  and  two  aldermen  from  each  of  four  wards  into  which  the  city  was 
divided;  further,  for  the  manner  and  times  of  elections,  the  duties  and 
powers  of  the  mayor,  council,  treasurer  and  clerk,  and  provided  for  amend- 
ments and  the  manner  of  holding  the  first  election.  In  this  election  the 
county  judge  appointed  the  election  board,  which  consisted  of  James  Edgar, 
S.  A.  Rice  and  Wm.  Ballard  as  judges,  and  James  A.  Talbot  and  Daniel 


Ogilvie  as  clerks. 

The  official  vote  was  as  follows: 


Mayor — 

Win.  T.  Smith 66 

Wm.  Loughridge 60 


Majority 6 

Marshal — 

Isaac  Kalbach 72 

John  H.  Shoemake 52 


Majority 20 

Recorder — 

Wm.  T.  Smith 58 

S.  Greenough 48 

Wm.  Loughridge 11 


Smith’s  plurality .. . 10 

Treasurer — 

James  Edgar 69 

Ebenezer  Perkins 57 


Majority 12 


COUNCILMEN. 


First  Ward — 

R.  R.  Harbour 77 

J.  M.  Dawson 135 

Allen  Grier 36 


Dawson’s  Majority.  22 

Second  Ward — 

I.  H.  Cooper 125 

E.  W.  Eastman 102 

Wm.  S.  Edgar 19 


Cooper’s  Majority . . 4 

Third  Ward — 

Smith  Stevens 123 

Tobias  Leighton 122 


Majority 1 

Fourth  Ward — 

E.  W.  Wells 118 

Henry  Temple 61 

E.  Perkins 20 


W ells’  M ajority ....  37 


July  12th  Mayor  Smith  was  duly  qualified  and  commissioned  by  Judge 
Crookham,  by  whom  it  was  ordered  that  the  first  meeting  of  the  officers 
of  the  city  of  Oskaloosa  should  be  held  in  the  office  of  Wm.  T.  Smith,  at 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


461 


four  o’clock,  on  Tuesday  evening,  July  12, 1853,  at  which  time,  we  presume 
the  council  was  duly  organized,  and  the  aldermen  took  their  seats. 

Under  this  charter  the  city  government  acted  until  January  24,  1855,  at 
which  date  the  city  was  incorporated  by  special  act  of  the  legislature,  and 
the  old  charter  rendered  null  upon  the  adoption  of  the  new  one,  which 
went  into  operation  in  February. 

At  an  election  held  on  the  18tli  of  January,  1864,  it  was  decided  to 
abandon  the  charter,  and  to  organize  as  a city  of  the  second  class  under  the 
Code  of  Iowa.  The  records  of  this  transaction  having  been  lost  or  destroyed, 
the  city  solicitor,  in  1876,  in  order  to  avoid  all  possible  trouble,  secured 
the  passage  of  the  following  act  by  the  state  legislature. 

CHAPTER  92,  16  G.  A. 

LEGALIZING  THE  CITY  OF  OSKALOOSA. 

AN  ACT  to  legalize  the  organization  of  the  city  of  Oskaloosa  as  a city  of  the  second  class, 
and  to  legalize  the  annexation  thereto  of  certain  territory. 

Whereas,  The  city  of  Oskaloosa,  in  Mahaska  county,  Iowa,  held  an  election  on  the 
eighteenth  day  of  January,  1864,  for  the  purpose  of  abandoning  the  special  charter  of  said 
city,  and  to  organize  as  a city  of  the  second  class,  under  the  provisions  of  chapter  51  ot  the 
revision  of  1860  and  amendments  thereto;  and, 

Whereas,  The  records  of  the  proceedings  connected  with  said  abandonment  and  organi- 
zation have  been  lost  or  destroyed;  and, 

Whereas,  Said  city  has  been  acting  and  recognized  as  a city  of  the  second  class  since 
said  proceedings  were  had;  and, 

Whereas,  Doubts  have  arisen  as  to  the  regularity  of  said  proceedings;  and, 

Whereas,  The  inhabitants  of  certain  territory  in  said  county  adjoining  said  city  peti- 
tioned the  circuit  court  of  said  county  for  the  purpose  of  annexing  said  territory  to  said  city 
under  the  provision  of  chapter  10,  title  IV  of  the  Code;  and, 

Whereas,  Commissioners  were  appointed  by  said  court,  and  an  election  held  on  said 
territory  on  the  11th  day  of  December,  1874,  at  which  a large  majority  of  the  qualified  elec- 
tors residing  upon  said  territory,  voted  in  favor  of  annexing  said  territory  to  said  city — and 
other  proceedings  were  had,  as  provided  by  said  chapter  of  the  Code ; and. 

Whereas,  Doubts  have  arisen  as  to  the  regularity  of  the  proceedings  connected  with  the 
annexation  of  said  territory,  and  as  to  whether  the  same  constitutes  a part  of  said  city,  as  a 
city  of  the  second  class,  therefore, 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Towa: 

Section  1 . That  the  organization  of  the  city  of  Oskaloosa,  in  Mahaska  county,  Iowa,  as 
a city  of  the  second  class,  and  the  annexation  thereto  of  said  territory,  are  hereby  legalized 
and  rendered  as  valid  and  binding,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  if  all  the  proceedings  in 
regard  thereto  had  been  conducted  in  strict  accordance  with  law. 

Approved  March  14,  1876. 


OFFICERS 

OF  OSKALOOSA  CITY  GOVERNMENT  FROM  ITS  ORGANIZATION  UP  TO  THE 

PRESENT  TIME. 


[Note. — The  list  of  officers  as  herein  given, 
plete  as  can  be  ascertained.] 

1853. 

On  the  second  day  of  July,  1853, 
the  city  government  of  the  city  of 
Oskaloosa  went  into  operation  by 
the  following  persons  being  sworn 
into  their  respective  offices: 

Mayor — William  T.  Smith. 

Marshal — Isaac  Kalbach. 


is  taken  from  the  city  record,  and  is  as  com- 

Clerk — William  Loughridge. 
Treasurer — James  Edgar. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — J.  M.  Dawson,  E. 
E.  Harbour. 

Second  Ward — I.  N.  Cooper,  E. 
W.  Eastman. 


462 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Third  Ward- — Tobias  Leighton, 
Smith  E.  Stevens. 

Fourth  Ward E.  W.  Wells, 

Henry  Temple. 

1854. 

[Time  of  election  changed  from  July  to 
June.] 

Mayor — William  Loughridge. 
Marshal — Isaac  Kalbach. 

Clerk— S.  S.  Smith. 

Treasurer — Henry  Lyster. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — James  Edgar,  Mat- 
thew Edmundson. 

Second  Ward — James  A.  Young, 
E.  W.  Eastman. 

Third  Ward — S.  E.  Stevens,  Lot 
A.  Chorn. 

Fourth  Ward — E.  W.  Wells,  Dan- 
iel Ogilvie. 

1855. 

Mayor — D.  M.  Gunn. 

Marshal — Isaac  Kalbach. 

Clerk — William  Birchard. 
Treasurer — George  Howland. 

City  Justice — James  Rliinehart. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — J.  M.  Dawson,  J. 
M.  Byers. 

Second  Ward — J.  A.  Talbot,  J.  A. 
Young. 

Third  Ward — J.  P.  Cowan,  Henry 
McCall. 

Fourth  Ward — Daniel  Ogilvie,  N. 
J.  Smith. 

1856. 

Mayor — William  T.  Smith. 
Marshal — D.  M.  Gunn. 

Clerk — William  Edmundson. 
Treasurer — Wesley  Moreland. 

City  J ustice — Daniel  Ogilvie. 


COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — William  S.  Dart,  J. 
M.  Byers. 

Second  Ward — J.  H.  Shoemake, 
Newton  Hen  ton. 

Third  Ward — Simeon  Pool,  S.  A. 
Hice. 

Fourth  Ward — A.  M.  Cassiday, 
George  Rowland. 

185T. 

Mayor — William  T.  Smith. 
Marshal — Jonathan  Atkins. 

Clerk — William  Edmundson. 
Treasurer — Wesley  Moreland. 
City  Justice — Silas  Scott. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — William  S.  Dart, 
John  N.  Kinsman. 

Second  Ward — James  A.  Young, 
J.  H.  Shoemake. 

Third  Ward — Christian  Houtz, 
W.  M.  Wells. 

Fourth  Ward H.  B.  Myers, 

George  Rowland. 

1858. 

Mayor — James  A.  Young. 
Marshal — Jonathan  Atkins. 

Clerk — D.  A.  Lough. 

Treasurer — W.  M.  Wells. 

City  Justice — C.  G.  Owen. 


COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — -B.  W.  Johnson,  W. 
C.  Rhinehart. 

Second  Ward — J.  Y.  Hopkins,  D. 
W.  Loring. 

Third  Ward — C.  Houtz,  J.  R. 
Needham. 

Fourth  Ward — J.  B.  Dixon,  Dan- 
iel Ogilvie. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


463 


1859. 

[Time  of  election  changed  to  February.] 

Mayor — James  A.  Young. 

Marshal — Jonathan  Atkins. 

Clerk — W.  R.  Roberts. 

Treasurer — W.  M.  Wells. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — J.  N.  Kinsman,  B. 
W.  Johnson. 

Second  Warn — Henry  Howard, 
Abner  Allen. 

Third  Ward — J.  R.  Needham,  D. 
A.  Lough. 

Fourth  Ward — Daniel  Ogilvie,  E. 
W.  Wells. 

1860. 

Mayor — John  R.  Needham. 
Marshal — Silas  Scott. 

Clerk — W.  R.  Roberts. 

Treasurer — W.  M.  Wells. 

City  Justice — Henry  Lyster. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — W.  C.  Rhinehart,  E. 
Hyatt. 

Second  Ward — J.  A.  Young,  H. 
Howard. 

Third  Ward — D.  A.  Lough,  B.  F. 
Ingles. 

Fourth  Ward — George  Rowland, 
E.  W.  Wells. 

1861. 

Mayor — J.  R.  Needham. 

Marshal — Silas  Scott. 

Clerk — W.  R.  Roberts. 

Treasurer — W.  M.  Wells. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — William  Edmund- 
son,  J.  N.  Cooper. 

Second  Ward — J.  W.  Faxon,  J. 
M.  Lewis. 


Third  Ward — Tobias  Leighton, 
John  Lofland. 

Fourth  Ward — A.  G.  Young,  N. 
J.  Smith. 

1862. 

Mayor — B.  F.  Ingles. 

Marshal — F.  Castles. 

Clerk— H.  P.  Taylor. 

Treasurer — W.  M.  Wells. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — W.  S.  Dart,  Isaac 
Kalbach. 

Second  Ward— James  Rhinehart, 
"W  B Strepf 

Third  Ward— C.  Houtz,  N.  J. 
Smith. 

Fourth  Ward — D.  W.  Loring,  J. 
D.  Fletcher. 

1863. 

Mayor — A.  F.  Seeberger. 

Marshal — David  Harger. 

Clerk — S.  H.  Chapman. 

Treasurer — W.  M.  Wells. 


COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — W.  S.  Dart,  J.  B. 
Adlon. 

Second  Ward — J.  Abraham,  M. 
Wilson. 

Third  Ward— J.  P.  Cowan,  J.  H. 
Griffith. 

Fourth  Ward — M.  L.  Jackson,  A. 
M.  Rodgers. 

1864. 

[Time  of  election  changed  Jto  March.] 

Mayor — James  Rhinehart, 
Marshal— G.  W.  Norton. 

Clerk — James  Lougliridge. 
Treasurer — W.  M.  Wells. 

Street  Com — *G.  W Norton. 


*Resigned  September  12,  1864;  succeeded 
by  A.  Maxfield,  September  26,  1864. 


464 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — T.  T.  Wright,  Nor- 
man Dodge. 

Second  Ward — J.  Abraham,  L.  B. 
Ayres. 

Third  Ward — Henry  Lyster,  N.  C. 
Crawford. 

Fourth  Ward — M.  Wilson,  Silas 
Scott. 

1865. 

Mayor — James  M.  Loughridge. 
Marshal — *A.  Maxfield. 

Clerk — James  Kuan. 

Treasurer— W.  M.  Wells. 

Street  Com. — fA.  Maxfield. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — T.  T.  Wright,  Henry 
Mattox. 

Second  Ward — J.  Abrahm,  J.  B. 
Dixon. 

Third  Ward — A.  G.  Smith,  Henry 
Lyster. 

Fourth  Ward — M.  Wilson,  A.  M. 
Lodgers. 


^Resigned;  succeeded  October  9,  1865,  by 
G.  W.  Norton. 

t Resigned  September  12,  1865;  succeeded 
by  Joseph  Hedrick,  October  9,  1865. 

1866. 

Mayor — Silas  Scott. 

Marshal — Joseph  Hedrick. 

Clerk — James  Kuan. 

Treasurer— W.  M.  Wells. 

Street  Com.— Jos.  Hedrick. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — Henry  Mattox,  N. 
Dodge. 

Second  Ward — J.  B.  Dixon,  J.  M. 
Janney. 

Third  Ward — *A.  G.  Smith,  N. 
Caven. 


*Councilman  A.  G.  Smith  moved  out  of 
the  ward,  and  was  succeeded  September  10, 
1866,  by  P.  A.  Watts. 


Fourth  Ward — A.  M.  Lodgers, 
Daniel  Ogilvie. 

1867. 

Mayor — AmosHollingsworth. 
Marshal — Win.  Johnson. 

Clerk — James  Luan. 

Treasurer — Mitchel  Wilson. 
Solicitor — Jno.  L.  Needham. 
Street  Commissioner — Wm.  John- 
son. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — Cyrus  Beede,  N. 
Dodge. 

Second  Ward — S.  E.  Lhinehart, 
J.  M.  Janney. 

Third  Ward — N.  Caven,  Chas.  H. 
Evans. 

Fourth  Ward — L.  H.  Haller,  Dan- 
iel Ogilvie. 

1868. 

Mayor — J.  M.  Loughridge. 
Marshal — Wm.  Johnson. 

Clerk — James  Luan. 

Treasurer — Mitchel  Wilson. 
Solicitor — *John  L.  Needham. 
Street  Commissioner — Wm.  J ohn- 
son. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — Geo.  T.  Carpenter, 
Cyrus  Beede. 

Second  Ward — John  Siebel,  S.  E. 
Lhinehart. 

Fourth  Ward — Daniel  Ogilvie,  L. 
H.  Haller. 


*Resigned  June  8,  1868;  succeeded  by  M. 
E.  Cutts,  July  13,  1868. 

1869. 

Ma}Tor — J.  M.  Loughridge. 
Marshal — J.  W.  Ocain. 

Clerk — Janies  Luan. 

Treasurer — M.  Wilson. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


465 


Solicitor — *M.  E.  Cutts. 

Street  Commissioner  — J.  W. 
Ocain. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — fA.  C.  Williams,  G. 
T.  Carpenter. 

Second  Ward — S.  E.  Bhinehart, 
John  Siebel. 

Third  Ward — D.  A.  Hurst,  John 
Bhinehart. 

Fourth  Ward  — ^A.  B.  Cacey, 
Daniel  Ogilvie. 

*Resigned  May  18,  1869;  succeeded  by 
Jno.  F.  Lacey,  July  12,  1869. 

fResigned  May  18,  1869;  succeeded  by 
Cyrus  Beede,  June  14,  1869. 

^Resigned  May  18. 1869;  succeeded  by  C. 
P.  Searle,  June  14,  1869. 

1870. 

Mayor — Geo.  H.  Baugh. 

Marshal — *J.  H.  Likens. 

Clerk — James  Buan. 

Treasurer — S.  H.  Chapman. 
Solicitor — fl.  B.  Morris. 

Street  Commissioner  — JJ.  W. 
Ocain. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — Henry  Mattox,  A. 
C.  Williams. 

Second  Ward — John  Siebel,  S.  E. 
Bhinehart. 

Third  Ward — §B.  W.  Lacey,  D.  A. 
Hurst. 

Fourth  Ward — Jas.  McQuiston, 
C.  P.  Searle. 


* J.  A.  Likens  resigned  May  14,  1870, 
immediately  after  his  election,  and  was 
succeeded  by  J.  W.  Ocain,  March  14,  1870: 
J.  W.  Ocain  resigned  July  11.  1870,  succeed- 
ed G.  W.  Norton,  July  16,  1870;  G.  W.  Nor- 
ton resigned  Nov.  80,  1870,  succeeded  by  W. 
N.  Buchanan.  Dec.  1,  1870. 

fResigned  Nov.  14,  1870;  succeeded  by  J. 
Kelly  Johnson.  Nov.  21,  1870. 

X Resigned  Dec.  12,  1870;  succeeded  by  W. 
H.  Simmons. 

§Resigned  Nov.  21,  1870;  succeeded  by 
James  Rhinehart,  Dec.  12,  1870. 


1871. 

Mayor — Geo.  H.  Baugh. 

Marshal — W.  N.  Buchanan. 

Clerk — Frank  Kelly. 

Treasurer — S.  II.  Chapman. 

Solicitor — J.  Kelly  Johnson. 

Street  Commissioner — W.  II.  Sim- 
mons. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — L.  D.  Bounds,  Henry 
Mattox. 

Second  Ward — *James  A.  Young, 
John  Siebel. 

Third  Ward — D.  A.  Hurst,  James 
Bhinehart. 

Foiirth  Ward — H.  C.  Huntsman, 
Jas.  McQuiston. 


*Resigned  Feb.  12,  1872. 

1872. 

Mayor — W,  T.  Smith. 

Marshal — Wm.  N.  Buchanan. 
Clerk — Frank  Kelly. 

Treasurer — W.  A.  Lindly. 
Solicitor — J.  Kelly  Johnson. 
Street  Com. — W.  II.  Duke. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — D.  II.  LeSuer,  L.  D. 
Bounds. 

Second  Ward — W.  H.  Wray,  E. 
M.  Beatty. 

Third  Ward — B.  B.  Perdue,  D.  A. 
Hurst. 

Fourth  Ward — M.  T.  Williams, 
H.  C.  Huntsman. 

1873. 

Mayor — Geo.  H.  Baugh. 

Marshal — Biley  Jessup. 

Clerk — Frank  Kelly. 

Treasurer — W.  A.  Lindly. 
Solicitor — J.  Kelly  Johnson. 
Street  Commissioner  — James 
Ocain. 


466 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — *John  A.  Kalback,  D. 
H.  LeSuer. 

Second  Ward — W.  H.  Wray,  E. 
M.  Beatty. 

Third  Ward — D.  A.  Hurst,  B.  B. 
Perdue. 

Fourth  Ward — F.  L.  Downing, 
M.  T.  Williams. 


^Resigned  September  22, 1873;  succeeded 
by  L.  K.  Dutton  October  13,  1873. 

1874. 

Mayor — Geo.  H.  Baugh. 

Marshal — 0.  McCarty. 

Clerk — Geo.  B.  Lee. 

Treasurer — W.  A.  Lindly. 
Solicitor — J.  Kelly  Johnson. 
Street  Com. — J.  W.  Ocain. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward— M.  P.  Givens,  L.  K. 
Dutton. 

Second  Ward — Wm.  Mattison, 
W.  H.  Wray. 

Third  Ward— B.  B.  Perdue,  D. 
A.  Hurst. 

Fourth  Ward — John  H.  Green, 
F.  L.  Downing. 

*Resigned  September  16,  1874;  succeeded 
by  J.  B.  McCurdy  September  30,  1874. 

1875. 

Mayor — Geo.  H.  Baugh. 

Marshal — *John  Shaw. 

Clerk — Geo.  B.  Lee. 

Treasurer — W.  A.  Lindly. 
Solicitor — J.  Kelly  Johnson. 
Street  Commissioner — Wm.  Staf- 
ford. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — L.  A.  Scott,  M.  P. 
Givens. 


*Resigned  July  12,  1875;  succeeded  by  J. 
W.  Gladden  August  9,  1875. 


Second  Ward — Wm.  Mattison, 
David  Evans. 

Third  Ward — C.  Houtz,  B.  B. 
Perdue. 

Fourth  Ward — J.  H.  Green,  Jas. 
Hurst. 

1876. 

Mayor — Geo.  H.  Baugh. 

Marshal — *J.  W.  Gladden. 

Clerk — Geo.  B.  Lee. 

Treasurer — W.  A.  Lindly. 
Solicitor — Ben  McCoy. 

Street  Commissioner — W.  Wray. 

COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward — L.  A.  Scott,  Jno.  A. 
Shannon. 

Second  Ward — M.  L.  Levi,  David 
Evans. 

Third  Ward — L.  B.  Ayres,  C. 
Houtz. 

Fourth  Ward — James  McCulloch, 
James  Hurst. 

*Resigned  November  13,  1876;  succeeded 
by  T.  J.  Henderson. 

1877. 

Mayor. — Geo.  H.  Baugh. 

Marshal. — T.  J.  Henderson. 

Clerk. — Geo.  B.  Lee. 

Treasurer. — W.  A.  Lindly. 
Solicitor. — Benj.  McCoy. 

Street  Commissioner. — W.  Wray. 


COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward. — L.  A.  Scott,  John 
A.  Shannon. 

Second  Ward. — M.  L.  Levi,  Da- 
vid Evans. 

Third  Ward. — L.  B.  Ayres,  C. 
Houtz. 

Fourth  Ward. — James  McCul- 
lough, James  Hurst. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COTJNTY. 


467 


1878.  COUNCILMEN. 

First  Ward. — John  A.  Shannon, 
L.  A.  Scott  * 

Second  Ward. — W.  A.  Rinker, 
Geo.  Brown. 

Third  Ward. — F.  H.  Loring,  M. 
T r E.  Cutts. 

Fourth  Ward.— L.  H.  Hole,  S.  J. 
Hutton. 

^Resigned  June  10,  1878.  Still  vacant. 
FIRES. 

Four  times  in  the  history  of  the  city  has  Oskaloosa  been  visited  by  the 
“fire  fiend,”  in  such  a manner  as  to  make  his  call  a matter  of  distinct  rec- 
ollection. The  south  side  of  the  square  has  been  twice  visited,  and  the 
Phoenix  Block  has  sprung  from  the  ashes  of  two  fires.  The  first  of  these 
occurred  during  the  summer  of  1863.  It  started  in  a two-story  frame 
building,  the  first  double  story  store  ever  built  in  Oskaloosa,  where  it  is 
supposed  some  vagrants  had  taken  lodging  for  the  night  and  set  fire  to 
paper  in  the  building  from  their  pipes.  Six  frame  buildings  were  burned. 
The  principal  losers  were  Win.  T.  Smith,  M.  T.  Williams,  J.  B.  Dixon 
and  J.  D.  Shannon.  Compared  with  the  present  value  of  business  prop- 
erty of  the  city,  the  loss  was  small,  amounting  to  only  $3,000  or  $4,000. 

This  block  was  soon  afterward  re-built,  and  was  a considerable  improve- 
ment over  the  frame  row  above  mentioned.  Part  of  the  new  block  was 
known  as  the  Knowlton  Block.  These  buildings  were  again  destroyed, 
shortly  after  midnight  of  January  20th,  1873.  This  fire  originated  in  an 
unknown  manner  in  the  store  room  of  Seevers  & Gadd.  The  following  is 
a list  of  the  principal  sufferers:  J.  B.  Dixon,  $5,500;  Daniel  Danielson, 
$6,500;  Thompson  & Beaman,  $6,500;  Masonic  Hall,  $6,500;  Seevers  & 
Gadd,  $4,000;  M.  T.  Williams,  $1,000;  J.  H.  Green  & Co.,  $5,000;  J.  L. 
Pinkerton,  $3,000;  W.  E.  Vernon,  $1,500;  Shoeinake  & Wroughton, 
$1,000.  By  order  of  Win.  T.  Smith,  Mayor,  a number  of  frame  buildings 
adjoining  and  fronting  on  the  square  were  torn  down,  for  which  threats 
were  made  to  sue  the  city  for  damages.  But  a wiser  and  more  generous 
policy  was  pursued,  viz:  the  erection  of  a fine  row  of  business  buildings 
along  the  entire  south  side  of  the  square. 

From  this  time  the  month  of  January  seems  to  have  been  the  unfortu- 
nate month  for  Insurance  companies  and  property  holders  in  Oskaloosa. 
On  the  early  morning  of  the  15th  in  the  year  1874,  an  alarm  was  sounded 
from  the  northwest  corner  of  the  square.  The  origin  of  the  blaze  was 
again  unknown.  Four  buildings  were  burned.  Losses:  A.  M.  Rodgers, 
$5,000;  Boyer  & Barnes,  $3,000;  H Price,  $1,000;  N.  Dodge,  $500;  Levi 
Ilambleton,  $5,000;  Louis  Frank,  $1,200;  J.  W.  Faxon,  $700.  In  a total 
loss  of  $17,000  there  was  only  about  $5,000  insurance. 

The  last  big  fire  in  Oskaloosa  was  on  High  street,  January  8th,  1877, 
supposed  to  have  started  from  a lamp  explosion.  The  principal  losses 
were  J.  P.  Gruwell,  building,  $2,000;  Gibbs  Bros.,  building,  $2,500;  J. 
W.  Hineslev,  building,  $1,000;  Jasper  Bates,  house  and  contents,  $1,500; 
Mattison  Bros.,  building,  $2,500;  J.  M.  Orvis,  stock,  $2,000;  Rice  & 
Ilinesley,  stock,  $2,500. 


Mayor. — James  A.  Rice. 
Marshal. — John  Ream. 

Clerk. — T.  H.  Green. 
Treasurer. — A.  A.  Kendig. 
Solicitor. — F.  M.  Davenport. 
Street  Commissioner.  — M. 
Edson. 


468 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


ARTESIAN  WELL. 

The  need  of  some  water  supply  for  public  purposes,  has  long  been  felt  in 
the  county  seat.  Some  time  about  the  year  1872,  the  question  of  sinking 
an  artesian  well  in  the  center  of  the  public  square  in  Oskaloosa  was  seri- 
ously discussed.  It  was  claimed  by  Oskaloosa  citizens  that  this  would  be 
a benefit  to  the  county  as  well  as  to  the  city,  and  application  was  made  to 
the  board  of  supervisors  to  secure  their  assistance  in  the  project.  This 
was  so  far  successful  as  to  secure  the  action  of  the  board  in  passing  a reso- 
lution appopriating,  not  to  exceed  $10,000,  to  that  project,  provided  the 
city  would  bear  an  equal  expense.  D.  W.  Loring  and  Robert  Seevers  were 
appointed  as  commissioners  to  act  with  a similar  appointment  from  the 
city  council.  Through  some  misunderstandings  the  partnership  was  not 
formed,  and  for  a time  the  project  was  dropped.  The  State  Geologist  was 
consulted,  and  gave  his  written  opinion  in  favor  of  the  feasibility  of  ob- 
taining a good  supply  of  water  at  a reasonable  depth.  The  matter  was 
finally  taken  in  hands  by  the  city  alone,  the  county  appropriation  having 
been  enjoined  by  grangers.  Everything  prospered  until  a deptli  of  900 
feet  had  been  reached,  from  which  time  bad  management,  carelessness  and 
misfortune  rendered  the  subject  a by-word  among  all  Oskaloosa  citizens. 
The  first  trouble  was  the  loss  of  tools.  They  were  grappled  for  a long  time 
without  success — the  well  caved  in — some  scoundrel  at  one  time  dropped 
in  a log  chain  and  scantling — the  work  was  abandoned.  It  was  resumed 
by  new  contractors,  Spangler,  Marrs  & Co.,  of  Chicago,  in  November 
1875,  and  was  vigorously  carried  forward  until  March,  1876,  when  a depth 
of  2,500  feet  was  reported.  This  at  an  expense  of  near  $25,000.  This 
state  of  affairs — almost  \ mile  into  the  depths  of  the  earth  and  no  flowing 
stream — was  discouraging.  A disposition  was  manifested  to  accept  a prop- 
osition of  the  contractors  to  try  again  down  near  Siebel’s  mill,  but  the  pub- 
lic purse  forbade.  Unfortunately  for  the  scientist,  no  record  was  kept  of 
the  strata  passed  through  after  the  suspension  of  the  work,  pending  the 
second  contract.  We  give  the  strata  for  the  first  1,200  feet.  It  will  be 
noticed  that  a fine  vein  of  coal  underlies  the  city. 


5 a 

Pi  M 

0)  CJ 

Q 3 

H 


5 5 feet  black  soil 

38  33  feet  joint  clay 

41  3 feet  sand  and  gravel. 

50  9 feet  blue  clay 

63  13  feet  fire  clay 

97  34  feet  black  slate 

107  10  feet  coal 

% foot  sulphur 

127  20  feet  lime  stone 

139  12  feet  soap  stone 

148  9 feet  grey  sand  stone. 

149  % foot  traces  plumbago 
161  12  feet  grey  sand  stone. 

165  4 feet  flint  rock 

180  15  feet  lime  stone 

189  9 feet  sand  stone 

190  1 foot  traces  plumbago 

200  10  feet  sand  stone 

250  50  feet  black  slate 


<U  O 

Q ‘J3 
EH 

270  20  feet  white  slate 

280  10  feet  porous  rock 

610  330  feet  lime  stone 

720  110  feet  slate  

870  150  feet  of  hard  limestone  or  Iowa 
marble  susceptible  of  very  fine  polish. . 
970  100  feet  very  dark  hard  lime  rock,  with 
streaks  of  sand  rock  and  mica.  (Also 

some  fossils  at  935  ft 

977  7 feet  hard  gray  sand  stone. ......... 

982  5 feet  gypsum  and  magnesia  with 
streaks  of  hard  sand  shell.  

997  15  feet  feldspar 

1002  5 feet  of  porous  sand  rock 

1076  to  1095  black  slate 

1095  to  1115  blue  slate 

1 1 1 5 to  1 1 40  lime  rock 

1140  to  1200  blue  slate 


HISTORY  OFMAHASKA  COUNTY. 


469 


CITY  GOVERNMENT. 

The  following  are  the  present  officers  of  Oskaloosa: 

Mayor. — James  a Rice. 

Marshal. — John  Ream. 

Clerk. — T.  H.  Green. 

Treasurer. — A.  A.  Kendig. 

Solicitor. — F.  M.  Davenport. 

Councilmen : 

First  Ward. — John  A.  Shannon,  L.  A.  Scott.* 

Second  Ward. — W.  A.  Rinker,  George  Brown. 

Third  Ward. — F.  H.  Loring,  M.  E.  Cutts. 

Fourth  Ward. — L.  A.  Hole,  S.  J.  Dutton. 

^Resigned  June  10,  1878.  Still  vacant. 

The  expenses  of  the  city  government  last  year,  exclusive  of  sinking 


fund,  was: 

Salaries, $ 1,610.56 

Gas, 3,522.30 

Improvements, 1,079.53 

Merchandise, 120.06 

Labor, 407.52 

Costs, 235.85 

Fire  Department, 1,577.29 

Miscellaneous, 451.09 


Total, 


9,004.20 


The  city  taxes  collected  by  the  city  treasurer  during  the  year  1877,  was 
$9,782. 


The  assessed  value  of  property,  real  and  personal,  for  that  year  was 
$986,164  39. 


The  following  is  a comparative  valuation,  according  to  assessment,  for 
five  years. 


Assessed  Valuation,  1873, $ 776,722 

“ “ 1874, 816,990 

“ “ 1875, 867,490 

“ “ 1876, 982,732 

“ “ 1877, 986.164 


The  levy  for  1878  is  twelve  mills,  being  two  for  sinking  fund  and  ten  for 
general  fund. 

The  amount  of  receipts  over  running  expenses,  for  1877,  was  $3,432.51. 
The  city's  bonded  indebtedness,  July,  1878,  is  about  $38,800,  funded  as 
follows : 


Steam  engine  and  hose  (due  in  1880-83) $ 5,800 

Artesian  well  (due  January  20,  1882) 12,000 

Artesian  Well  and  South  Avenue  (due  in  1886-87) 21,000 


470 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


These  bonds  are  negotiable  at  par.  They  draw  10  per  cent  interest,  pay- 
able semi-annually.  Most  of  the  bonds  are  held  by  eastern  parties.  It  is 
probable  that  about  two-thirds  of  the  bonds  can  be  paid  when  due,  and  the 
balance  will  be  refunded. 

There  are  in  outstanding  warrants  on  the  city  treasury,  at  above  men- 
tioned date,  about  $3,450.  These  will  all  be  paid  by  April  1,  1879. 

Oskaloosa  was  supplied  with  gas  in  1872,  under  contract  with  J.  L. 
Pinkerton,  who  afterward  disposed  of  his  contract  to  the  “ Oskaloosa  Gas 
Light  Company.”  At  first  the  gas  was  made  from  coal  oil,  but  is  now 
made  of  coal. 

FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 

Oskaloosa  Fire  Department  was  organized  in  1871,  and  now  comprises 
three  companies,  as  follows: 

Oskaloosa  Fire  Company,  No.  1. — Consists  of  twenty-five  members  and 
is  supplied  with  a steam  fire  engine  of  Cole  Bros.’  make,  purchased  by 
the  city  in  July,  1873,  and  called  “ Long  George.”  Belonging  to  this  com- 
pany are  two  hose  carts,  1 ,500  feet  of  good  hose,  and  a hose  tower. 

Officers. — C.  Woodruff,  foreman;  J.  W.  Lafollett,  assistant  foreman; 
Melvin  Ream,  second  assistant  foreman;  W.  H.  Duke,  Secretary;  B.  T. 
Dutton,  Treasurer;  H.  Duke,  hose  foreman;  W.  B.  Ingles,  assistant  hose 
foreman. 

Company,  No.  %. — Was  first  organized  in  August,  1873,  and  known  as 
Defiance  company,  No.  2,  but  this  company  disbanded,  and  the  present  one 
was  organized  January  1,  1877,  with  a membership  limited  to  fifteen  mem- 
bers. This  company  has  a small  engine  of  Douglas’  patent,  called  “Long 
Charlie.”  They  have  250  feet  of  hose  in  good  condition. 

Officers. — Rob’t  Carroll,  foreman;  Wm.  Waters, assistant  foreman;  Chas. 
Hoffman,  Secretary;  Wm.  Owens,  Treasurer. 

Wide  Awake  Company,  No.  3. — Have  a similar  engine  to  Ho.  2,  and 
same  membership.  This  company  was  organized  August,  1873.  Meetings 
are  held  on  last  Thursday  in  each  month.  Have  200  feet  of  hose. 

Officers.- — H.  P.  Welker,  foreman;  C.  D.  Alexander,  assistant  foreman; 
H.  K.  Kemble,  second  assistant  foreman;  D.  C.  Waggoner,  Secretary;  J. 
A.  Jones,  Treasurer. 

The  chief  of  the  fire  department,  elected  for  1878,  is  F.  L.  Downing. 
The  firemen  are  paid  one  dollar  each  per  month  for  their  services. 

The  water  supply  of  Oskaloosa  consists  of  lour  large  cisterns  and  two 
large  reservoirs.  Of  these  latter  one  is  near  Seibel’s  mill,  and  the  other  in 
the  north  part  of  town  near  the  woolen  factory. 

HOTELS. 

As  we  have  already  stated,  the  first  hotel  in  Oskaloosa  wa?  known  as  the 
“Canfield  House,”  and  kept  by  Wm.  D.  Canfield.  It  wa^located  on  the 
ground  where  the  Bashaw  Livery  Stable  now  stands. 

Another  primitive  institution  was  the  Oskaloosa  House,  which  has  fol- 
lowed the  Canfield  into  a list  of  the  times  that  were.  In  1856-7  the 
“Needham  House  ” was  built  just  one  block  south  of  the  square  by  David 
Needham.  It  has  changed  hands  almost  as  many  times  as  it  has  been 
years  in  existence,  and  is  now  known  as  the  Burnett  House.  Mr.  Willey 
is  the  proprietor. 


3> 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA.  COUNTY. 


473 


About  1872  the  fine  residence  built  by  Mr.  Roop,  of  which  we  have  made 
mention  elsewhere,  was  purchased  and  opened  as  a hotel  by  Jesse  Thomas, 
and  called  the  St.  James.  It  has  since  had  some  half  dozen  proprietors, 
the  last  being  Samuel  G-ossage,  who  shares  quite  largely  the  patronage  of 
the  public. 

However,  the  pride  of  Oskaloosa  hotels  is  the  Downing  House,  which 
stands  on  the  east  side  of  the  square.  This  was  formerly  called  the  Madi- 
son House,  and  was  purchased  by  Major  F.  L.  Downing  in  1856.  It  had 
been  kept  by  a man  named  Eastman  previously,  and  was  an  old-fashioned 
frame  tavern  with  the  sign  post  out  in  front,  far  enough  from  the  door  to 
allow  the  stage  coaches  to  drive  between  it  and  the  front  door.  The  first 
months  after  the  major’s  arrival  in  Oskaloosa  were  palmy  days  for  land- 
lords. Every  morning  from  two  to  four  stages  stopped  for  breakfast,  and 
the  traveling  patronage  was  not  only  large  but  lucrative.  The  Major  tells 
us  that  in  fifteen  months  he  made  $6,000  from  ten  rooms.  At  one  time 
during  that  period  a railroad  party  came  staging  through  Oskaloosa  and 
stopped  at  the  Madison  House  for  the  night.  The  party  numbered  twenty- 
nine,  with  Governor  Dix  at  the  head.  Only  half  the  number  were  ex- 
pected, and  it  became  necessary  to  crowd  matters.  The  Major  had  one 
large  room,  and  he  sent  the  stable-boys  out  to  the  barn  and  had  several  ticks 
filled  with  straw  for  the  emergency,  and  in  this  room  fifteen  weary  railroad- 
ers slumbered  that  cold  winter  night  on  five  straw  ticks,  three  to  a bed. 

A bridal  party  stopping  here  in  1856  describes  the  “best  room  ” in  Os- 
kaloosa’s  best  hotel  as  covered  with  a miserably  worn  rag  carpet,  contain- 
ing two  beds,  no  wash  stand,  but  instead,  a wash  bowl  placed  on  a common 
chair,  and  by  its  side  a saucer  of  soft  soap! 

Such  accommodations  are  in  lively  contrast  with  the  princely  hotel  built 
by  Major  Downing  in  1874.  At  this  time  the  Madison  House  was  torn 
down.  It  consisted  of  seven  different  frame  buildings  grouped  together, 
and  was  sold  and  moved  away  by  piece-meal.  The  present  Downing  House 
is  a three-story  brick,  sixty  by  one  hundred  and  ten  feet,  and  cost,  furnished 
throughout,  $48,000. 

Its  completion  was  celebrated  by  a grand  opening  December  22,  1874,  at 
which  between  three  and  four  hundred  invited  guests  were  present.  An 
elegant  banquet  was  served  in  the  dining  room,  and  the  whole  closed  with 
a grand  ball  in  the  City  Hall. 

The  Downing  enjoys  the  major  portion  of  the  transient  custom,  and  has 
from  thirty  to  forty  regular  boarders.  Dennis  Reagen,  at  the  desk,  has  a 
smiling  face  for  every  new  comer.  His  ubiquity  is  a seven  days’  wonder, 
and  his  power  in  entertaining  guests  is  only  excelled  by  a silhouette  panto- 
mime. 

SIEBEL  & CO.’s  MILLS. 

These  mills  were  built  in  West  Oskaloosa  partly  in  1851,  and  partly  in 
1857.  The  grist  mill  was  built  in  1851  by  Roop,  Harbour  & Co.,  and  in 
the  following  year  was  accupied  as  a grist  mill  and  distillery.  The  build- 
ing now  used  as  a woolen  mill  was  built  by  Mr.  Roop  in  1857,  and  occupied 
in  connection  with  his  distillery  as  a whisky  refinery.  In  1865  these  were 
sold  to  Messrs.  Hambleton  & McCurdy,  who  abolished  the  distillery  and 
put  the  machinery  for  a woolen  mill  in  the  refinery  building.  The  enter- 
prise then  passed  into  the  hands  of  Siebel  & Co.  in  1866,  who  are  the  pres- 
ent owners. 

29 


474 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


These  gentlemen  have  three  buildings,  occupied  as  grist  mill,  woolen 
mill,  and  warehouse.  The  grist  mill  is  a three-story  frame,  sixty-five  feet 
square,  containing  three  pairs  of  burrs,  and  grinding  about  two  hundred 
bushels  of  wheat  per  day.  This  mill  does  what  custom  work  is  offered,  but 
is  engaged  for  the  most  part  in  the  manufacture  of  flour  for  mercantile 
trade.  Most  of  this  is  sold  within  the  limits  of  Mahaska  county. 

Just  north  of  the  grist  mill  is  the  engine  house,  containing  a forty-horse 
power  engine  which  turns  the  shafting  of  the  grist  mill,  and  of  the  woolen 
factory  just  beyond.  The  latter  building  is  110x133  feet  in  size,  three  sto- 
ries high.  It  contains  two  sets  of  woolen  machinery,  and  during  the  past 
year  manufactured  goods  from  45,000  pounds  of  wool.  Some  of  this  was 
made  into  fine  cloths,  but  the  greater  portion  into  flannels,  blankets  and 
yarn,  which  are  sold  throughout  the  state. 

In  1877  Siebel  & Co.  manufactured  about  five  hundred  pairs  of  blankets, 
thirty-five  thousand  yards  of  flannels,  and  eight  thousand  pounds  of  flannel 
yarn.  Coal  for  fuel  is  obtained  from  neighboring  banks,  and  the  necessary 
water  from  a pond  which  the  firm  has  made  by  excavation  near  the  mills. 

SCHOOLS. 

As  has  been  already  stated,  the  first  school  in  the  vicinity  of  Oskaloosa, 
which  also  was  the  first  in  the  county,  was  that  taught  by  Miss  Sitnira  A. 
Hobbs,  beginningin  September,  1844,  and  taught  in  a pioneer  school  house, 
about  two  miles  east  of  Oskaloosa  public  square. 

In  the  following  winter,  school  was  kept  by  Samuel  Caldwell,  who  has 
sometimes  been  erroneously  credited  with  teaching  the  first  school.  This 
was  just  at  the  eastern  edge  of  Oskaloosa  town,  in  the  house  of  A.  G.  Phil- 
lips, located  near  the  present  residence  of  Hon.  M.  E.  Cutts. 

In  the  summer  of  1845  James  Johnson  taught  in  Levi  Smith’s  house,  on 
the  south  side  of  the  square.  In  the  fall  of  1845  Miss  Hobbs  again  taught 
in  a log  cabin,  on  the  ground  where  the  present  M.  E.  parsonage  stands. 
In  the  following  winter,  Mr.  N.  Bonham  taught  school  in  John  Cameron’s 
house. 

Where,  when,  and  by  whom  the  first  public  school  was  taught,  is  a ques- 
tion as  deeply  buried  among  various  traditions,  and  contradictions  as  the 
origin  of  the  Mexican  Aztecs,  and  after  hearing  a half  dozen  different 
accounts  spread  over  as  many  different  years,  the  historian  can  give  perfect 
credence  to  none.  There  is  a probability  however,  that  it  was  taught  in  the 
old  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church,  but  only  a probability.  Those  we 
have  mentioned  above,  were  all  subscription  schools,  and  taught  before  the 
State  of  Iowa  was  organized. 

The  schools  of  Oskaloola  were  known  as  the  first  school  district  of  Oska- 
loosa township,  and  the  first  school  house  erected  by  this  district,  was  the 
brick  building  yet  known  as  Gospel  Eidge  School  House,  and  standing  de- 
lapidated  and  vacant  on  the  school  lot  in  northeastern  part  of  Oskaloosa. 
Here  J.  M.  Loughridge  was  probably  first  principal. 

About  1850,  provision  was  made  by  the  legislature  for  several  Normal 
Schools  in  the  State.  It  was  enacted  that  in  case  of  certain  towns  furnishing 
suitable  buildings  for  the  same,  an  allowance  of  $500  each  per  year  would  be 
made  by  the  State  for  the  support  of  a Normal  School. 

The  location  of  a school  was  secured  in  Oskaloosa,  and  July  3,  1852,  the 
corner  stone  of  the  Normal  School  building  was  laid,  which  was  completed 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


475 


about  a year  afterward.  Geo.  W.  Drake  and  wife  taught  a private  school 
there,  for  a time,  but  the  Normal  was  never  fairly  established  till  the  ap- 
propriation was  withdrawn,  and  the  building  being  mortgaged  fell  into  the 
hands  of  Drake.  In  January,  1858,  it  was  sold  to  the  First  School  District 
of  Oskaloosa  township,  and  was  used  as  a public  school  building  until  after 
the  Union  school  building  was  completed,  when  it  was  sold  to  Win.  Burn- 
side who  refitted  it,  and  changed  it  to  a double  dwelling  house.  As  such 
it  is  now  occupied. 

In  the  city  election  of  1859  the  question  of  forming  an  Independent 
school  district  was  submitted  to  the  people,  and  decided  in  the  affirmative. 
The  first  school  board  was  composed  of  J.  Y.  Hopkins,  president,  H.  How- 
ard, vice-president,  James  A.  Young,  secretary,  John  White,  treasurer,  J.  M. 
Byers  and  John  Montgomery,  directors. 

The  costs  of  schools  for  1860,  being  the  first  year  they  were  under  control 
of  the  Independent  district,  was  $2,465.78. 

The  schools  of  Oskaloosa  wTere  first  graded  in  1864.  A committee  com- 
posed of  Directors  McCarty  and  Kemble  were  appointed  to  report  upon 
the  matter  of  grading  the  schools  and  decided  in  favor  of  the  grading  sys- 
tem, and  reported  a course  of  study  which  was  adopted.  This  course  of 
study  provided  for  a high  school  department,  and  as  there  was  no  room  in 
the  Gospel  Ridge  Normal  School  buildings  for  a high  school,  it  became 
necessary  to  secure  an  additional  building.  Accordingly  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church  was  rented  for  that  purpose,  and  a high  school  established 
in  the  fall  of  1864.  At  this  time,  nine  months  of  school  were  provided  for, 
and  Joseph  McCarty,  the  first  superintendent  ever  employed  in  Oskaloosa, 
entered  upon  his  work  for  the  year  1864-5.  Ira  O.  Kemble  was  first  prin- 
cipal of  the  high  school. 

In  June,  1866,  the  block  on  which  the  high  school  building  stands,  was 
purchased  for  $1,000. 

In  November  of  the  same  year,  the  first  public  school  for  colored  chil- 
dren, was  started  in  a room  belonging  to  Mr.  J.  F.  Childs,  and  located  on 
the  Baptist  church  lot. 

At  a special  election  held  in  October,  1868,  the  proposition  of  issuing 
$30,000  bonds  for  the  purpose  of  building  a Union  school  house,  was  submit- 
ted to  the  people  and  lost.  A similar  question  was  again  defeated  in  Novem- 
ber by  a vote  of  236  to  193.  March,  1869,  $15,000  bonds  were  voted  for  the 
completion  of  a high  school  building. 

The  plan  of  this  building  was  by  an  architect  from  Des  Moines,  Foster 
by  name,  and  upon  his  plans  and  specifications,  bids  were  received  for  the 
erection  of  the  same,  which  was  let  to  Messrs.  Foster  Bros.,  of  Des  Moines, 
at  a contract  price  of  $34,800.  It  was  the  intention  to  have  a $30,000 
building,  but  the  plan  was  so  satisfactory,  that  the  board  thought  well  to 
invest  a few  thousand  dollars  more,  and  had  the  usual  experience  to  find 
that  the  contract  price  did  not  coverall  expense,  for  the  building  with  heat- 
ing apparatus  and  furniture  complete,  cost  not  much  short  of  $50,000.  It 
was  completed  in  1870,  and  has  ever  since  been  a just  pride  of  the  city. 
The  building  is  three  stories,  surmounted  by  a Mansard-roof.  Has  a base- 
ment in  which  is  a steam  heating  apparatus,  giving  perfect  satisfaction. 
In  heating  and  ventilation — two  very  important  items  in  school  economy 
— the  high  school  building  at  Oskaloosa  is  about  as  near  the  ideal  as  mater- 
ial things  usually  come.  The  building  contains  eleven  rooms,  nine  of  which 
are  occupied  as  school  rooms,  and  has  a seating  capacity  of  525  pupils.  It 


476 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


is  but  proper  to  mention  that  the  first  heating  apparatus  was  a failure  in 
this  building,  and  the  present  success  was  the  result  of  expense  and  exper- 
iment. 

At  the  time  of  the  building  of  this  structure,  the  schools  of  this  city* were 
held  in  the  Gospel  Ridge,  and  Normal  buildings,  in  a small  room  known  as 
Birge’s  office,  and  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church.  The  second 
and  third  of  these  buildings  were  sold  in  1870. 

In  1864,  when  the  high  school  had  been  opened  in  the  Presbyterian 
church,  the  building  was  leased  for  five  years,  but  this  was  abandoned  in  1868, 
and  a lease  was  made  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian.  To  this  church  was 
built  a temporary  addition,  24x30  feet,  which  the  school  board  also  sold  in 
1870. 

The  colored  school  was  at  this  time  held  in  the  colored  church,. but  the 
pupils  are  now  in  the  schools  in  common  with  the  white  children. 

In  March,  1876,  the  growing  wants  of  the  city  for  more  room  to  be  used 
for  school  purposes,  were  made  known  to  the  citizens,  and  bonds  to  the 
amount  of  sixteen  thousand  dollars  were  voted  for  the  purpose  of  building 
two  new  structures,  in  the  first  and  fourth  wards.  These  buildings  were 
planned  to  be  exactly  alike,  being  two  stories  brick,  with  eight  rooms  and 
a seating  capacity  of  400  pupils.  The  contract  was  let  to  John  Waggoner 
at  $10,420  apiece.  They  cost  the  city  about  $11,000  complete. 

Of  the  bonds  issued  there  are  yet  $24,000  outstanding.  These  bonds 
draw  10  per  cent  interest,  payable  semi-annually.  Of  the  issue  of  1869 
only  $3,000  are  outstanding,  due  in  1879.  Of  the  issue  of  1876  there  are 
$2,000  due  in  1880,  $2,000  in  1881,  $2,000  in  1882,  $2,000  in  1883,  $2,000 
in  1884,  $2,000  in  1885,  and  $4,000  in  1886. 

About  the  time  of  the  completion  of  the  two  ward  buildings  $5,000 
more  bonds  were  issued,  whose  time  of  payment  we  did  not  learn. 

For  1878  the  tax  levy  was: 


School  House  Fund . $ 5,600.00 

Teachers’  F und 8,000.00 

Contingent  Fund 2,000.00 

For  the  year  ending  February  25.  1878,  the  total  receipts  were: 

School  House  Fund $ 11,677.08 

Teachers’  Fund 8,810.05 

Contingent  Fund 2,237.20 


$ 22,724.33 

EXPENDITURES : 

School  House  Fund $ 4,745.55 

Teachers’  Fund 10,743.95 

Contingent  Fund 6,645.31 


$ 22,133.81 


During  1866-7  J.  Valentine  was  superintendent  of  schools  at  a salary  of 
$1,200.  During  that  year,  however,  such  a change  was  made  in  the  ma- 
chinery of  the  schools  as  to  require  most  of  Mr.  Valentine’s  time  in  the 
high  school,  so  that  the  superintendency  of  schools  was  practically  abol- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


477 


ished  until  1869,  when  J.  F.  Everett  was  employed,  and  continued  to  serve 
in  that  capacity  until  1872,  when  Win.  Lytle  succeeded  him,  holding  the 
position  until  1875,  when  the  present  incumbent,  Prof.  H.  H.  Seerley,  was 
elected  superintendent.  Mr.  Seerley  came  to  Oskaloosa  in  the  fall  of  1873, 
as  high  school  assistant.  He  was  promoted  as  high  school  principal  for 
1874-5,  and  the  following  year  stepped  to  the  first  place  in  the  schools. 

From  the  high  school  there  have  been  fifty-nine  graduates,  as  follows: 
seven  in  1873,  twenty  in  1875,  sixteen  in  1876,  six  in  1877,  and  ten  in 
1878. 

The  first  class  being  in  1873,  was  composed  of  Minnie  Heedham,  Mamie 
Loring,  Ida  Street,  Emma  Fletcher,  Mollie  Robison,  Ada  McKinley,  and 
Sadie  Wright. 

Of  the  graduates  the  great  proportion  are  girls,  the  sexes  being  divided — 
49  girls  and  10  boys.  This  general  fact,  in  regard  to  high  schools,  has 
called  forth  argument  against  such  institutions,  on  the  ground  that  it  is  the 
boys  wTho  specially  need  education — a short-sighted  and  much  mistaken 
view,  when  it  is  considered  that  the  girls  of  the  present  generation  will  be 
the  mothers  of  the  next,  and  if  there  is  any  surety  for  a high  and  pure 
citizenship,  it  is  in  a cultivated,  w^ell-trained,  and  high-minded  mother- 
hood. Such  will  high  school  discipline  produce,  and  every  man  who  is 
not  so  selfish  as  to  live  alone  for  the  present  generation,  will  not  descry 
high  schools  on  the  ground  of  a useless  education  of  the  gentler  sex. 

In  the  high  school  is  a library  of  several  hundred  volumes,  part  of  which 
was  purchased  by  entertainments  given  by  the  students,  but  the  major  por- 
tion of  which  was  a donation  from  a collapsed  association  of  Oskaloosa 
known  as  the  Harper  Library  Association.  This  is  free  to  the  students  of 
the  high  school. 

An  Alumni  Association  has  been  formed  by  the  graduates  of  the  high 
school,  in  which  twenty-seven  alumni  and  alumnae  have  enrolled  their 
names.  This  association  expects  to  hold  annual  reunions  of  the  graduates. 
The  first  reunion  was  held  at  the  close  of  the  school  year,  1878,  in  the  First 
M.  E.  Church.  The  exercises  consisted  of  orations,  essays,  and  declama- 
tions, participated  in  by  Miss  Carrie  McAyeal,  Mrs.  Minnie  Lacey,  Miss 
Mamie  Loring,  and  Will  H.  Heedham,  Jr. 

John  M.  Kemble,  of  1875,  has  been  appointed  Alumni  Historian  for 
three  years,  dating  from  September,  1877. 

The  high  school  course  of  study  is  quite  complete,  for  a city  of  the  size 
of  Oskaloosa,  including  a thorough  course  in  English  and  Mathematics, 
with  Elementary  Sciences,  Latin  and  German. 

The  present  members  of  the  board  are  John  M Jones,  president,  R.  Du- 
mont, secretary,  G.  W.  Hale,  treasurer.  Directors,  Dr.  D.  A.  Hurst,  Ben. 
McCoy,  Mitch.  Wilson,  Byron  Y.  Seevers,  Geo.  A.  Ross. 

The  following  are  the  teachers  for  1878-9. 


HIGH  SCHOOL. 

1.  J.  J.  McConnell,  Principal. 

2.  Kate  A.  Wright,  Assistant. 

3.  Eva  Sellers,  Fourth  Grammar  Room. 

4.  R.  Anna  Morris,  Third  Grammar  Room. 

5.  Carrie  M.  McAyeal,  Second  Grammar  Room. 

6.  Mary  McFall,  First  Grammar  Room. 


478 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


7.  Clemmie  Perdue,  Fourth  Primary  Room. 

8.  Ida  M.  Perry,  Third  Primary  Room. 

9.  Lida  J.  Pickerell,  Second  Primary  Room. 

10.  Hettie  S.  Fisher,  First  Primary  Room. 

FIRST  WARD  SCHOOL. 

11.  P.  L.  Kendig,  Principal. 

12.  Lida  Collins,  Second  Grammar  Room. 

13.  P.  K Gilchrist,  First  Grammar  Room. 

14.  Erville  Harris,  Fourth  Primary. 

15.  Retta  Holmes,  Third  Primary. 

16.  Carrie  Hawkins,  Second  Primary. 

17.  Dora  Fuller,  First  Primary. 

FOURTH  WARD  SCHOOL. 

18.  Wilford  Hull,  Principal. 

19.  Becca  E.  Fisher,  Grammar. 

20.  Alice  Sellers,  Third  Primary. 

21.  Rina  Kemble,  Second  Primary. 

22.  Lou  J.  Hawkins,  First  Primary. 

GENERAL  STATISTICS  COMPARATIVE. 

1876.  1877.  1878. 

School  population 1,400  1,557  1,543 

Enrolled  during  year 1,199  1,205  1,198 

Average  monthly  enrollment 886  932  984 

Average  monthly  belonging 833  864  916 

Average  monthly  attendance 767  816  862 

Days  absence  during  year 11,417  7,513  8,321 

Number  of  tardinesses 4,647  3,175  1,979 

Percentage  of  punctuality 97.6  98.2  99.3 

Percentage  of  attendance  (on  membership) 97.2  94.6  95.2 

Percentage  of  attendance  (on  enrollment) 64.0  67.7  71.1 

Percentage  of  attendance  (on  enumeration) 54.0  52.4  55.8 

Percentage  of  enrollment  (on  enumeration) 77.4  77.6 

In  the  year  1876  the  school  population  was  changed  by  the  county  super- 
intendent after  the  report.  We  give  the  percentage  of  that  year  on  the 
number  allowed  by  the  superintendent. 

COST  OF  OSKALOOSA  SCHOOLS  FOR  YEAR  1877-78. NINE  MONTHS. 

Whole  amount  paid  teachers  from  September,  1877,  to  Septem- 
ber, 1878 $ 10,397.50 

Contingent  expenses  2,219.89 


Total $ 12,617.39 

Average  cost  per  pupil,  including  amount  paid  for  instruction  and  su- 
pervision: 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


479 


On  average  number  enrolled $ 10.56 

On  average  number  belonging 11.34 

On  average  number  in  attendance 12.06 

Average  contingent  expenses  per  pupil: 

On  average  enrolled $ 2.25 

On  average  belonging 2.42 

On  average  attendance 2.57 


Comparative  cost  per  month  for  each  pupil  during  years  1877-78: 

1877  1878 

On  average  enrollment $ 1.57  $ 1.42 

On  average  belonging 1.69  1.53 

On  average  attendance 1.79  1.63 


OSKALOOSA  COLLEGE. 

Education  and  educational  institutions  have  been  mainly  indebted  to  re- 
ligious thought  and  religious  organizations  for  their  origin  and  support. 
The  Church  of  Christ,  of  which  Alexander  Campbell,  Walter  Scott,  B.  W. 
Stone,  and  others  were  permanent  members  during  the  first  half  of  the 
present  century,  have  been  pre-eminently  an  educational  people. 

Early  in  the  history  of  Iowa  influential  members  of  this  church,  imbued 
with  the  spirit  of  the  age  and  of  Christianity,  appreciating  the  importance 
of  an  educational  institution  of  a high  order,  and  projected  upon  a broad, 
modern,  and  liberal  basis,  began  to  discuss  the  propriety  of  attempting  such 
an  enterprise.  At  length,  at  the  State  Meeting  which  convened  at  Mt. 
Pleasant,  June,  1855,  it  was  resolved  that  the  time  had  come  to  begin  the 
work.  The  location  was  offered  to  the  place  that  should  raise  the  largest 
local  aid.  After  a sharp  competition  from  Marion,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Winter- 
set  and  other  points,  but  especially  from  Marion,  Oskaloosa  offered  a sub- 
scription of  $30,050,  and  in  October,  1856,  secured  the  location.  Elder  A. 
Chatterton,  R.  Parker,  Dr.  C.  G.  Owen,  J.  Adkins.  W.  T.  Smith,  J.  H.  Ba- 
com,  A.  S.  Nichols,  Mr.  Edmundson,  C.  Hall,  J.  M.  Berry,  J.  Swallow,  S. 
II.  Banham,  W.  A.  Saunders  and  S.  H.  McClure  were  chosen  trustees. 
The  work  of  endowment  was  also  begun  with  much  vigor,  and  over  $20,000 
subscribed  within  a few  weeks,  but  the  hard  times  of  1857-8  came  on,  con- 
tractors broke,  subscribers  failed  to  pay,  the  work  of  endowment  was  sus- 
pended, mortgages  and  liens  were  pressed  toward  foreclosure,  and  every- 
thing for  a time  looked  dark  for  the  college  so  auspiciously  begun.  At 
length  a little  more  than  half  of  the  original  building  fund  was  realized,  the 
church  of  the  State  raised  a u relief  fund,”  and  later  added  over  $40,000  to 
the  subscribed  endowment  fund,  but  a considerable  portion  of  this  subscrip- 
tion proved  to  be  worthless. 

September  2,  1861,  professors  G.  T.  and  W.  J.  Carpenter  opened  a pre- 
paratory school  in  the  rooms  temporarily  fitted  up  for  that  purpose.  A 
full  description  of  the  condition  of  the  buildings  and  grounds,  or  a detailed 
delineation  of  the  difficulties  to  be  overcome  would  here  be  out  of  place; 
suffice  it  to  say  that  the  school  opened  with  the  following  named  students, 
since  known  as  the  “ immortal  five”:  George  Wilson,  James  Brown,  Jen- 
nie Coarse,  Jennie  McCall  and  Maggie  Stevens.  During  the  entire  year 
there  were  less  than  fifty  enrolled.  But  the  young  teachers  and  a few 
friends  were  full  of  faith,  and  labored  on  until  success  crowned  their  efforts. 


480 


HISTOEY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  following  named  persons  have  at  different  times  discharged  the  du- 
ties of  president:  G.  T.  Carpenter,  A.  F.  Ross,  B.  W.  Johnson,  F.  M.  Bru- 
ner and  L.  P.  Lucy.  Besides  these,  W.  J.  Carpenter,  M.  P.  Givins,  O. 
Goodrich,  F.  M.  Kirkham,  A.  Hull,  J.  L.  Pinkerton,  N.  Dunshee,  G.  H. 
Laughlin,  O.  P.  Hay,  W.  S.  Burnard  and  B.  E.  Shepperd  have  held  regular 
professorships  in  the  college.  Beside  these,  a number  of  others  have  acted 
as  tutors,  and  teachers  of  specialties,  etc.  Among  those  who  have  acted 
most  extensively  and  successfully  as  financial  agents  for  the  college  may  be 
named  A.  Chatterton,  J.  B.  Hoe,  J.  F.  Rowe,  H.  E.  Cory,  F.  Walden,  G. 
T.  Carpenter,  W.  J.  Carpenter,  H.  A.  McConnell,  J.  B.  Eteatton,  J.  Wiley, 
F.  M.  Bruner  and  J.  D.  Guthrie.  The  college  now  has  a full  and  able  fac- 
ulty with  G.  T.  Carpenter  as  president;  cabinets,  libraries,  apparatus  and  other 
facilities  for  doing  excellent  work,  and  is  rapidly  growing  in  patronage  and 
influence.  The  scheme  embraces  prepararory,  classical,  scientific,  ladies, 
biblical,  normal  and  commercial  courses.  With  such  designs,  facilities 
and  managers,  Oskaloosa  College  is  rapidly  taking  its  place  in  the  front 
rank  of  Western  colleges,  and  is  a just  source  of  pride  in  the  county  and 
State. 

PENN  COLLEGE. 

Quite  a number  of  years  ago,  at  Spring  Creek  Meeting  House,  was  lo- 
cated an  educational  association  known  as  the  Spring  Creek  Union  College 
Association  of  Friends.  In  September,  1866,  at  the  Iowa  Yearly  Meeting 
of  Friends  at  Oskaloosa,  a committee  was  appointed  to  take  into  considera- 
tion the  educational  wants  of  the  members  of  the  Yearly  Meeting.  This 
committee  was  composed  of  thirty  members  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  who,  on 
the  eleventh  day  of  this  same  month,  held  a conference  with  the  Spring 
Creek  Association,  and  a union  was  formed  with  that  body  under  the  title 
of  “ Iowa  Union  College  Association  of  Friends.”  This  association  con- 
ducted a most  flourishing  school  about  two  miles  east  of  Oskaloosa,  until 
the  buildings  were  burned  down.  About  1870  a site  for  a school  in  the 
northern  part  of  Oskaloosa  was  sold  to  the  association  at  such  a figure  by 
John  White,  Esq.,  as  to  amount  to  a donation.  Several  thousand  dollars 
were  donated  by  eastern  and  English  Friends,  and  such  subscriptions  made 
as  to  encourage  the  erection  of  a building,  being  the  wing  of  the  present 
structure.  This  wing  was  completed  in  the  fall  of  1872  at  a cost  of  $17,000, 
and  a High  School  was  opened  on  the  5th  day  of  November,  with  John  W. 
Woody  as  superintendent  and  Mary  C.  Woody  and  Anna  E Gove  as  assist- 
ant teachers. 

The  success  of  this  enterprise  encouraged  the  board  of  directors  to  organ- 
ize on  a college  basis  during  the  following  season.  In  the  annual  meeting 
of  the  association,  held  in  September,  the  name  was  changed  from  “ Iowa 
Union  College  Association  of  Friends”  to  that  of  “ Penn  College,”  and 
on  the  23d  of  the  same  month,  1873,  the  college  was  opened  with  the  fol- 
lowing faculty: 

JOHN  W.  WOODY,  A.  M.,  President, 

ENGLISH  LITERATURE  AND  NATURAL  SCIENCES. 

BENJAMIN  TRUEBLOOD,  A.  B., 

LATIN  AND  GREEK  LANGUAGES  AND  MIXED  MATHEMATICS. 

RUTH  WOODWARD,  B.  S., 

MATHEMATICS. 

C.  P.  DORLAND, 

BOOK-KEEPING  AND  PENMANSHIP. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


481 


The  enrollment  for  the  first  year  reached  two  hundred  and  nineteen  stu- 
dents, and  the  outlook  was  quite  encouraging.  The  main  building  was 
erected  in  J8T5,  and  the  entire  cost  of  building  has  been  near  $37,000,  af- 
fording accommodation  for  five  hundred  students. 

The  first  graduates  were  in  1875,  at  which  time  Linda  A.  Dorland  and 
Jennie  Kitchen  became  the  first  representatives  of  Penn  College  alumni. 
The  class  of  1878  comprised  three  graduates  from  the  classical  course, 
Benjamin  E.  Ninde,  Lizzie  Green,  and  Eva  Waggoner. 

Professor  Woody  has  since  retired  from  the  presidency,  which  office  he 
ably  filled  until  1877.  His  successor  is  William  B.  Morgan,  A.  M.,  C.  E., 
who  now  has  entered  on  his  second  year  in  the  management  of  the  institu- 
tion. 

Three  departments  of  study  are  sustained — collegiate,  preparatory,  and 
normal.  The  attendance  during  the  last  year  was  about  one  hundred  and 
thirty  students,  who  received  instruction  from  the  following  professors,  viz: 
William  B.  Morgan,  mathematics  and  astronomy;  Stephen  A.  Jones,  Latin 
and  Greek  languages;  Charles  E.  Tibbets,  natural  sciences;  Ruth  ILinshaw, 
mental  and  moral  science  and  German  language;  Lydia  J.  Jackson,  math- 
ematics and  political  economy;  H.  II.  Seerley,  didactics;  Daniel  Y.  Jane- 
wav,  tutor  in  Latin;  J.  P.  Gruwell,  anatomy. 

The  college  is  equally  free  to  both  sexes,  and  to  all  denominations.  The 
managers  rely  upon  the  students  to  a considerable  extent  for  self-government, 
believing  that,  within  proper  limits,  the  best  government  is  that  which 
governs  least.  The  general  tone  and  deportment  of  the  institution  is  quite 
gratifying  to  its  friends,  and  the  financial  condition  is  such  as  to  insure  its 
prosperity. 

The  board  of  directors  of  Penn  College  for  1878  are  as  follows,  viz: 

Appointed  by  Iowa  Yearly  Meeting: — R.  J.  Mendenhall,  Charles 
Hutchinson,  Lawrie  Tatum,  Alistus  W.  Lewis,  Samuel  T.  Mote. 

Elected  by  the  College  Association: — Israel  C.  Green,  Leonard  H.  Hole, 
Levi  Hambleton,  Amos  Briggs,  John  F.  Gritman,  Joseph  D.  Hoag,  Green- 
bury  P.  Wood,  John  H.  Green,  D.  W.  Hunt. 

CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

This  congregation  was  organized  November  10,  1844,  by  Rev.  B.  B. 
Bonham.  The  organization  at  first  consisted  of  twenty-two  members. 
Articles  of  incorporation  were  drawn  up,  signed  and  recorded.  The  first 
ruling  elders  were  W.  McMurry,  Robert  W.  Long,  Silas  M.  Martin,  Thomas 
P.  Chapman,  M.  L.  Smith  and  W.  B.  Street.  On  lots  5 and  6,  block  34, 
which  the  congregation  bought  from  the  county  commissioners,  this  society, 
in  1846,  erected  their  house  of  worship,  being  the  first  church  building 
erected  in  the  county.  From  its  organization  until  1849  the  church  was 
supplied  by  different  ministers,  among  whom  were  Rev.  J.  M.  Cameron 
and  Rev.  Jolly.  In  1850  the  minister  and  members  of  the  congregation, 
except  three  men  and  a few  females,  moved  to  California.  From  this  time 
to  1857  the  congregation  merely  held  its  existence.  A part  of  this  time 
the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  the  Revs.,J.  M.  Berry,  W.  Laurence,  J.  Mathers, 
and  B.  A.  Smith.  During  most  of  the  time,  however,  the  church  was  oc- 
cupied by  the  Methodists,  Old  and  Hew  School  Presbyterians,  and  the 
Congregationalists.  These  churches,  were,  for  the  most  part,  organized  in 
this  building,  and  occupied  it  until  their  own  houses  of  worship  were 


482 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


erected.  In  1857  Rev.  J.  R.  Lawrence,  at  tlie  call  of  the  congregation,  be- 
came pastor,  and  continued  as  such  until  the  fall  of  1866,  when  the  congre- 
gation became  vacant,  and  remained  so  till  October,  1867,  when  Rev.  G.  S. 
Adams  became  pastor.  In  1869  Rev.  W.  M.  Medcalf  took  his  place,  and 
remained  until  the  fall  of  1870,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  William 
Wilson,  who  remained  only  six  months,  since  which  time  the  church  has 
not  had  a pastor. 

This  congregation  has  suffered  severe  depletion  at  different  times.  In 
1850,  as  above  mentioned,  most  of  the  congregation  moved  to  California; 
then  in  1859  the  congregation  was  divided,  and  another  society  formed  at 
White  Oak.  During  the  war  many  of  the  members  went  into  the  Union 
army,  and  were  killed  or  died  there. 

At  present,  by  removals  and  deaths,  the  membership  has  been  reduced 
to  about  twenty-five.  The  Sabbath-school  has  been  discontinued,  and  the 
prospect  for  reviving  the  church  is  not  very  promising.  The  society  still 
owns  the  building,  which  is  now  occupied  by  the  Adventists.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  present  session  are  William  B.  Street,  D.  M.  Walton,  J.  B. 
Rickey,  and  William  McWilliams. 

The  bell  which  is  still  rung  in  this  church  building  was  brought  from 
Keokuk  by  wagon,  in  1846,  and  an  old  settler  informs  us  that  it  was  so  hung 
as  to  ring  by  the  jolting  of  the  vehicle  the  entire  distance — an  odd  sound,  we 
should  judge,  in  a western  wilderness,  such  as  most  of  the  Des  Moines 
Yalley  was  then. 

FIRST  M.  E.  CHURCH. 

The  first  Methodist  class  was  organized  in  Oskaloosa  by  Rev.  A.  W. 
Johnson,  sometime  in  the  fall  of  1844.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  a 
small  log  cabin  for  the  purposes  of  a cabin,  was  erected  on  the  north  end  of 
the  lot  now  used  for  the  same  purpose.  Mr.  T.  G.  Phillips,  now  of  Oska- 
loosa, assisted  in  hauling  the  logs  for  the  erection  of  this  cabin,  which  was 
ready  for  occupancy  about  the  commencement  of  1845.  The  houses  con- 
sisted of  a single  room  which  served  as  a study,  parlor,  kitchen,  wash-room, 
bed  room,  pantry,  and  dining  room,  and  all  the  other  uses  to  which  houses 
are  generally  put.  Useful  as  the  edifice  was  it  would  not  serve  the  pur- 
poses of  a church,  and  the  meetings  of  the  members  were  held  at  the  house 
of  Mrs.  Phillips,  mother  of  T.  G.  Phillips. 

After  the  completion  of  the  Court  House,  this  building  was  occupied  by 
the  Methodists,  at  stated  times,  till  1853,  when  they  erected  a house  of 
worship  of  their  own.  The  membership  at  that  time  was  but  small  and 
weak,  and  they  could  do  but  little  towards  the  erection  of  their  house. 
They  first  undertook  to  build  a frame — got  the  materials  on  the  ground,  but 
could  not  raise  means  enough  to  put  it  up  and  finish  it.  It  lay  in  this 
shape  for  two  years,  when  they  abandoned  all  idea  of  building  a frame  house 
and  concluded  to  put  up  a brick  which  they  did  in  1853,  in  the  very  spot 
where  the  present  church  stands.  This  was  done  during  the  ministering  of 
G.  W.  Teas.  After  using  this  house  until  1857-8  during  the  pastorate  of 
W.  F.  Cowles,  it  was  found  to  be  too  small  to  accommodate  the  congrega- 
tion, when  by  a vote  of  the  members  it  was  determined  not  to  tear  down, 
but  to  enlarge  the  old  house  so  it  might  accommodate  more  people.  This 
was  done,  and  the  house  thus  made  more  spacious  and  comfortable.  It  re- 
mained thus  until  during  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Wesley  Dennett,  per- 
haps in  the  year  1865,  when  another  large  addition  was  put  to  the  house  in 
the  shape  of  a T.  This  addition  was  made  at  an  expense  of  $6,000. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


483 


In  1845  the  membership  of  this  church  numbered  about  260,  at  which 
time  Revs.  Kirkpatrick  and  Rayner  were  the  traveling  preachers.  In  1846 
Revs.  Sherin  and  Harrison  were  the  ministers.  In  1847  the  membership 
was  about  380,  with  Jennison  and  Wright  as  preachers.  In  1848  the  mem- 
bership had  increased  to  400  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Anson  Wright. 

Oskaloosa  became  a station  in  1851,  with  144  members.  Rev.  J.  B. 
Hardy  was  the  first  stationed  preacher.  The  successive  preachers  were 
Revs.  Harris,  Stewart,  Slusser.  Allender,  Cowles,  Waring,  Teter,  Dennett, 
Corkhill,  and  E.  L.  Briggs.  During  the  ministry  of  the  latter,  the  church 
was  divided,  it  having  reached  a membership  of  over  500,  and  was  too 
large  for  one  pastor  to  care  for,  and  the  Simpson  Charge  M.  E.  Church  was 
formed. 

In  charge  of  the  old  body  of  members  which  still  continued  to  be  called 
the  First  M.  E.  Church,  was  Rev.  Jno.  Harris,  in  1869.  J.  W.  McDonald 
ministered  here  in  1870-1-2.  In  1873  the  church  passed  into  the  hands  of 
Rev.  C.  B.  Clark,  who  also  remained  three  years.  The  present  minister, 
Rev.  W.  H.  H.  Pillsbury,  succeeded  Mr.  Clark  in  1876. 

The  church  now  numbers  about  275  members.  Connected  with  the 
church  is  a flourishing  Sabbath-school  of  about  140  children,  of  which  the 
pastor  is  the  superintendent.  The  contributions  of  the  church  for  all  pur- 
poses are  not  far  from  $2,000  per  year. 

The  trustees  are  J.  W.  McMullen,  Dr.  D.  A.  Hurst,  Dr.  D.  A.  Hoffman, 
F.  M.  Davenport,  E.  M.  Beatty,  D.  W.  Loring,  R.  P.  Bacon,  Wm.  Wray, 

N.  J.  Smith. 

Stewards — J.  Kelly,  J.  W.  McMullen,  Wm.  Waggoner,  Wm.  Hadley, 
Dr.  W.  R.  Nugent,  A.  Barnhart,  D.  H.  Ballard,  Uriah  Ballard,  and  Wm. 
Kemper. 

Among  the  ladies  of  the  church  has  been  organized  a Woman’s  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  of  about  fifty  members,  whose  annual  contributions  to 
the  mission  cause  are  about  one  hundred  dollars. 

A Lyceum,  composed  of  the  younger  members  of  the  church,  affords 
mutual  entertainment  and  improvement  to  the  young  people  every  week. 

CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH. 

The  first  records  of  this  society  have  been  lost,  and  our  only  dependence 
for  its  early  history  was  the  memory  of  its  oldest  male  member,  Mr.  F.  W. 
McCall. 

The  church  was  organized  at  quite  an  early  day  (according  to  the  Iowa 
Minutes,  in  1844).  For  some  time  previous  to  the  time  of  the  erection  of 
its  church  building,  the  congregation  worshiped  in  Union  Hall.  Rev.  W. 

O.  Westervelt  became  pastor  of  the  church  about  1852.  In  1855  the  soci- 
ety was  incorporated,  and  in  the  following  year  commenced  the  erection  of 
their  church  building.  This  was  partly  roofed  in  November,  1856,  when  a 
snow  storm  stopped  the  workmen,  and  they  were  not  able  to  resume  until 
the  following  spring.  The  church  was  dedicated  in  the  summer  of  1857, 
by  Rev.  Spaulding  of  Ottumwa.  Its  cost  was  about  $2,200. 

In  1859  the  pastor  succeeding  the  Rev.  Westervelt,  was  Mr.  Roberts, 
who  remained  with  the  church  one  year,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  O.  H. 
Gates,  This  gentleman  continued  in  charge  of  the  congregation  about 
eighteen  years,  and  labored  among  this  people  very  acceptably  and  with 
much  success.  February,  1869,  came  to  Oskaloosa  congregation  Rev.  G. 


484 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


D.  A.  Hebard,  of  Iowa  City.  Daring  1870,  there  were  sixty  persons  uni- 
ted with  the  church.  Reverned  Hebard  died  in  the  midst  of  his  work,  De- 
cember 14,  1870.  In  the  following  February  was  succeeded  by  the  present 
pastor,  Rev.  J.  E.  Snowden. 

For  1879,  the  officers  of  the  church  are: 

Deacons — C.  P.  Searle,  F.  W.  McCall,  S.  R.  Pettit,  and  E.  Edris. 

Trustees — H.  Harris,  C.  T.  Willard,  M.  B.  Bristol,  Mrs.  E.  J.  Merrill, 
Mrs.  Dr.  Hinshaw. 

Clerk — J.  J.  Merrill. 

Connected  with  the  church  is  a good  Sunday-school  with  an  average  at- 
tendance of  100  pupils.  Dr.  T.  K.  Brewster  is  the  superintendent.  The 
revenue  of  the  church  membership  of  the  congregation  for  all  purposes  is 
about  $1,600.  The  present  membership  of  the  congregation  is  175. 

The  church  building,  during  the  present  summer,  is  undergoing  a thor- 
ough renovation.  It  will  be  strengthened  and  changed  in  appearance  by 
an  outside  layer  of  brick  to  that  of  a brick  church.  There  will  be  a new 
spire,  an  alcove  pulpit  placed  in  rear,  and  the  building  re-seated  and  re-fin- 
ished throughout  at  a cost  of  some  $2,000.  It  has  been  for  some  years  the 
purpose  of  the  congregation  to  build  a new  church,  but  they  have  finally 
decided  to  utilize  the  old  fratne-work,  the  result  being,  however,  substan- 
tially that  of  a new  building. 

FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Oskaloosa  was  organized  February 
21,  1845,  by  Rev.  Samuel  Cowles,  a missionary,  with  the  following  persons 
as  organizing  members:  James  Conner,  Rachel  Conner,  Jane  Thompson, 
Win.  Bovell,  S.  B.  Shelleday,  Elizabeth  Shelleday  and  Sarah  A.  Shelleday. 
At  this  time  James  Conner  was  elected  and  ordained  ruling  elder.  April, 
1845,  there  was  an  addition  of  five  members.  Rev.  Cowles  served  the 
church  as  supply  till  1850.  July  3,  1847,  James  Bovell  was  elected  ruling 
elder.  In  January,  1848,  a Sabbath-school  was  organized  in  connection 
with  the  church,  and  about  the  same  time  a prayer  meeting,  both  of  which 
auxiliaries  are  vet  in  flourishing  condition.  In  1848  it  was  decided  to 
erect  a house  of  worship,  which  was  not,  however,  completed  till  1855,  at  a 
cost  of  $3,025,  being  the  present  brick  building  occupied  by  the  church. 
Sometime  in  1850  Rev.  David  McComb  commenced  his  labors  with  the 
church,  which  continued  for  one  year,  when  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by 
occasional  ministers  till  February,  1852.  At  this  time  Rev.  G-eo.  M.  Swan 
was  installed  first  pastor  of  the  church,  continuing  till  1854,  during  which 
time  fifty-six  persons  were  added  to  the  church  membership.  In  June, 
1855,  Rev.  Irwin  Carson  became  pastor  of  the  church,  and  continued  in 
this  relation  until  the  fall  of  1858.  One  hundred  and  nine  members  were 
received  into  the  church  during  this  period.  At  a congregational  meeting, 
March,  1858,  articles  of  incorporation  were  adopted,  continuing  for  twenty 
years.  In  November,  1858,  Rev.  Win.  M.  Stryker  began  his  labors  with 
the  church,  continuing  until  the  following  spring.  During  the  year  1861 
Rev.  IT.  A.  Barclay  supplied  the  pulpit.  Next  came  Rev.  Silas  Johnson, 
who  served  the  church  as  supply  from  January,  1862,  to  February,  1865, 
and  then  as  pastor  until  March,  1867,  when  he  resigned  his  charge.  Dur- 
ing his  ministry  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  persons  united  with  the 
church.  At  a congregational  meeting  February  16,  1865,  it  was  decided 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


485 


to  rent  the  church  edifice  for  school  purposes  for  five  years,  in  order  to 
liquidate  a pressing  indebtedness,  which  was  done.  Rev.  D.  H.  Mitchell 
was  pastor  from  September,  1867,  to  March,  1869,  during  which  time  there 
were  fifteen  additions  to  the  church.  Immediately  following  the  resigna- 
tion of  Mr.  Mitchell  Rev.  S.  C.  McOune  was  unanimously  chosen  pastor, 
and  served  in  that  capacity  till  April,  1873.  In  November  of  this  same 
year  Rev.  H.  S.  Snodgrass  came  to  this  people.  They  were  quite  heavily 
in  debt  at  this  time,  for  a small  church,  about  $1,300  being  required  to 
liquidate  its  liabilities.  This  amount  was  secured  by  a festival  held  in 
City  Hall,  during  the  latter  part  of  December,  and  continuing  for  several 
days.  In  the  fall  of  1874  about  $250  were  spent  in  making  repairs.  In 
1875  the  rotary  eldership  plan  was  adopted  by  vote  of  the  congregation. 
Mr.  Snodgrass  resigned  April  10,  1878,  and  since  that  time  the  church  has 
had  no  regular  minister.  In  addition  to  the  elders  mentioned  above,  the 
following  have  been  members  of  the  session  during  some  period  of  the 
church’s  history:  J.  M.  Sweeney,  J.  A.  Young,  W.  H.  H.  Rice,  Francis 
Thompson,  A.  M.  Rodgers,  R.  S.  Crozier,  Harry  Howard,  J.  B.  Ayres, 
J.  S.  Johnson,  W.  A.  Hunter,  J.  W.  Elsey,  David  Duncan,  H.  N.  Little, 
David  Robertson,  Win.  McQuiston  and  J.M.  Nicliol.  Some  of  these  have 
passed  to  that  bourne  from  whence  no  traveler  returns,  and  quite  a num- 
ber are  now  in  the  bounds  of  other  congregations.  The  present  elders  are 
W.  A.  Hunter,  Francis  Thompson,  Win.  McQuiston,  Wm.  R.  Cowan  and 
David  Robertson. 

The  present  number  of  members  is  ninety-two.  During  the  year  1877 
the  church  building  was  extensively  repaired  by  the  addition  of  new  roof, 
new  cupola,  and  the  outside  of  the  building  nicely  painted,  all  at  a cost  of 
about  $700.  The  money  raised  for  all  branches  of  the  church  work  last 
year  was  $1,243.67.  Forgetting  the  Pauline  injunction  “ Owe  no  man  any- 
thing,” this  church  has  been  crippled  during  much  of  the  time  of  its 
existence  by  a wearing  debt,  a fact  which  has  caused  much  trouble  and 
anxiety  to  its  members.  We  are  happy  to  record  that  at  this  date  it  is 
almost  entirely  free  from  any  financial  embarrassment. 

N.  B.  Among  the  notable  events  in  the  history  of  Mahaska  county, 
which  have  been  omitted  in  the  previous  portion  of  this  work,  we  may  here 
mention  the  State  Convention  of  National  Reformers,  in  favor  of  a relig- 
ious amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  which  assembled 
at  this  church  November  3d  and  4th,  1869.  Prominent  among  the  leaders 
of  the  movement  was  Rev.  R.  A.  McA}Teal.  The  call  for  the  Convention 
was  numerously  signed  by  prominent  men  throughout  the  State.  Long  in 
in  advance  of  the  assembling  of  the  Convention,  the  Progressive  Conser- 
vator had  so  persistently  opposed  the  movement,  and  agitated  the  question 
so  much  that  it  attracted  unusual  attention,  and  as  a consequence  one  W. 
F.  Jamieson,  a Liberal  lecturer,  was  attracted  to  it.  When  the  Convention 
assembled,  it  was  decided  that  the  opponents  of  the  movement  should  be 
admitted  to  the  floor  for  discussion;  and  accordingly  both  sides  were  ably 
discussed  for  two  days,  and  a full  phonographic  report  was  taken  and  pub- 
lished. Most  prominent  among  the  Christian  opponents  of  the  movement 
was  Rev.  G.  D.  A.  Ilebard,  who  subsequently  delivered  a very  able  lecture 
on  the  subject.  A full  report  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Convention, 
together  with  the  lecture  of  Rev.  G.  D.  A.  Hebard,  and  others,  were  pub- 
lished in  the  Progressive  Conservator , requiring  a great  width  of  space 
for  thirteen  successive  weeks.  Of  these  reports  Porte  C.  Welch,  Esq.,  filed 


486 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


one  hundred  extra  copies,  which  have  since  proven  to  be  very  valuable,  as 
they  are  the  only  complete  reports  of  both  sides  of  any  such  a Convention 
ever  held. 

CHURCH  OF  CHRIST. 

This  congregation  was  organized  by  Elder  H.  H.  Hendrix  (now  of 
Oregon),  March  25,  1846.  The  following  is  the  text  of  the  brief  statement 
to  which  the  original  thirty-two  members  signed  their  names:  “Church  of 
Christ  in  Oskaloosa,  Iowa,  taking  the  Bible  alone  as  its  only  rule  of  faith 
and  practice,  and  bearing  the  name  of  Christian  in  honor  of  the  founder 
of  our  holy  religion.”  To  the  above  was  appended  the  following  names 
of  the  original  congregation:  Joseph  B.  Royal,  Louisa  Iioyal,  Cephas 
Foland,  C.  G.  Owen,  Mathew  Edmundson,  Margaret  Edmundson,  Samuel 
Yance,  Alfred  Trim,  Abram  Hetherington,  Ann  Hetherington,  W.  W. 
Nelson,  Margaret  Nelson,  Robert  McConnell,  Margaret  McConnell,  Re- 
becca Yance,  Mary  Edmundson,  Catherine  Gaston,  Nancy  C.  McConnell, 
Matilda  C.  McConnell,  Robert  Gaston,  Eliza  Ann  McConnell,  John  Hale, 
Nancy  Hale,  Elizabeth  McCall,  John  Padget,  John  Fox,  Mary  Fox,  Thomas 
Huff,  Jonathan  Adkins,  Philena  Adkins.  J.  B.  Royal  (now  an  honored 
preacher  of  Illinois),  and  Matthew  Edmunson  were  chosen  elders,  and 
Jonathan  Adkins  and  Dr.  C.  G.  Owen,  deacons.  Elder  Hendrix  and 
others  supplied  the  church  with  preaching  for  a time;  when  Elder  A. 
Chatterton  located  in  the  place.  For  several  years  the  church  was  greatly 
blessed  under  his  labors;  during  the  time  of  his  labors  the  present  brick 
chapel  was  erected,  and  Oskaloosa  College  founded.  Before  the  erection 
of  the  chapel,  the  congregation  met  in  the  old  court  house,  in  private 
houses  and  in  such  other  places  as  could  be  obtained,  or  necessity  required. 
The  building  of  the  chapel  and  the  college,  involved  both  institutions  and 
several  members  of  the  church.  Thus  serious  embarrassments  and  difficul- 
ties arose  to  the  detriment  of  the  church’s  prosperity  for  several  years. 

Among  the  ministers  who  have  labored  for  the  congregation,  the  follow- 
ing may  be  named:  H.  H.  Hendrix,  A.  Chatterton,  J.  B.  Noe,  N.  E.  Cory, 
"W.  J.  Carpenter,  G.  T.  Carpenter,  N.  A.  McConnell,  W.  R.  Cowley,  John 
Crocker,  A.  Hickey,  B.  W.  Johnson,  D.  R.  Dungan,  N.  Dunshee,  G.  H. 
Laughlin,  and  E.  Goodwin,  the  present  highly  acceptable  pastor.  Besides 
those  named  above,  the  congregation  have  enjoyed  the  occasional  labors  of 
many  others. 

The  Sunday-school  has  always  been  a prominent  and  successful  feature 
ot  church  work.  For  the  greater  part  of  the  last  ten  years  Prof.  M.  P. 
Givens  has  been  the  efficient  superintendent  and  leader  of  the  music.  The 
church  is  now  out  of  debt,  has  a membership  of  about  330,  and 
wields  a fair  share  of  Christian  influence  upon  the  community.  A new 
chapel  has  been  talked  of  for  some  time,  and  is  very  much  needed. 

FIRST  UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  organized  June  17,  1849,  with  nine  members,  by  Rev. 
J.  C.  Porter  of  the  Second  Associate  Reformed  Presbytry  of  Illinois,  and 
wras  styled  the  First  Associate  Reformed  Church  of  Oskaloosa.  This  was 
before  the  union  of  the  A.  R.  and  the  Associate  churches,  which  resulted 
in  the  formation  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America, 
an  event  that  took  place  May  26,  1858.  It  retained  its  former  name 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


487 


until  the  fall  of  ’58,  when  by  a unanimous  vote  it  passed  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  U.  P.  Church  and  assumed  its  present  name. 

Poultney  Loughridge  and  wife  were  the  first  members  of  the  A.  R.  in 
Mahaska  county.  Jeremiah  M.  Dick,  the  eldest  son  of  Rev.  Minego  Dick, 
one  of  the  primitive  founders  of  Presbyterianism  west  of  the  mountains, 
was  the  first  Associate  Reform  preacher  that  visited  the  county.  He 
preached  a number  of  times  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Loughridge.  Rev.  John 
Gardener  visited  them  afterward,  and  also  Rev.  Lindsey  of  the  Associate 
Church. 

During  the  year  1851,  Rev.  Fee  visited  this  society,  and  after  preaching 
a few  Sabbaths  received  and  accepted  a call,  and  thus  became  the  first  pas- 
tor of  the  congregation.  Under  his  administration  in  1853  they  erected  a 
neat  and  comfortable  house  of  worship,  the  second  church  building  that 
was  erected  in  Oskaloosa.  Mr.  Fee  remained  until  1854  when  he  demitted 
his  charge,  and  the  congregation  was  left  vacant. 

A call  was  subsequently  made  for  Rev.  Wm.  Larimer,  but  was  not  ac- 
cepted. Rev.  R.  A.  McAyeal  next  came  to  the  church  by  appointment  of 
General  Synod,  June  1,  1856.  He  received  and  accepted  a call  in  Septem- 
ber of  that  year,  and  thus  became  pastor  of  the  congregation.  During  all 
this  time  members  were  added  to  the  church,  so  that  the  number  when  he 
accepted  the  call  was  seventy-three. 

In  1866  the  house  of  worship  belonging  to  this  congregation  was  sold  to 
the  Society  of  Friends.  For  a time  after  this,  the  church  worshiped  in 
City  Hall.  In  1868  the  present  house  of  worship  was  built,  the  foundation 
having  been  laid  the  previous  year.  It  was  the  understanding  on  the  part 
of  the  congregation  that  they  would  build  no  faster  than  they  were  able  to 
pay  the  workmen,  and  consequently  the  church  was  not  finished  until  a 
year  or  two  later,  when  it  was  dedicated  by  a union  service,  in  which  the 
pastor  was  assisted  by  a number  of  the  other  city  ministers.  The  church 
is  not  now,  nor  has  it  ever  been  in  debt.  The  cost  of  the  building,  includ- 
ing lot,  was  near  $8,000. 

The  contributions  of  the  church  for  all  purposes  has  averaged  not  far 
from  $2,000  per  year  in  the  last  twenty  years,  that  being  now  about  the 
amount  of  the  congregation’s  yearly  contributions.  There  are  now  about 
170  members  in  the  church. 

The  officers  are  as  follows — Session:  Geo.  Gilchrist,  Wm.  Burnside,  H. 
A.  Cowan,  John  A.  Proudfit,  David  A.  Lough,  James  Loughridge. 

Board  of  deacons:  J.  B.  Clawy worth,  Wm.  Hash,  John  Gilchrist,  Mrs. 
E.  J.  Coryell,  and  Mrs.  A,  J.  Burnside. 

Connected  with  the  church  is  a prosperous  Sabbath-school,  superintended 
by  Wm.  Burnside. 

It  is  but  just  in  closing  this  sketch  to  call  the  attention  of  the  reader  to 
the  work  of  Dr.  R A.  McAyeal  who  has  been  in  continuous  service  in 
this  church  for  over  twenty-two  years,  save  a year’s  absence  in  the  army  as 
chaplain.  Such  faithfulness  to  his  charge,  when  larger  opportunities  might 
have  been  opened  up,  and  did  offer  themselves,  is  not  frequently  seen. 
The  Dr.  is  probably  the  oldest  settled  minister  in  the  county. 

ST.  JAMES  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

This  parish  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  was  organized  in  the 
building  of  the  Associate  Reform  Church,  Sunday,  May  27,  1855.  The 
minister  present  was  a missionary,  the  Rev.  E.  W.  Peet. 


488 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  first  vestry  was  composed  of  Henry  Blackburn,  A.  F.  Seeberger,  L. 
D.  Ingersoll,  J.  M.  White,  Abner  Allen,  Geo.  Russell  and  M.  T.  Williams. 
Of  these  Henry  Blackburn  and  Abner  Allen  were  chosen  wardens. 

The  next  meeting  recorded  in  the  minute  book  of  the  vestry  was  held  on 
the  1st  day  of  August,  1857,  Rev.  D.  F.  Hutchinson,  of  Ottumwa,  presid- 
ing. At  that  meeting  Articles  of  Incorporation  were  adopted  in  accord- 
ance with  the  laws  of  the  State. 

For  a time  succeeding  this  meeting  Rev.  P.  A.  Johnson  was  rector  of  the 
parish,  who  continued  here  probably  two  years.  In  August,  1858,  a lot 
was  purchased  by  the  parish  on  Market  street,  which  was  subsequently  ex- 
changed for  the  one  on  which  the  present  church  building  stands. 

During  the  year  1863  Rev.  Mr.  Cochely  preached  monthly.  From  the 
termination  of  his  connection  with  the  parish  until  1868  the  church  was  in 
a dormant  state,  there  being  but  two  services  during  five  years.  Mr.  Thos. 
B.  Kemp  becoming  rector  of  the  parish  in  the  spring  of  1868,  infused  new 
life  into  the  church,  and  during  his  ministry  of  five  years  labored  very  ac- 
ceptably among  the  people  of  Oska  oosa. 

During  the  summer  of  1869  a church  building  and  rectory  were  built  on 
the  church  lot,  the  services  having  previously  been  held  in  Union  Hall. 
These  improvements  cost  the  church  about  $4,000,  which  amount,  with  the 
aid  of  $8,000  from  the  mission  board,  was  provided  for  at  the  time  of  the 
building  of  the  same.  The  church  is  built  in  the  Gothic  style  of  architec- 
ture, and  is  a frame  structure  28x50  feet. 

Rev.  Kemp  removing  to  Marshalltown  in  the  spring  of  1873,  the  church 
was  without  a rector  until  1874,  when  Rev.  James  Allen  (now  of  Australia) 
became  pastor  and  continued  for  two  years,  when  he  removed  to  England. 

In  the  fall  of  1876  Rev.  James  Stoddard,  of  Falls  City,  Neb.,  was  called 
to  the  rectorship,  which  place  he  filled  until  May,  1878,  since  which  time 
the  rectory  has  been  vacant. 

A flourishing  Sunday-school  had  been  kept  up  for  some  years  previous 
to  the  spring  of  1878,  when  it  adjourned,  and  is  not  now  (October,  1878) 
in  session. 

The  present  vestry  is  composed  of Wolcott,  D.  JI.  LeSuer,  Cary 

Cooper,  John  A.  Shannon,  Win.  Butler,  M.  T.  Williams  and  John  F.  La- 
cey. The  church  has  at  present  about  twenty-five  communicants  and  two 
or  three  times  that  number  of  adherents. 

OSKALOOSA  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  first  Baptist  church  in  Oskaloosa  was  constituted  in  December,  1855, 
with  a membership  of  five  persons.  An  ecclesiastical  council  composed  of 
ministers  and  laj7men  from  neighboring  churches  was  invited  to  meet  and 
examine  into  the  history  and  belief  of  the  organization,  and  if  it  was  found 
to  be  formed  after  the  New  Testament  model,  to  publicly  recognize  it  as 
a church.  The  decision  of  the  council  being  favorable,  the  services  of  the 
occasion  were  held  at  the  M.  E.  Church.  Until  the  spring  of  1856  the 
church  had  no  regular  preaching.  At  this  time  J.  F.  Childs  became  the 
pastor,  an  arrangement  which  continued  eleven  years. 

During  the  first  year  of  Mr.  Childs’ pastorate  the  church  held  its  services 
in  the  upper  rooms  of  the  then  Normal  School  building.  In  January,  1857, 
Union  Hall  was  hired  and  occupied  for  services  a little  more  than  a year. 
In  the  fall  of  1857  a lot  was  purchased,  and  in  the  month  of  March  follow- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


491 


ing,  the  work  of  building  a house  of  worship  was  begun,  without  a dollar 
pledged  on  subscription;  the  male  members  of  the  church,  aided  by  per- 
sonal labor.  The  largest  amount  subscribed  outside  the  membership  was 
$15,  paid  in  labor  and  materials.  Tlius  in  troublous  times,  financially,  the 
mechanical  talent  of  the  church  was  generously  turned  to  the  building  of  a 
house  of  worship.  May  16,  1858,  the  building  was  so  far  completed  that 
the  church  held  services  in  it,  though  at  the  time  it  was  without  win- 
dows, the  floor  but  partly  laid,  and  the  siding  on  to  a point  only  just  above 
the  window-frames,  and  no  lathing  done.  By  the  following  spring  it  was 
entirely  completed.  This  period  found  the  church  shouldering  a debt  of 
$450;  but  in  1863  this  was  paid  oft*  by  the  membership,  without  any  aid 
whatever  from  those  outside. 

Since  its  organization  three  hundred  different  persons  have  been  con- 
nected with  it.  Of  these  some  have  died,  some  have  been  suspended,  and 
a large  number  regularly  dismissed  to  unite  with  other  churches;  leaving 
a present  membership  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty.  Early  in  the  history 
of  the  church  a Sabbath-school  was  organized,  which  has  been  sustained 
until  the  present  time.  The  present  superintendent  (1878)  is  Geo.  R.  Lee. 
Average  attendance,  sixty. 

In  April,  1867,  Rev.  J.  F.  Childs,  so  long  the  efficient  and  earnest  pastor 
of  the  church,  turned  his  whole  attention  to  the  missionary  operations  and 
financial  management  of  the  Iowa  Baptist  Association,  of  which  he  was 
corresponding  secretary  for  a number  of  years. 

He  was  immediately  succeeded  by  Rev.  Thomas  Brande,  who  served  as 
pastor  four  months,  when  he  was  called  away  to  assume  the  financial  man- 
agement of  Des  Moines  University.  Rev.  A.  F.  Willey  followed,  but  after 
an  eiglit-mon tbs’  pastorate,  a struggle  with  disease,  died  and  was  buried  in 
Burlington  April  8, 1868.  Daring  the  summer,  services  were  conducted  by 
Tlios.  J.  Keith,  a theological  student  from  Shurtleff  College,  Illinois.  Dur- 
ing a few  weeks  from  the  following  February,  Rev.  Mr.  Childs  preached, 
and  eleven  accessions  were  made  to  the  church  within  this  time.  From 
the  middle  of  April  for  seven  months  the  church  was  supplied  by  Rev. 
John  Kingdon,  who  failed  in  health,  and  after  the  time  mentioned  was 
compelled  to  cease  his  labors. 

Prayer  meetings  and  Sabbath-schools  were  kept  up,  with  an  occasional 
sermon  by  a visiting  minister  till  February,  1870,  when  Rev.  J.  F.  Childs 
returned  to  the  church,  of  which  he  continued  pastor  until  January,  1875. 
In  June  of  the  same  year  he  wras  succeeded  by  H.  R.  Mitchell,  who  re- 
mained until  September,  1876.  Then  came  A.  J.  Furman,  in  October, 
1876,  from  Dakota,  missionary,  who  was  pastor  until  August,  1878. 

The  revenue  of  the  church  is  about  $1,000  per  year  for  all  purposes. 

The  deacons  are  R.  Dumont,  J.  L.  Moore,  T.  M.  Craven;  treasurer,  C.  W. 
Ellsworth;  clerk,  Harvey  Barrett. 

There  is  a Woman’s  Missionary  Society  connected  with  the  church  which 
does  excellent  work. 


SIMPSON  M.  E.  CHURCH. 

This  church  became  an  organization  by  recognition  of  the  bishop  in  Sep- 
tember, 1868.  It  was  the  offspring  of  the  First  M.  E.  Church,  and  was  or- 
ganized in  compliance  with  a vote  of  the  M.  E.  Conference,  which  con- 
curred with  the  presiding  elder  and  the  preacher  in  charge  in  the  opinion 

30 


492 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


that  another  church  should  be  formed,  on  account  of  the  large  membership 
of  the  First  Church  and  the  growing  demands  of  the  city. 

The  original  membership  of  this  body  was  one  hundred  and  sixteen. 
Rev.  W.  C.  Shaw  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  new  society,  which  held  its 
meetings  for  two  years  in  a rented  hall  on  the  south  side  of  the  square. 
During  this  time  the  present  site  for  the  church  was  purchased,  and  the 
building  commenced.  In  the  fall  of  1870  Rev.  B.  Mark  was  appointed  to 
this  station,  and  during  his  administration  the  lecture  room  was  finished 
and  dedicated.  In  1871  Rev.  J.  T.  Simmons  succeeded  to  the  charge,  and 
in  the  fall  of  1872,  by  Bishop  E.  Gr.  Andrews,  the  fine  audience  room  of 
the  church  was  dedicated.  In  1872  came  Rev.  C.  L.  Stafford,  who  labored 
acceptably  at  this  point  until  1876.  Rev.  Dennis  Murphy  was  the  next 
pastor.  He  remained  but  one  year.  September,  1877,  Rev.  W.  B.  Cowles, 
the  present  pastor,  was  located  in  this  church. 

The  edifice  belonging  to  this  society  is  the  finest  in  the  city,  being  a 
brick  structure,  erected  at  a cost  of  $20,000,  and  having  a seating  capacity 
of  five  hundred  persons. 

The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  about  three  hundred.  The 
amount  raised  by  the  congregation  for  all  purposes  will  average  about 
$1,500.  The  indebtedness  is  $2,000. 

The  Sabbath-school,  with  about  one  hundred  and  forty  members,  is  under 
the  superintendency  of  Amos  Kemble. 

The  trustees  are  J.  B.  McCurdy,  J.  M.  Jones,  H.  R.  Kendig,  ¥m.  Scott, 
M.  W.  White,  J.  W.  Finley,  J.  P.  Cowan,  Win.  Crosson,  B.  F.  McMillen. 

Stewards:  Wiley  Wray,  J.  B.  McCurdy,  John  1ST.  Martin,  Wm.  H.  Shaw, 
D.  C.  Myers,  C.  McCarty,  A.  A.  Kendig,  A.  J.  Jewell. 

UNI  VERS  ALIST  CHURCH. 

This  society  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  1850  by  Thomas  Ballinger,  and 
had  at  that  time  about  thirty-six  members.  The  meetings  were  held  in  the 
courthouse,  and  for  some  time  Mr.  Ballinger  preached  once  a month. 

His  successors  were  Joshua  Spooner,  Rev.  Davis,  A.  J.  Fishback  and  J. 
P.  Sanford  (afterward  Colonel),  and  others. 

The  society  never  erected  a church  building.  The  last  regular  minister 
was  in  1870.  The  society  owns  two  lots  in  Oskaloosa,  which  they  hope 
some  day  to  occupy  as  a church  site. 

BANKING-. 

The  first  banking  house  in  Oskaloosa  was  opened  by  W.  T.  Smith  and 
M.  T.  Williams,  March  1st,  1855,  under  the  firm  name  of  Smith  & Wil- 
liams, and  continued  in  business  until  January  1st,  1857,  when  Smith  pur- 
chased his  partner’s  business  under  the  firm  name  of  W.  T.  Smith  & Co. 
Shortly  afterward  Mr.  Smith  was  joined  by  H.  B.  Myers  as  a partner,  who 
after  continuing  in  the  bank  for  a short  time,  withdrew  without  any  change 
in  the  style  of  firm,  name  or  business  of  the  house.  This  bank  continued 
until  October  20,  1858,  when  its  business  was  transferred  to  the  “ Oskaloosa 
Branch  of  the  State  Bank  of  Iowa.” 

Hot  long  after  the  establishment  of  the  banking  house  of  Smith  & Wil- 
liams, a mercantile  bank  was  started  by  John  White  & Co.  After  running 
a few  months,  the  firm  sold  out  to  W.  H.  See  vers  & Co.,  who  had  just  fairly 
commenced  business,  when  the  crash  of  1857  compelled  them  to  close  their 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


493 


doors.  A few  days  later  the  house  was  re-opened  by  John  White  & Co. 
At  the  time  of  the  establishment  of  the  “Oskaloosa  Branch  of  the  State 
Bank  of  Iowa,”  this  firm  voluntarily  quit  business,  and  transferred  its 
trade  to  the  new  institution. 

The  “Branch”  had  been  organized,  and  was  declared  chartered  by  the 
governor  of  the  State,  dated  October  12,  1858.  The  capital  stock  of  this 
institution  was  $50,000.  The  first  stockholders  were  James  Rinehart,  J.  M. 
Dawson,  Jno.  White,  John  Montgomery,  Wm.  T.  Smith,  Samuel  A.  Rice, 
Stephen  R.  Bennett,  Geo.  M.  Downs,  A.  F.  Seeberger,  Robt.  Seevers,  M. 
L.  Jackson,  D.  W.  Boring,  Thomas  Thompson,  H.  P.  Taylor,  Samuel  Cof- 
fin, and  E.  A.  Boyer. 

The  first  directors  were  John  White,  James  Rhinehart,  W.  T.  Smith, 
Robert  Seevers  and  John  Montgomery. 

John  White,  of  the  firm  John  White  & Co.  was  elected  president  of  the 
“branch”  and  Wm.  T.  Smith,  of  Wm.  T.  Smith  & Co.,  was  elected  cashier. 
The  latter  was  also  a director  of  the  mother  Bank,  or  “State  Bank  of 
Iowa,”  as  representative  of  the  Oskaloosa  branch. 

January  4,  1859,  James  Rhinehart  became  president  of  the  Oskaloosa 
Bank.  February  1st,  1864,  W.  T.  Smith  was  elected  president,  and  being 
then  principal  holder  of  the  stock  and  general  manager,  there  was  none 
but  acting  cashier  until  April  12,  1865,  when  Mitchell  Wilson  was  elected 
to  that  position,  which  he  had  filled  as  acting  cashier  for  sometime  previous. 

May  1,  1865,  under  permit  of  Comptroller  of  Currency  the  present 
National  State  Bank  was  organized  as  successor  of  the  branch  of  State 
Bank,  which  went  into  liquidation  about  this  time.  The  capital  stock  of 
the  National  was  $100,000.  Wm.  T.  Smith  was  elected  first  president,  and 
Mitchel  Wilson,  cashier.  The  first  board  of  directors  was  composed  of 
John  W.  Jones,  M.  L.  Jackson,  R.  A.  McAyeal,  Benj.  Hollingsworth,  John 
R.  Needham  and  Andrew  C.  Williams.  This  bank  was  organized  in  a 
building  on  the  north  side  of  the  square.  Mr.  Smith  continued  president 
until  Jan.  1,  1866,  when  having  sold  his  stock  in  same  to  A.  C Williams 
and  Cyrus  Beede,  A.  C.  Williams  became  president.  About  this  time 
Mitch  Wilson  also  withdrew  from  the  bank. 

Jan.  1st,  1864,  the  “First  National  Bank  of  Oskaloosa”  was  established 
with  John  White  as  president,  and  Cyrus  Beede,  cashier.  The  board  of 
directors  was  composed  of  John  White,  H.  H.  Prine,  Samuel  Coffin,  A.  S. 
Nichols,  Y.  B.  Delashmutt,  J.  II.  Warren  and  Cyrus  Beede. 

This  bank  continued  to  do  business  until  December  17,  1868,  when  it 
went  into  voluntary  liquidation.  John  White  the  president  continued  a 
private  bank  in  the  same  place  for  a short  time,  when  he  bought  a control- 
ling interest  in  the  National  State  Bank  from  Williams  & Beede.  About 
this  time  the  location  of  the  bank  was  changed  from  the  north  side  to  the 
southwest  corner  of  the  square  and  for  some  months  its  business  was  prac- 
tically suspended  for  personal  reasons  of  those  owning  a controlling  inter- 
est in  the  stock.  John  White  continued  president  until  his  death  in  1870. 

The  present  officers  of  the  bank  are  Seth  Richards,  president;  G.  W. 
Hale,  vice-president;  E.  D.  Lindly,  cashier;  directors:  Seth  Richards,  G. 
W.  Hale,  F.  L.  Downing,  C.  P.  Searle,  and  Mitchel  Wilson. 

The  deposits  at  this  bank  July  8,  1878,  were  $108,000.  The  circulation 
of  the  bank’s  notes  is  $90,000. 

The  bank  has  a good  vault,  with  Hall  safe  inside,  and  all  modern  im- 
provements for  the  security  of  deposits,  including  a time-lock. 

This  is  the  oldest  banking  organization  in  Mahaska  county. 


494 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Mahaska  County  Savings  Bank. — This  institution  was  incorporated 
July  27,  1875,  with  a capital  stock  of  $50,000.  It  commenced  business  in 
a one  story  brick  building  on  High  street,  and  announced  itself  as  a sav- 
ings institution,  with  the  usual  methods  of  savings  banks.  The  first  board 
of  directors  were  E.  Clark,  M.  E.  Cutts,  W.  A.  Lindly,  M.  T.  Williams, 
D.  W.  Loring,  James  Bhinehart  and  John  H.  Green.  The  officers:  presi- 
dent, Ezekiel  Clark  of  Iowa  City;  vice-president,  M.  E.  Cutts;  cashier,  W* 
A.  Lindly;  assistant  cashier,  Perry  E.  Clark.  The  present  officers  and  di- 
rectors are  the  same. 

Just  after  the  opening  of  the  bank,  the  managers  decided  on  having  a 
building  and  home  of  their  own.  Accordingly  they  purchased  the  site  on 
the  northwest  corner  of  the  square,  where  the  old  court  house  stood,  and  on 
that  lot  have  erected  a fine  two  story  brick  banking  house,  20x60  feet,  with 
elegant  sandstone  front. 

The  interior  arrangement  of  the  banking  house  is  admirable.  A neat 
little  room  for  the  cashier  to  the  left  of  the  entrance,  and  the  director’s 
parlors  in  the  rear  part  of  the  room,  afford  comfort  to  the  occupants,  and 
privacy  from  annoyance.  The  vault  is  of  best  construction  on  solid  stone 
foundation,  with  double  brick  wTalls,  and  brick  and  concrete  arch.  Inside  is 
a 10,000  pound  safe  with  chronometer  lock,  being  the  first  one  placed  in  a 
bank  in  central  Iowa.  The  bank  first  occupied  this  building  the  latter 
part  of  1876. 

The  amount  of  deposits  according  to  last  report  was  $90,000.  The  bank 
pays  6 per  cent  interest  on  short  time  deposits,  but  at  present  discourage, 
as  far  as  possible,  that  class  of  patronage. 

The  Farmers ’ and  Traders ’ Bank  of  Oskaloosa. — The  Pinion  Savings 
Bank  was  organized  June  10,  1871,  with  E.  H.  Gibbs  as  president;  H.  L. 
Gibbs,  vice-president,  and  I.  M.  Gibbs,  cashier;  and  opened  business  in  the 
one  story  building  north  of  the  present  savings  bank.  This  institution  in 
1873  merged  into  Gibbs’  Bros.,  private  bankers,  and  moved  into  the  build- 
ing now  occupied  by  the  Farmers’  and  Traders’  bank,  built  by  Gibbs 
Bros.,  and  still  owned  by  them. 

December  12,  1877,  Messrs.  Gibbs  Bros,  having  quit  the  banking  busi- 
ness, the  Farmers’  and  Traders’  Bank  was  incorporated,  and  succeeded 
Gibbs  Bros,  in  their  building.  This  bank  was  organized  under  the  State 
laws,  with  a paid  up  capital  of  $50,000.  Its  stockholders  number  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty -five,  and  are  located  in  every  township  in  Mahaska 
county.  This  awakens  a large  country  interest  in  the  custom  and  success 
of  the  bank,  and  the  patronage  of  the  Farmers’  and  Traders’  Bank  is  largely 
from  farmers  and  traders. 

The  officers  of  this  bank  are  John  Siebel,  president;  L.  C.  Blanchard, 
vice-president;  A.  A.  Kendig  and  H.  S.  Howard,  tellers;  directors,  John 
Siebel,  E.  H.  Gibbs,  P.  W.  Phillips,  C.  T.  Willard,  Peter  Stumps,  J.  A.  L. 
Crookham,  John  H.  Smith,  G.  B.  McFall  and  James  Bridges. 

The  banking  house  occupied  by  this  institution  is,  perhaps,  the  finest  in 
the  State.  It  was  built  at  an  expense  of  $25,000,  and  is  finished  through- 
out with  black  walnut.  The  floor  is  of  marble,  and  the  furniture  most  ele- 
gant. The  vault  and  safe  are  first-class,  the  latter  with  triple  combination 
lock. 

Frankel,  Bach  and  Co’s  Bank. — The  firm  of  I.  Frankel  and  E.  Bach, 
under  the  style  I.  Frankel  and  Co.,  commenced  mercantile  business  in  Os- 


history  of  mahaska  county. 


495 


kaloosa  in  1861,  and  in  1873,  finding  they  had  considerable  surplus  capital 
not  required  in  their  clothing  trade,  opened  a private  banking  house  in 
September  ot*  that  year.  In  1876  they  built  their  present  building  in  Cen- 
tennial Block,  making  for  themselves  a superior  banking  room.  They  are 
large  real  estate  owners  in  Oskaloosa. 

According  to  their  last  report  their  deposits  were  upward  of  $85,000. 
This  finds  a secure  place  in  the  largest  bank  vault  in  the  city,  with  Burglar 
proof  safe  and  Sargent’s  time-lock. 

Frankel,  Bach  and  Co.’s  correspondents  are  International  Bank,  Chicago; 
Kuhn,  Loeb  and  Co.,  New  York;  State  National  Bank,  Keokuk. 

POST-OFFICE. 

A post-office  was  established  in  Oskaloosa  in  the  summer  of  1844,  Perry 
L.  Crosman  being  the  first  postmaster.  The  office  was  kept  in  Jones’  gro- 
cery. At  first  there  was  simply  a weekly  mail.  The  postage  was  usually 
paid  on  a letter  at  its  place  of  delivery,  being  twenty-five  cents  per  letter 
of  ordinary  size.  So  scarce  was  money  in  Oskaloosa  at  that  early  day,  that 
we  are  told  letters  frequently  lay  two  months  in  the  office  before  their  own- 
ers were  able  to  take  them  out,  and  not  rarely  they  were  sent  to  the  dead- 
letter  office  as  unpaid. 

About  1846  the  stage  line  was  established,  and  there  were  three  mails 
per  week,  and  finally  a daily  mail.  Now,  probably,  a dozen  mails  per  day. 

Mr.  Weatherford  we  find  to  have  been  postmaster  in  1847,  and  he  was 
probably  Crosman’s  successor.  From  that  time  the  following  postmasters 
have  served:  Samuel  Ingles,  1849-1853;  Sylvester  Greenougli,  1853-1857 ; 
R.  T.  Wellslager,  1857-1861;  Charles  Beardsley,  1861-1865;  W.  E.  Shep- 
herd, 1865-1871  (R.  R.  Habour  was  appointed  during  this  time  three 
months  under  Andrew  Johnson,  but  was  not  confirmed  by  the  senate,  when 
Shepherd  was  re-instated);  Will  H.  Needham,  1871-1876;  Henry  C.  Leigh- 
ton, 1876-1878.  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Leighton,  January  3i,  1878,  his 
widow,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Leighton,  was  appointed  his  successor,  and  Frank 
Lofland  as  deputy.  The  clerks  of  the  office  are  Will  II.  Needham,  Jr.,  and 
T.  Leighton. 

The  revenue  of  the  office  from  all  sources  is  about  $6,000  per  annum 
The  stamps  canceled  amount  to  about  $600  per  month,  and  postage  pre- 
paid at  this  office  on  periodicals  $72  per  month. 

This  office  has  issued  upward  of  26,000  money  orders.  For  the  year 
ending  March  31,  1878,  the  orders  issued  amounted  to  $8,2764.32,  and 
orders  paid  to  $61,213.06,  making  an  aggregate  of  $89,977.38. 

i.  o.  o.  F. 

The  first  lodge  established  in  Oskaloosa  was  Mahaska  Lodge,  No.  16, 
I.  O.  O.  F.,  by  Right  Worthy  D.  D.  G.  M.  Patterson,  July  11,  1848.  The 
first  officers  elected  were:  William  H.  Seevers,  N.  G.;  George  W.  Baer,  Y. 
G.;  James  McMurray,  Secretary;  R.  B.  Rutledge,  treasurer.  These,  with 
James  W.  Porter,  T.  D.  Porter,  A.  S.  Nichols,  J.  N.  Kinsman  and  John 
W.  Jones,  were  among  the  first  members  of  the  lodge,  which  did  not  receive 
its  charter  until  1852.  / 


496 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  lodge  filed  articles  of  incorporation  February  1, 1852,  at  which  time 
Wesley  Moreland  was  Noble  Grand,  and  John  W.  Jones,  secretary. 

Probably  the  first  meeting  of  the  lodge  was  held  in  the  frame  building 
on  the  southeast  corner  of  the  square  now  occupied  by  Martinstein  as  a 
bakery.  The  lodge  meetings  were  held  on  the  second  floor  of  the  building 
for  a number  of  years;  then  it  was  removed  to  Street’s  block,  third  story. 

In  1857  the  lodge  bought  the  lot  on  the  northwest  corner  of  the  square, 
under  City  Hall,  and  commenced  building  a three  story  brick  building  for 
its  own  use,  but  had  only  reached  the  first  story  when  the  crash  of  ’57  par- 
alyzed the  enterprise;  and,  feeling  that  they  could  not  carry  the  work  for- 
ward, the  Odd  Fellows  disposed  of  the  property  at  a loss  of  near  $3,500, 
and,  upon  completion  of  the  building  by  other  parties,  rented  from  them 
the  third  floor  as  a lodge,  which  they  continued  to  occupy  until  their  pres- 
ent hall  was  completed. 

Having  accumulated  near  $5,000  in  its  treasury,  in  1873  Mahaska  Lodge 
determined  to  make  another  effort  to  secure  a home  of  its  own.  Buying 
about  twenty  feet  front  on  the  northeast  corner  of  High  and  Washington 
streets,  in  conjunction  with  Judge  Lough  ridge,  they  commenced  a building 
forty  feet  front,  with  the  understanding  that  they  could  complete  the  entire 
third  floor  at  their  own  expense,  and  use  the  same  as  a hall.  This  plan  was 
carried  out,  but  the  Odd  Fellows  found  themselves  so  heavily  involved  upon 
completion  of  the  building,  that  they  were  forced  to  sell  all  but  the  undi- 
vided one-half  of  the  third  floor — a financial  disaster  from  which  Mahaska 
Lodge  has  not  yet  entirely  recovered,  being  somewhat  in  debt  at  present 
writing.  They  have  a very  neat,  well-furnished  and  comfortable  hall,  forty 
by  sixty  feet,  with  a sixteen-foot  ceiling. 

The  present  officers  of  Mahaska  Lodge  are:  S.  T.  Barnhill,  N.  G.;  Calvin 
Woodruff,  Y.  G. ; R.  G.  Pike,  secretary;  W.  G.  Alexander,  treasurer;  Wil- 
liam Butler,  chaplain.  The  membership,  July,  1878,  was  one  hundred  and 
thirty-eight. 

Commercial  Lodge , No.  1^8^  1.  O.  O.  F.,  was  established  January  23, 
1860.  It  was  formed  by  a detachment  of  members  withdrawing  from  Ma- 
haska Lodge,  for  the  purpose  of  starting  an  additional  society.  The  char- 
ter members  were  Sidney  S.  Smith,  David  Hoop,  Isaac  Kalbach,  F.  L. 
Downing,  A.  J.  Swearingen,  Francis  Huber,  A.  M.  Abraham,  Geo.  Priseler, 
C.  Blattner,  and  D.  E.  Budd. 

This  Lodge,  in  1874,  bought  the  undivided  one-half  of  the  hall  built  by 
Mahaska  Lodge,  i.  e.  the  one-half  of  third  floor.  Previously  it  had  been 
the  custom  of  the  Commercial  to  rent  from  Mahaska  Lodge,  having  always 
met  in  the  hall  of  the  latter.  The  society  is  in  good  financial  condition, 
with  about  eighty  members.  The  officers  are:  B.  R.  Ball,  N.  G.;  Louis 
Baumgart,  Y.  G.;  F.  S.  Hull,  Secretary;  William  Harbach,  Treasurer. 

Oskaloosa  Encampment , No.  13,  1.  O.  O.  F. — Was  instituted  June  28, 
1854.  The  charter  members  were  Wesley  Moreland,  Wm.  H.  Seevers, 
Jno.  R.  Needham,  James  A.  Young,  A.  G.  Young,  and  Jno.  W.  Jones. 

The  present  financial  condition  is  quite  satisfactory  to  the  membership, 
consisting  of  sixty-three  persons.  The  officers  are:  M.  M.  Rice,  C.  P. ; 
Peter  Schmitt,  H.  P.;  W.  O.  Wing,  S.  W.;  Wm.  Harbach,  J.  W.;  S.  Bal- 
dauf,  Treas. ; R.  G.  Pike,  Scribe. 

Perseverance  Rebecca  Degree  Lodge , No.  If.8,  1.  O.  O.  F ’.,  has  been 
running  as  a Rebecca  Lodge  for  about  twenty  years,  but  without  even  a 


HISTORY  OFv  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


497 


dispensation  until  June  3,  1873.  It  was  not  chartered  until  October,  1875. 
From  a charter  membership  of  twelve  persons  it  had  grown  until  January, 
1,  1878,  to  eighty -live  members.  The  elected  officers  of  the  Lodge  are: 
Sister  W.  G.  Alexander,  N.  G. ; Sister  W.  B.  Williams,  Y.  G. ; Brother  B. 
G.  Pike,  Sec’y;  Sister  B.  G.  Baldwin,  Treas. 

These  last  two,  Encampment  and  Bebecca  Lodges,  meet  in  Mahaska 
Lodge’s  hall. 

ANCIENT  ORDER  OF  UNITED  WORKMEN. 

As  this  is  a comparatively  new  order  and  probably  unknown  to  a major- 
ity of  our  readers,  a few  words  upon  the  history  at  large  will  be  appro- 
priate. 

On  the  5th  day  of  November,  1868,  being  the  day  of  Grant’s  first  elec- 
tion to  the  presidency,  in  Meadville,  Penn.,  fourteen  men  assembled  and 
organized  the  first  lodge  of  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen.  The  mo- 
tive that  prompted  them  was  a pure  and  unselfish  one,  and  their  plan  of 
operation  is  the  very  best  to  carry  out  the  purpose  for  which  the  order  is 
intended — that  of  Charity,  Hope  and  Protection.  From  the  date  of  or- 
ganization the  order  grew  slowly  until  July  4, 1870,  when  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  Pennsylvania  was  instituted  at  Meadville.  The  order  continued  to  grow 
slowly,  reaching  into  Ohio,  Kentucky,  and  Indiana,  and  in  1871  the  first 
lodge  of  the  A.  O.  U.  W.,  in  Iowa,  was  instituted  at  Washington. 

In  1874  there  were  but  five  lodges  in  the  State.  From  this  time  the 
growth  has  been  rapid,  and  there  are  now  more  than  150  subordinate 
lodges  with  near  7,000  members  in  the  State  of  Iowa. 

It  is  a benevolent  order,  not  unlike  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  helping  the  widow 
and  orphan  and  caring  for  the  sick.  A distinguishing  feature  is  the  bene- 
ficiary department,  by  virtue  of  which  $2,000  is  paid  to  the  heirs  of  de- 
ceased members.  The  headquarters  of  this  department  is  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  State,  and  the  payments  are  made  by  assessments  upon  the  individ- 
ual members.  This,  of  course,  is  a virtual  life  insurance,  and  no  one  can 
be  admitted  to  membership  without  having  passed  a satisfactory  medical 
examination  by  the  examiner  of  the  lodge. 

Oskaloosa  Lodge,  No.  152,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  was  organized  March  5,  1878, 
with  thirty  charter  members.  The  officers  are:  John  Lofland,  M.  W.;  C. 
T.  Willard,  G.  F. ; W.  B.  Cowan,  O. ; H.  G.  Briggs,  Becorder;  J.  A.  Kal- 
bach,  Beceiver;  W.  A.  Lindly,  Financier;  A.  P.  Spencer,  Guide;  Dr.  J. 
C.  Barringer,  Medical  Examiner. 

The  lodge  meets  in  Good  Templars’  hall,  southwest  corner  of  the 
square,  and  in  August,  1878,  had  forty-eight  members. 

Meetings  are  held  every  Friday  evening,  and  the  articles  of  the  order 
provide  for  degree  work,  in  some  respects  similar  to  other  lodges. 

GOOD  TEMPLARS. 

Oskaloosa  Lodge,  No.  660,  I.  O.  G.  T.,  was  organized  April  9,  1874,  by 
charter  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State. 

The  first  officers  were:  Thos.  Newell,  W.  C.  T.;  Mary  E.  McMichael, 
W.  Y.  T.;  Mrs.  Kate  Houver,  W.  C. ; Win.  P.  IJellings,  W.  Sec.;  John  T. 
Perdue,  W.  F.  S.;  Mrs.  E.  K.  Alexander,  W.  T.;  Albert  M.  Jones,  W.  M.; 
Mary  M.  Newell.  W.  D.  M.;  Wm.  Stewart,  W.  I.  G.;  C.  B.  Bodgers,  W. 
O.  G. ; Mrs.  E.  Baker,  W.  B.  H.  S.;  Miss  Laura  Montgomery,  W.  L.  IT. 


498 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


S. ; J.  B.  Noe,  P.  W.  C.  T.  In  addition  to  these  there  were  as  charter 
members,  W.  R.  Lacey,  W.  R.  Ware,  C.  W.  Douglas,  W.  W.  Knight,  W. 
Campbell,  Ed.  Stewart,  C.  G.  Owen,  C.  McCarty,  Geo.  Wortman,  E.  Le 
Suer,  C.  W.  Jones,  Clara  Lacey,  H.  Howard,  John  Stewart,  Frank  Glaze, 
Fannie  McCarty,  Y.  K.  Logan. 

The -lodge  is  now  composed  of  about  one  hundred  members.  It  is  in  a 
flourishing  condition,  and  meets  in  hall  over  the  National  State  Bank. 
The  templars  have  an  eighty  foot  hall,  nicely  furnished.  Of  those  recently 
initiated  the  majority  are  males. 

Of  the  present  officers  the  following  is  a partial  list:  John  N.  Martin, 
W.  C.  T.;  A.  A.  Kendig,  P.  W.  C.  T.;  Retta  Hambleton,  W.  Y.  T.;  G. 
C.  Johnson,  W.  Chap.;  Annie  Danner,  W.  Sec.:  Mrs.  E.  Baker,  W.  T. 

MASONIC. 

The  history  of  Masonry  in  Oskaloosa  appears  in  a chapter  on  that  sub- 
ject in  the  county  history  proper. 

i IOWA  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  incorporated  in  Oskaloosa  on  the  “mutual  plan  99 
May  7,  1856.  The  company  was  permanently  organized  by  a meeting  of 
the  corporate  members  on  the  following  day,  and  the  following  officers 
were  elected:  Win.  T.  Smith,  president;  A.  F.  Seeberger,  vice-president; 
Win.  A.  Torrey,  secretary,  and  Wm.  B.  Street,  treasurer.  In  the  following 
July,  applications  having  been  received  to  the  amount  of  twenty-seven 
thousand  dollars,  policies  were  issued  to  that  amount,  and  the  business  of 
the  company  fully  inaugurated. 

January  5,  1859,  a supplement  was  adopted  to  the  articles  of  incorpora- 
tion, providing  for  the  subscription  of  capital  stock,  and  from  that  time  the 
business  of  the  company  was  divided  into  two  departments,  stock  and 
mutual,  the  accounts  of  which  were  kept  separate,  and  each  department 
conducted  in  the  manner  peculiar  to  its  respective  class. 

The  last  balance  sheet  of  the  company  shows  a capital  stock  of  $50,000. 
In  1865  the  risks  of  the  company  were  re-insured,  and  by  mutual  consent 
the  remaining  assets  were  divided  among  the  stockholders,  the  proceeds 
being  about  7 per  cent  in  advance  of  the  face  of  the  stock  certificates.  The 
company  did  a prosperous  business  up  to  the  time  of  dissolution. 

MAHASKA  COUNTY  BUILDING  AND  LOAN  ASSOCIATION. 

This  association  was  incorporated  in  1872,  and  placed  in  running  order 
in  the  month  of  August  of  that  year.  Its  articles  of  incorporation  pro- 
vide for  a plan  of  loans  and  deposits  similar  to  that  usually  current  among 
modern  loan  associations  in  the  west. 

Only  one  series  of  stock  of  fifteen  hundred  shares  has  been  issued. 

The  number  of  loans  made  is  167,  amounting  to  about  $180,000.  One 
hundred  and  thirty-one  shares  of  stock  have  been  retired.  All  loans  made 
are  on  first  mortgage. 

It  is  estimated  that  the  shares  will  reach  full  value  in  1880  or  1881. 
The  value  of  a share  at  the  end  of  first  year  was  $18.80;  second  year, 
$42.13;  third  year,  $63.52;  fourth  year,  $85.23;  fifth  year,  $107.74. 

The  present  officers  are:  D.  A.  Hurst,  president;  C.  P.  Searle,  vice-presi- 
dent; W.  A.  Lindly,  secretary;  J.  Kelly  Johnson,  solicitor. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


499 


The  board  of  directors  is  composed  of  D.  A.  Hurst,  J.  W.  McMullen, 
W.  A.  Lindly,  C.  F.  Searle,  W.  W.  Haskell,  Wm.  Burnside,  J.  Kelly  John- 
son, David  Evans  and  John  A.  Kalbach.  The  auditors  are  Henry  R. 
Kendig  and  Morris  L.  Levi. 

YOUNG  men’s  LITERARY  AND  LECTURE  ASSOCIATION. 

This  association  was  formed  in  1874  by  twelve  young  men  of  Oskaloosa, 
for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a private  reading  room,  and  conducting  a 
public  lecture  course. 

The  charter  members  were  Morris  L.  Levi,  H.  S.  Briggs,  Walter  L. 
Chamberlain,  G.  N.  Beechler,  J.  C.  Fletcher,  W.  S.  Mays,  Listen  McMillen, 
Charles  Huber,  E.  D.  Lindly,  Frank  Kelly,  W.  R.  Lacey  and  John  A. 
Hoffman. 

By  a provision  of  the  constitution,  no  married  man  could  become  a 
member  of  the  association,  but  we  are  informed  that  when  a young  man 
becomes  a member  he  is  no  longer  under  any  obligations  to  remain  unmar- 
ried, but  rather  encouraged  to  follow  the  example  of  many  of  the  charter 
members. 

The  hall  of  the  association  is  on  the  north  side  of  the  square.  Each 
member  of  the  society  carries  a key  to  this  room,  which  is  free  to  none  but 
members.  The  hall  is  nicely  and  comfortably  furnished,  and  is  free  to  the 
members  during  the  day  and  evenings.  Among  the  papers  and  magazines 
on  file  in  the  reading  room  are  Harper’s  Weekly  and  Monthly,  Scribner’s 
Monthly,  International  Review,  North  American  Review,  Popular  Science 
Monthly,  Potter’s  American  Monthly,  Albany  Law  Journal,  Frank  Leslie’s 
Illustrated  Newspaper,  Atlantic  Monthly,  Littell’s  Living  Age,  Chicago 
Tribune  (daily),  Chicago  Times  (daily),  Chicago  Inter  Ocean  (daily),  Amer- 
ican Gentleman’s  Newspaper,  Spirit  of  the  Times,  Spirit  of  the  Turf, 
Weekly  N.  Y.  Tribune,  and  numerous  State  and  metropolitan  weeklies. 

The  association  has  managed  a lecture  course  every  year  since  its  organ- 
ization Upon  the  entire  course  the  profit  or  loss  has  been  inconsiderable, 
neither  profitable  nor  disastrous. 

A library  is  being  collected  as  rapidly  as  possible,  and  the  more  impor- 
tant magazines  are  regularly  bound. 

A business  meeting  is  held  regularly  once  per  month.  The  revenue  of 
the  association  is  from  a monthly  tax  of  one  dollar  per  member,  and  from 
lecture  course. 

The  members  who  have  been  received  since  the  organization  of  the  asso- 
ciation are  B.  F.  Beebe,  Perry  E.  Clark,  IL.  W.  Gleason,  R.  O.  Green, 
Joseph  Huber,  John  Hall,  J.  R.  Hague,  Frank  Lofland  and  W.  IL.  Need- 
ham, Jr.  The  present  membership  is  twenty.  John  A.  Hoffman  is  presi- 
dent of  association,  and  W.  R.  Lacey,  secretary. 

CEMETERY. 

The  first  cemetery  was  southwest  of  town  upon  the  land  of  Judge  White, 
and  was  laid  out  at  quite  an  early  day.  It  was  located  just  beyond  the 
High  School  building,  and  being  on  flat  land  proved  too  wet.  Accordingly, 
in  1848,  the  ladies  of  the  city  undertook  the  enterprise  of  securing  a new 
cemetery.  They  formed  a sort  of  sewing  society,  and  made  up  articles  of 
plain  clothing  which  were  placed  on  sale  in  the  stores  of  Oskaloosa,  and  in 
this  way  they  raised  sufficient  money  to  buy  and  improve  five  acres  of 


500 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


land  about  one  mile  north  of  town  which  is  currently  known  as  the  “ old 
cemetery.”  This  land  was  purchased  from  John  White,  and  was  the  city 
cemetery  until  1860,  when  it  proved  too  small  and  badly  located. 

Accordingly,  in  June  1860,  a meeting  of  citizens  was  called,  by  previous 
notice,  in  the  county  judge’s  office,  whose  object  was  to  organize  a ceme- 
tery association. 

At  this  meeting,  P.  Myers,  J.  R.  Needham,  J.  F.  Childs,  and  William 
Loughridge  were  appointed  a committee  to  frame  articles  of  incorporation 
for  adoption  at  the  next  meeting. 

To  view  grounds  for  a cemetery  site,  and  receive  propositions  for  sale  of 
land  was  appointed  a committee  consisting  of  Wesley  Moreland,  W.  S. 
Edgar,  and  Win.  C.  Phinehart. 

At  the  next  meeting  the  committee  on  articles,  reported  a charter  of 
which  the  following  is  the  preamble: 

Be  it  known  by  these  presents,  that  we  James  Rhinehart,  J.  F.  Childs.  Henry  Lyster,  Jas. 
A.  Seevers,  J.  H.  Macon,  Eli  Ketner.  John  Y.  Hopkins,  John  R.  Needham,  James  McQuis- 
ton,  D.  Warren  Loring,  Henry  Howard,  Philip  Myers,  A.  F.  Se^berger,  Benjamin  F.  Ingels, 
N.  C.  Crawford,  William  Loughridge,  James  P.  Dixon,  Samuel  A.  Rice,  M.  L.  Jackson, 
Wm.  M.  Wells,  John  D.  Gaunt,  Wm.  S.  Edgar,  Samuel  Ingels  and  Solomon  E.  Rhinehart, 
desiring  to  establish  a new  Cemetery,  to  be  located  at  or  near  the  city  of  Oskaloosa  in  the 
county  of  Mahaska  and  State  of  Iowa,  do  hereby,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  an 
act  passed  by  the  Seventh  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Iowa,  entitled  “ An  act  for  the 
incorporation  of  benevolent,  charitable,  scientific  or  missionary  societies,”  approved  March 
22d,  A.  D.  1858,  adopt  the  following  articles  of  Association. 

It  was  provided  that  the  name  of  the  society  should  be  Forest  Cemetery 
Association.  The  articles  of  association  were  adopted  and  the  following 
were  the  officers  elected  under  the  same:  president,  J.  F.  Childs;  vice- 
president,  Samuel  A.  Rice;  secretary,  James  McQuiston;  treasurer,  D.  W. 
Loring;  director,  Wm.  S.  Edgar. 

August  9th,  1860,  twenty  acres  belonging  to  Wm.  S.  Dart,  lying  north- 
east of  the  city  was  purchased  at  fifty  dollars  per  acre,  and  immediately 
surveyed,  laid  out  in  lots,  fenced,  and  called  Forest  Cemetery 

In  December  a committee  was  appointed  to  assess  lots  at  an  average 
valuation  of  not  less  than  five  cents  per  square  foot,  and  a day  was 
appointed  on  which  such  lotsaswere  desired,  were  sold  to  the  highest  bidder, 
with  the  provision  that  it  should  not  be  a sale  at  less  price  than  the 
assessed  valuation. 

Subsequently  J.  R.  Needham,  James  Seevers  and  W.  S Edgar  were  ap- 
pointed a committee  to  report  a series  of  rules  and  regulations.  This 
was  done  and  the  rules  with  the  articles  of  incorporation  were  published  in 
pamphlet  form. 

In  1871  the  association  bought  about  six  acres  for  $1,000,  adjoining  the 
cemetery  on  the  south,  from  John  N.  Miller,  which  was  included  in,  and 
made  a part  of,  Forest  Cemetery. 

A house  was  built  for  the  sexton  in  1875,  near  the  entrance. 

The  present  officers  of  the  association  are:  J.  F.  Childs,  president;  C. 
Houtz,  vice-president;  W.  R.  Cowan,  secretary;  H.  Howard,  treasurer;  J. 
G.  Marks,  superintendent;  F.  L.  Downing,  director. 

Forest  Cemetery  is  a beautiful  spot,  tastefully  set  with  shade  trees,  and 
laid  out  with  winding  drives  and  foot  paths,  It  contains  some  fine  monu- 
ments, the  most  conspicuous  of  which  is  that  built  by  the  Iowa  soldiers  in 
memory  of  Gen.  S.  A.  Rice,  above  mentioned  as  vice-president  of  the  as- 
sociation in  1861. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


501 


OSKALOOSA  BAR. 

The  Oskaloosa  Bar  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  State,  and  probably  ranks 
first  between  the  Mississippi  river  towns  and  Des  Moines  city.  It  in- 
cludes about  thirty  attorneys,  most  of  whom  are  young  men  of  promise,  or 
middle  aged  men  of  high  attainments.  They  have  no  organized  associa- 
tion. 

NEW  SHARON. 

The  part  of  the  country  around  this  city  was  settled  later  than  any  other 
portion  of  Mahaska  county.  The  land  forming  the  original  plat  was  owned 
by  four  parties,  John  Michener,  Wm.  Zimmerman,  J.  C.  Culbertson,  and 
Morgan  Reno.  Zimmerman  was  a Prussian,  a sort  of  wanderer,  ever 
beginning  projects  and  always  disappointing  those  who  did  not  know  him, 
by  finishing  none  of  them.  He  came  from  Iowa  City  to  Prairie  township, 
found  the  fine  prairie  lands  about  the  present  New  Sharon  almost  a wil- 
derness, and  returning  to  Iowa  City  he  induced  some  citizens  there,  among 
them  Culbertson  and  Reno,  to  enter  and  purchase  seme  fourteen  eighty- 
acre  lots,  including  the  eastern  part  of  the  territory  on  which  Sharon  now 
stands.  Zimmerman  then  went  extensively  into  the  hedging  business;  or, 
rather  into  hedging  contracts.  This  was  about  1853.  He  contracted  with 
the  Iowa  City  speculators  to  hedge  their  farms,  in  consideration  of  which 
he  was  to  receive  every  alternate  eighty  acres.  He  also  made  a contract 
with  John  Michener,  who  owned  a section  west  of  Culbertson  and  Reno,  to 
hedge  his  land  for  one  dollar  and  twenty -five  cents  per  acre.  Zimmerman 
broke  the  ground  for  the  hedge  rows,  though  it  is  not  known  that  he  ever 
set  a single  hedge  plant;  but  he  still  held  the  men  to  their  contract.  Fi- 
nally, in  order  to  get  rid  of  Zimmerman,  Michener  deeded  him  eighty 
acres,  including  the  northwestern  part  of  the  present  New  Sharon,  on  con- 
sideration that  he  would  release  him  from  the  hedge  contract.  Some  time 
during  the  summer  of  1856,  a party  of  engineers  surveyed  the  land  through 
this  section,  proposing  to  build  a road  from  St.  Louis  to  St.  Paul.  Then 
there  was  quite  a settlement  of  Friends  in  and  about  this  vicinity.  To  en- 
courage the  further  settlement  of  this  society,  Culbertson  and  Reno  dona- 
ted to  them  about  three  acres  of  land  on  which  to  build  a meeting-house 
and  lay  out  a burying  ground,  being  the  same  spot  where  their  cemetery 
now  stands,  and  the  only  burying  ground  New  Sharon  ever  had.  Thus  en- 
couraged and  hopeful,  August  25,  1856,  these  four  men,  with  the  help  of  a 
competent  engineer,  laid  out  the  new  town.  Zimmerman  wished  to  call 
the  newT  village  “ Schenefeld,”  or  pretty  field,  but  the  other  proprietors  did 
not  like  the  accent,  though  they  were  compelled  to  acknowledge  the  appro- 
priateness of  the  name,  for  simple  as  the  appellation  may  seem,  it  best 
describes  the  scenery  about  Sharon,  being  that  of  a beautiful,  slightly  roll- 
ing, luxuriantly-growing  field.  It  was  finally  decided  to  call  the  town 
Sharon , and  as  such  it  was  platted  and  recorded,  but  when  the  post-office 
came  to  be  established,  it  was  found  that  there  was  another  of  the  same 
name  in  Iowa,  and  from  the  necessity  for  a change,  the  post-office  was  called 
New  Sharon.  In  popular  use  the  name  of  the  post-office  has  became  the 
name  of  the  town  and  the  unqualified  Sharon  has  been  almost  abandoned. 

The  first  dwelling  upon  the  town  plat  was  built  by  Edward  Quaintance, 
in  1856,  and  was  a frame  structure  about  16x18  feet,  “weatherboarded  up 


502 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


and  down”;  had  a brick  flue  as  a vent  for  the  smoke,  and  was  considerably 
in  advance  of  the  usual  pioneer  cabin.  This  building  still  stands  and  forms 
a part  of  the  hotel  known  as  the  Central  House. 

The  first  store  building  was  erected  by  James  Winder,  in  the  spring  of 
1857.  Mr.  Winder  started  a store  in  this  building  during  that  summer 
with  a stock  of  goods  worth  about  $1,200,  which  he  had  bought  in  Oska- 
loosa.  He  continued  in  business  about  one  year,  when  he  closed  out  his 
stock  and  soon  after  was  succeeded  by  Thos.  Mormon  in  the  same  building. 
From  this  time  the  changes  in  store-keeping  were  frequent. 

About  the  same  time  that  he  built  his  store,  James  Winder  also  framed 
a dwelling-house,  being  the  second  dwelling  on  the  town  plat.  Its  size  was 
16x40  feet.  It  still  stands  in  the  business  part  of  Hew  Sharon;  has  been 
enlarged  and  repaired  and  is  now  used  by  Purdue  as  a photograph  gallery. 

The  third  dwelling  was  built  about  1858,  by  Ellsworth  Draper,  and  was 
soon  followed  by  a fourth  cabin  belonging  to  David  Michener.  Hew 
Sharon  made  but  little  progress  until  after  the  war,  when  the  long  project- 
ed north  road  began  to  be  built.  From  that  time  it  has  been  a flourishing 
town. 

It  should  be  here  stated  that  David  Morgan,  one  of  Sharon’s  citizen’s, 
was  first  president  and  prominent  pioneer  in  building  the  Iowa  Central 
Railroad.,  full  particulars  of  which  are  given  in  the  history  of  that  road. 

Undoubtedly  the  first  religious  exercises  in  the  vicinity  of  Hew  Sharon, 
were  held  by  the  Friends,  who  had  meetings  south  of  town  as  early  as  1852 
or  1853.  Probably  the  first  meeting  on  the  town  plat  was  by  a Methodist 
minister,  a class  having  been  organized  here  about  1861  or  1862.  Shortly 
after  this,  Dr.  Warren  preached  several  times  in  a blacksmith  shop  belong- 
ing to  Henry  Winder,  where,  among  anvils,  tools,  and  bellows,  a small  as- 
sembly of  worshipers  assembled  upon  the  quiet  Sabbaths  to  hear  the 
word  of  life.  Even  such  was  considered  quite  a privilege,  and  doubtless 
more  generally  improved  than  in  this  day  of  fine  churches,  cushioned  pews, 
and  essay-reading  divines. 

The  first  house  for  worship  upon  the  town  plat  was  the  Friends’  meeting- 
house, still  standing  in  the  southwest  part  of  town,  and  which  was  moved 
up  from  its  country  site  about  twelve  years  ago. 

James  Winder  was  the  first  post-master,  being  appointed  in  1857,  under 
Buchanan.  He  distributed  the  mail  to  Hew  Sharon  citizens  and  the  peo- 
ple of  the  surrounding  country  until  1863,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
Burdon  Stanton.  Then  came  Addison  Haylor,  and  April  1, 1873,  the  pres- 
ent gentlemanly  post-master  was  appointed,  H.  J.  Vail.  A money-order 
department  was  established  at  this  oflice  on  the  17th  of  July,  1872.  At 
present,  the  revenue  of  the  office  to  the  U.  S.  Government  is  near  $2,000 
per  year. 

Johnson  Busby  was  probably  the  first  justice  of  the  peace  in  the  town 
of  Hew  Sharon. 

The  present  city  of  Hew  Sharon  is  a place  calculated  to  attract  more 
than  passing  notice  from  the  visitor  to  its  precincts.  The  streets  are  wide, 
smooth,  and  laid  out  in  such  a manner  as  to  greatly  serve  the  convenience 
of  its  citizens  and  the  beauty  of  the  town.  In  a greater  part  of  the  city 
young  shade  trees  are  springing  up,  and  have  already  in  many  places  at- 
tained such  a growth  and  foliage  as  to  add  much  to  the  comfort  of  the 
passer-by,  and  the  general  appearance  of  the  place.  The  city’s  miles  of 
plank  walk  tell  the  tale  of  a watchful  council  and  an  omnipresent  marshal. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


503 


The  dwellings  are  mostly  white  frame  and  are  neat  and  inviting  in  appear- 
ance. The  churches  wq  par  excellence.  Not  one  western  town  in  a dozen 
of  the  size  of  New  Sharon  has  displayed  the  taste  in  building  its  houses  of 
worship,  that  this  people  have  done.  The  stranger  is  immediately  struck 
by  the  beauty  of  the  graceful  spires  and  the  symmetry  of  the  buildings 
throughout. 

The  people  of  New  Sharon,  of  whom  there  are  about  800,  have  more 
than  a local  reputation  for  hospitality,  general  culture,  and  business  enter- 
paise,  a reputation  not  generally  bestowed  gratuitously  by  the  discriminat- 
ing public,  but  usually  earned. 

For  public  entertainments  of  various  kinds,  the  city  is  supplied  with  a 
room  on  the  second  floor  of  the  brick  block  on  Main  street,  called  Concert 
Hall,  which  will  comfortably  seat  about  300  persons. 

SCHOOLS. 

The  first  school  kept  in  the  vicinity  of  New  Sharon,  was  in  a frame 
dwelling  honse  south  of  the  town,  belonging  to  Frederick  Schelp.  This  was 
a subscription  school,  supported  by  enterprising  pioneers  who  were  not 
contented  to  await  the  growth  of  free  schools  for  the  education  of  their 
children.  The  teacher  was  Miss  Lydia  Briggs,  who  found  in  a 12x16  feet 
cabin,  on  a western  prairie,  sufficient  encouragement  to  enable  her  to  main- 
tain a school,  in  quarters  where  the  modern  school  mistress,  with  later  day 
fancies  and  habits,  would  fail  to  find  words  to  express  her  contempt.  This 
school  was  kept  probably  in  1856.  The  next  schools  were  in  a school  house 
erected  in  the  same  neighborhood  by  the  society  of  Friends,  for  school  pur- 
poses, and  temporarily  as  a house  of  worship  until  they  should  erect  a 
meeting-house.  This  was  in  1857.  Here  schools  were  taught  by  Lydia 
Mayer,  Harvey  Lucas,  Jonathan  Knight,  Rachel  Snell,  and  others.  These 
were  subscription  schools.  The  first  public  school  building  on  the  town 
plat  was  on  the  same  ground  on  which  the  present  one  stands.  It  was  a 
frame,  one  story  structure,  which  has  recently  been  moved  across  the  street 
and  is  now  used  as  a carpenter  shop.  This  building  was  less  primitive  in 
appearance  and  furniture,  than  is  usual  in  new  countries.  Thirty  by 
thirty-four  feet  in  its  dimensions,  it  was  seated  by  black  walnut  seats  and 
desks,  accommodating  two  pupils  together.  This  was  erected  in  1860,  and 
proved  sufficient  to  accommodate  the  youth  of  New  Sharon  until  1872 
when  an  addition  was  built  to  the  same.  Attached  to  the  memory  of  the 
old  school  house  is  one  of  those  undersigned  coincidences  which  occaison- 
ally  astonish  ns  by  their  simplicity,  and  are  matters  of  curiosity.  Jesse 
Hiatt,  of  New  Sharon,  was  employed  to  build  the  foundation  of  the  new 
building.  The  man  who  secured  the  contract  for  the  frame  work  proved 
to  be  Jesse  Hiatt,  of  Oskaloosa.  The  building  was  no  sooner  finished  than 
another  Jesse  Hiatt  moved  to  the  western  village,  applied  for  the  position 
of  teacher,  which  was  granted  to  him  and  his  wife.  Had  this  been  so  com- 
mon a name  as  John  Smith,  it  would  have  been  stripped  of  some  of  its 
novelty. 

The  spirit  of  western  enterprise  has  left  its  mark  upon  the  school  inter- 
ests of  New  Sharon.  Recognizing  in  the  centennial  year  the  fact  that  no 
duty  should  be  more  earnestly  performed  than  that  belonging  to  their  chil- 
dren, the  parents  of  the  Quaker  City  erected  on  their  old  school  premises 
a handsome  brick  building,  ample  in  room  for  the  comfortable  occupation 


504 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


of  New  Sharon  youth  in  years  to  come.  This  neat  two  story  brick  con- 
tains four  large  rooms  and  has  a seating  capacity  of  about  two  hundred 
and  forty  pupils.  The  average  attendance  is  perhaps  two  hundred  and 
eighty.  The  cost  of  the  building  was  about  $8,000.  Heretofore  the  board 
have  employed  but  four  teachers,  but  on  account  of  the  growth  of  the 
schools,  will  require  five  during  the  coming  winter.  The  teachers  elect 
are:  Mrs.  M.  M.  Monger,  principal;  C.  S.  Monger,  Mollie  Kiser,  Mollie 
Nichol,  and  Ollie  Gilbert.  The  school  was  graded  in  1876,  at  which  time 
a high  school  department  was  formed.  From  this  the  first  class  graduated 
in  1878,  composed  of  Mary  Nichol,  Lizzie  Johnson,  Silas  Lucas,  Leroy 
Michener,  and  Allison  Cope. 

It  should  have  been  stated  that  the  first  school  house  was  built,  and  for 
years  the  first  school  was  run  by  the  township  district.  Application  hav- 
ing been  made  according  to  law  and  a favorable  vote  having  been  cast  for 
an  Independent  School  District,  such  was  organized  April  4,  1870.  The 
first  board  of  directors  was  composed  of  IT.  M.  Fortney,  Ilenry  Cope,  H. 
Cooper,  David  Stanton,  A.  H.  Vickers,  and  I.  N.  Penland. 

The  present  school  officials  are:  Ephriam  Munsell,  President;  J.  M. 
Hiatt,  Secretary;  H.  T.  Wright,  Treasurer;  H.  D.  Williams,  Oliver  Wild- 
man,  David  Stanton,  Thomas  Graham,  and  Henry  Cope,  Directors. 

INCORPORATION. 

The  town  of  Sharon  was  incorporated  in  September,  1871,  in  an- 
swer to  thirty-five  petitioners  of  its  citizens,  who  wished  for  themselves  the 
privileges  of  belonging  to  a city  of  the  second  class.  W.  S.  Kenworthy 
was  appointed  attorney  to  represent  the  petitioners,  and  the  incorporation 
was  granted  by  the  court,  and  the  following  citizens  were  appointed  com- 
missioners to  assist  in  holding  the  first  city  election.  By  the  articles  of  in- 
corporation six  hundred  acres,  including  parts  of  sections  13  and  24,  were 
included  upon  the  city  plat.  On  account  of  some  irregularities  the  char- 
tering of  the  city  was  ratified  by  special  act  of  the  legislature. 

The  first  election,  held  by  the  commissioners  above  mentioned,  occurred 
October  4,  1871.  Two  days  later  at  3 o’clock  p.  m.,  the  first  city  council  of 
New  Sharon  met,  and  the  officers  of  the  city  government  were  duly  qual- 
ified, perhaps  by  the  township  justice.  The  Mayor  elect  was  H.  M.  Fornt- 
ney;  Recorder,  A.  W.  Naylor;  Councilmen,  J.  F.  Bowdle,  C.  W.  Adams, 
W.  Fagan,  J.  M.  Collins,  and  A.  N.  Vickers.  Numerous  meetings  of  the 
council  were  held  during  the  remaining  fall  and  winter,  the  time  of  which 
was  mostly  occupied  in  the  uninteresting  business  of  framing  and  adopting 
city  ordinances.  W.  S.  Kenworthy  was  appointed  to  draft  these  latter,  and 
eighteen  dollars  were  paid  him  for  his  services. 

June  21,  1875,  the  sober  and  dignified  city  council  passed  an  ordi- 
nance to  prevent  public  platform  dances  within  the  city  limits.  In  such  a 
prohibition  of  course  they  transcended  their  powers.  The  ordinance  was 
null  by  notice  of  its  very  nature,  and  we  believe  no  attempt  has  ever  been 
made  to  enforce  it.  Its  passage  seemed  to  have  a sort  of  reflex  tendency, 
as  we  are  informed  there  were  held  two  open  air  dances  in  New  Sharon 
July  4,  1878. 

The  city  has  no  organized  fire  companjq  nor  has  it  that  which  deserves 
the  name  of  a fire  department.  August  23,  1875,  the  council  purchased 
for  public  use  forty-eight  leather  buckets  and  twelve  sixteen-feet  ladders. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


505 


In  the  big  lire  which  soon  followed,  these  were  quite  energetically  used, 
but  did  not  avail  to  prevent  large  destruction  of  property.  For  the  pur- 
chase of  these  apparatus  city  bonds  were  issued  to  the  amount  of  two  hun- 
dred and  ten  dollars. 

The  town  had  no  saloon  previous  to  1876.  The  city  council,  hearing 
that  it  was  the  purpose  of  a certain  individual  to  establish  a grog-shop 
within  the  limits  of  the  unpolluted  town,  passed  September  18,  1876,  a 
strict  prohibition  ordinance.  The  saloon  was  established  in  face  of  the  or- 
dinance, but  the  liquor  dealer  was  soon  ousted,  and  to-day  New  Sharon 
maintains  its  rank  among  “strictly  temperance  towns.” 

A small  frame  calaboose  and  a city  pound  are  the  “powers  behind  the 
throne,”  which  render  the  city  ordinances  terrible  in  the  eye  of  the  trans- 
gressor, be  he  man  or  beast. 

The  city  taxes  collected  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  March  13,  1878,  were 
$645.29.  The  sum  expended  during  the  same  time  for  sidewalks,  street  im- 
provements, etc.,  was  $636.34:. 

The  city  officers  of  1878  are:  Mayor,  M.  D.  Burkitt;  Recorder  and 
Treasurer,  J.  M.  Iliatt;  Marshal,  D.  Galbraith;  Street  Commissioner,  W. 
B.  Shotwell;  Councilmen,  Ephriam  Munsell,  Geo.  W.  Way,  J.  M.  Collins, 
J.  F.  McCurdy,  and  Geo.  Carson. 

FIRE. 

We  are  told  that  no  character  is  perfect  until  tried  in  the  school  of  ad- 
versity. Half  the  enterprise  and  push  of  Chicago  was  an  unknown  factor 
until  it  was  brought  into  the  sight  of  the  whole  world  by  its  recovery  from 
the  scourge  of  1872.  So  has  the  pluck  and  energy  of  New  Sharon  found 
its  highest  development  in  recovery  from  disaster. 

About  one  o’clock  on  the  morning  of  April  29,  1876,  a fire  was  discov- 
ered in  the  rear  part  of  the  drug  store  of  J.  S.  Pickett,  in  the  block  on  the 
southeast  corner  of  Main  and  Market  streets.  The  flames  were  undoubt- 
edly the  work  of  an  incendiary,  and  one  whose  fiendish  wits  had  directed 
him  to  the  best  place  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  purpose,  for  the  fire 
was  in  the  oil  room  of  the  drug  store  almost  as  soon  as  discovered.  Shouts 
of  “ Fire!  ” and  the  tread  of  hurrying  feet  soon  roused  the  town,  in  time  for 
its  inhabitants  to  find  the  sky  and  streets  lit  up  with  a glare  approaching 
that  of  a noon -day  sun.  In  thirty  minutes  the  entire  section  of  the  block, 
consisting  of  two-story  frames,  was  in  a blaze.  Willing  hands,  youth  and 
old  age,  young  women  and  children,  did  all  they  could  to  save  the  town, 
thus  visited,  with  no  means  to  fight  the  fire.  The  ladders  and  buckets 
above  mentioned  were  brought  into  use.  Soon  the  fire  had  crossed  the 
alley  to  the  south,  and  was  making  a wreck  of  Carson’s  drug  store.  Be- 
tween this  and  the  Sharon  House  was  a vacant  lot  forty  feet  wide,  and  here 
the  most  strenuous  efforts  were  made  to  stop  the  flames.  Again  and  again 
did  the  building  take  fire,  but  as  frequently  did  blistering  hands  and  scorch- 
ing frames  dash  the  repeating  blaze  into  blackness.  The  “ bucket  brigade  ” 
was  victorious.  On  the  east  a similar  check  was  effected  just  before  the 
fire  reached  Nash’s  agricultural  warehouse.  But  when  morning  came  only 
five  buildings  remained  on  the  block  which  had  contained  the  finest  build- 
ings New  Sharon  could  boast. 

The  main  losses  were:  Hoops’  building,  $2,000;  Kramer  & Quaintance’s 
stock,  $1,500;  Vickers’  building,  $1,800;  J.  C.  Pickett,  stock,  $4, 500;  G. 


506 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


A.  Roberts’  building,  $3,000;  G.  W.  Bump,  $2,000;  H.  Chedester  & Co., 
$1,500;  Warren  & Collins,  $3,000;  H.  Wallace,  $1,500;  Geo.  Carson,  $6,000; 
J.  R.  Nichol  & Co.,  $1,500.  These,  in  addition  to  a number  of  smaller 
losses,  including  the  instruments  of  two  bands,  made  a ‘total  loss  of  not  less 
than  $30,000.  On  this  the  insurance  was  only  about  $10,000. 

It  was  the  prediction  of  the  Star  in  the  first  issue  after  the  fire  that  the 
burned  district  would  soon  be  rebuilt  more  substantially  and  elegantly  than 
it  had  been  before.  Such  received  an  early  fulfillment.  The  work  of  clear- 
ing away  began  before  the  ruins  were  cold,  and  now,  on  the  corner  of  Main 
and  Market  streets  is  decidedly  the  finest  brick  block  that  New  Sharon 
contains,  being  80x80  feet  in  floor  dimension,  and  two  stories  high. 

BUSINESS  INTERESTS  IN  1878. 

New  Sharon  being  a country  town,  does  almost  exclusively  a country 
trade.  It  has  good  shipping  facilities,  and  along  the  line  of  the  Central 
road  few  towns,  if  any,  of  its  size  can  be  found  that  will  favorably  compare 
with  it  in  the  amount  of  grain,  cattle  and  various  produce  shipped.  As  a 
class  the  stores  are  neat  and  well  kept.  The  town  contains  no  exclusively 
dry-goods  store,  but  has  several  establishments  carrying  a miscellaneous 
stock  of  goods,  including  the  following,  viz:  Kramer  & Graham,  D.  M. 
Emerson,  Wildman  & Stanton,  and  O.  P.  Crawford.  Bank — New  Sharon 
Bank.  Groceries — A.  G.  Rosborough,  G.  W.  Starkey  & Co.,  M.  D.  Bar- 
kitt.  Drugs — Geo.  Carson,  C.  T.  Bowen,  R.  T.  Dean.  Hardware — H.  T. 
Wright,  Henston  & Carroll.  Jewelry — E.  A.  Smith.  Tailor — IT.  N.  Bow- 
man. Furniture — Warren  & Collins.  Shirt  factory — W.  II.  Cook  & Co. 
Agricultural  stores — Lawrence  & Thompson,  Pierce  & Ratliff.  Hotels — 
Sharon  House,  by  A.  Flaugli,  Central  House,  by  G.  S.  Awtry,  Pennsylva- 
nia House,  by  W.  B.  Shatwell.  Livery  stable — Gallagher  & Weathers. 
Sewing  machine  agency — H.  J.  Vail.  Attorneys — J.  M.  Hiatt,  Hoffman 
& Cook,  Wm.  J.  Sexton,  W.  H.  Waring,  C.  F.  Knowlton.  Physicians — 
W.  S.  McAllister,  R.  T.  Dean,  D.  C.  Morris.  Dentist — J.  H.  Shomo. 
Lumber — Kalbach  & Sof T. 

Tucker  Elevator. — This  is  one  of  the  foremost  enterprises  of  New  Shar- 
on. The  main  part  of  the  present  building  was  erected  in  1870  by  J.  W. 
Faxon,  by  whom  it  was  operated  by  horse-power.  In  1874  it  was  bought 
by  E.  E.  Tucker,  the  present  proprietor,  who,  recognizing  the  increasing 
demands  of  New  Sharon  as  a shipping  point,  at  once  doubled  its  capacity 
by  additional  building,  and  put  in  a 16-horse  power  engine.  The  present 
storage  capacity  of  the  elevator  is  20,000  bushels.  In  1874  Mr.  Tucker 
bought  and  shipped  about  half  a million  bushels  of  grain..  Since  that  time 
his  shipments  have  not  been  so  large  on  account  of  the  failure  of  crops. 
The  promise  for  a lively  trade  is  encouraging  for  the  fall  and  winter  of 
1878-9.  Mr.  Tucker  also  has  stock  yards  just  south  of  the  elevator  build- 
ing, and  deals  largely  in  Mahaska  county  stock,  handling  about  500  cars 
of  hogs  and  200  cars  of  cattle  per  year.  Mr.  Tucker  has  four  branch  estab- 
lishments running  at  this  time,  including  one  at  Oskaloosa  and  one  at 
Searsboro.  The  foreman  at  Oskaloosa  is  O.  B.  Bunker. 

City  Steam  Mills  were  built  in  the  fall  of  1873  by  J.  Versteeg  & Co.,  at 
a cost  of  $9,000,  and  are  a pride  to  the  city.  These  gentlemen  keep  up 
with  every  new  improvement  in  machinery,  and  have  expended  about 
$3,000  since  building  the  mill  in  improvements  alone.  The  engine  is  one 


Geo.  H.  Baugh 


c 


l2JL  h s 


£, 


/ 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


509 


of  40-horse  power;  fiuel,  coal.  The  mills  do  both  custom  and  mercantile 
work,  and  with  four  run  of  stone  have  a capacity  of  about  100  bushels  of 
wheat  per  day  of  ten  hours.  The  proprietors  inform  us  that  they  run  to 
full  capacity  almost  the  entire  year.  The  shipments  of  stock  and  grain 
over  the  Central  Road  will  perhaps  average  1,500  cars  per  year. 

SOCIETIES. 

New  Sharon  Lodge , No.  231, 1.  O.  O.  F.,  was  established  by  a dispensa- 
tion of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Iowa,  December  25, 1871,  and  was  not  chartered 
until  October  17,  1872.  The  members  organizing  the  lodge  were  S.  II. 
Hunt,  I.  N.  Penland,  J.  H.  Douglas,  S.  G.  Caster  and  Sidney  Krotzer. 
The  first  meeting  was  held  in  a room  known  as  Naylor’s  Hall,  which  was 
destroyed  by  fire  in  1876.  Here  the  lodge  met  until  January  1, 1875,  when 
they  moved  into  the  second  story  of  the  Star  building,  which  they  rented 
as  a hall  for  five  years.  Here  they  have  very  pleasant  and  comfortable 
quarters.  The  present  membership  of  New  Sharon  Lodge  is  seventy. 
The  officers  are  J.  W.  Bateman,  N.  G. ; W.  W.  Winder,  Y.  G.;  G.  F.  Bates, 
secretary;  Snowden  Myers,  treasurer;  H.  J.  Yail,  P.  G. 

Mahaska  Encampment,  N o.  70,  /.  O.  O.  F.,  was  instituted  July  8, 1874, 
under  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State,  and  was  chartered 
October  21,  1874.  In  the  charter  the  following  are  named  as  charter  mem- 
bers, viz:  S.  W.  Lewis,  A.  Paine,  LI.  M.  Fortney,  J.  W.  Baleman,  Henry 
Baughman,  I.  N.  Penland  and  Wm.  Stubbs.  The  Encampment  meets  in 
the  same  hall  with  the  Chapter,  and  has  done  so  since  the  time  of  its  organ- 
ization. 

The  membership,  August,  1878,  was  sixteen,  at  which  time  the  follow- 
ing were  the  officers:  W.  W.  Winder,  C.  P. ; L.  Fitzgerald,  H.  P. ; C.  W. 
Rose,  S.  W.;  I.  N.  Penland,  J.  W;  H.  J.  Yail,  treasurer;  G.  F.  Bates, 
scribe. 

Mahaska  Lodge , No.  336,  A.  F.  dc  A.  M. — Established  under  dispen- 
sation from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Iowa,  on  the  22d  of  June,  1874.  The  offi- 
cers elected  at  the  time  of  organization  were:  G.  F.  Bates,  W.  M. ; LI.  J. 
Yail,  S.  W. ; D.  Upton,  J.  W. ; James  Gorsuch,  treasurer;  A.  G.  Smith,  sec- 
retary; C.  W.  Adams,  S.  D. ; Snowden  Myers,  J.  D.;  William  Wellington, 
tyler.  The  lodge  was  not  chartered  until  June  3,  1875. 

The  charter  members  had  been  connected  with  lodges  in  different  States, 
and  had  happened  together  in  considerable  numbers  in  New  Sharon.  An 
organization  of  these  into  a local  lodge  was  effected  through  the  agency  of 
H.  J.  Yail.  The  present  membership  is  about  fifty- one. 

The  Masonic  lodge  was  organized  in  the  Odd  Fellows’  hall,  and  the  two 
fraternities  have  had  a room  in  partnership  ever  since  the  time  of  its  or- 
ganization. 

The  present  officers  are:  G.  F.  Bates,  W.  M.;  David  Fessler,  S.  W. ; 
George  Carson,  J.  W.;  H.  J.  Yail,  treasurer;  George  B.  Gould,  secretary. 

Veteran  Lodge , No.  205,  L.  O.  G.  T '.,  is  the  second  lodge  of  Good  Temp- 
lars that  has  been  organized  at  New  Sharon.  The  first  organization  started 
in  October,  1865,  and  continued  under  the  name  of  “New  Sharon  Temple” 
until  October  2, 1871,  when  it  disbanded. 

Almost  immediately  was  organized  the  Yeteran  Lodge,  of  which  the 
present  membership  is  forty- seven.  This  organization  meets  in  a hall  in 
the  Centennial  Block.  The  officers  are:  Marvin  Hart,  W.  C.  T. ; Mollie 
31 


510 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Shotwell,  W.  Y.  T.;  Ollie  Wood,  W.  R.  S.;  S.  R.  Briggs,  W.  T.;  Z.  P. 
Kirk,  W.  S. 

Christian  Temperance  Union. — About  the  first  of  January,  1878,  Mr. 
II.  Al.  Galloway,  of  Ohio,  working  in  the  interest  of  what  is  known  as  the 
Murphy  or  Blue  Ribbon  movement,  put  in  apperrance  at  New  Sharon,  and 
held  nightly  meetings  for  about  twro  weeks.  All  those  signing  the  pledge 
were  considered  members  of  the  “Blue  Ribbon  Club,”  which  now  has  a 
membership  of  about  six  hundred  and  eighty  members. 

For  the  purpose  of  a more  permanent  organization  a constitution  and 
by-laws  were  framed,  and  those  signing  the  same  became  members  of  the 
Christian  Temperance  Union,  whose  object  is  keeping  alive  the  temperance 
movement  in  New  Sharon,  and  the  making  of  an  aggressive  movement 
upon  those  not  yet  reclaimed.  The  cause  has  been  prosperous  and  success- 
ful at  this  point,  and  the  reforms  made  have  stood  the  test  for  several 
months,  with  good  indications  of  permanent  cure.  The  membership  of 
the  C.  T.  U.  is  about  two  hundred.  From  the  date  of  its  organization  until 
some  time  in  July,  meetings  were  held  every  Saturday  night,  at  which  ad- 
dresses were  made  by  speakers  from  home  or  abroad.  These  meetings  were 
adjourned  over  the  heated  term  until  September,  when  they  were  resumed 
in  Concert  Hall,  where  the  temperance  meetings  have  usually  been  held. 

The  present  officers  of  the  Union  are:  J.  H.  Shomo,  president;  J.  Rock- 
well and  G.  B.  Gatlin,  vice-presidents;  E.  A.  Smith,  secretary;  H.  J.  Yail, 
treasurer. 

CHURCHES. 

M.  E.  Church. — The  beginning  of  this  church  was  a class,  organized  by 
a Methodist  minister,  Rev.  Welsh,  in  1862,  composed  of  Henry  Winder 
and  wife,  and  their  children,  Hugh  and  Ann  Eliza,  Jasper  Lee  and  wife, 
James  Davis  and  wife,  Lydia  Mayer  and  Ida  Lucon.  In  the  spring  of 
1863  were  added  J.  F.  Bowdle  and  wife,  Eliza  Crabb,  Johnson  Busby  and 
wife,  S.  B.  Lawrence  and  wife,  and  some  few  others.  Soon  after,  the 
class  was  organized  into  a church,  and  was  on  Peoria  circuit,  with  Rev. 
Early  as  pastor,  and  Dr.  Warren  as  local  preacher.  Meetings  were  held  at 
the  residence  of  Henry  Winder,  J.  F.  Bowdle,  S.  B.  Lawrence,  and  in  the 
blacksmith  shop  previously  mentioned.  Rev.  P.  Early  was  succeeded  by 
Revs.  Kelly,  Moore,  Holland,  and  John  Armitsed.  By  this  time  services 
were  held  in  the  New  Sharon  school-house.  Some  time  after  this  a couple 
of  local  preachers  removed  from  Minnesota  to  New  Sharon — Rev.  O.  P. 
Crawford,  and  Hiram  Allen.  These  men  preached  here  for  a time.  The 
next  minister  was  Dr.  F.  L.  Ellsworth.  About  this  time  large  accessions 
were  made  to  the  church,  which  then  numbered  perhaps  one  hundred  and 
thirty  members.  Rev.  T.  J.  Myers  followed,  then  Rev.  Prathers.  During 
the  ministry  of  the  last  named  gentleman,  about  1871,  was  erected  a fine 
church  building,  36x66  feet,  at  a cost  of  about  $1,500,  including  bell. 

Revs.  J.  G.  Thompson,  U.  B.  Smith,  C.  Morey,  T.  C.  Miller,  and  S.  R. 
Ferguson  occupied  the  pulpit  in  the  order  named,  the  last  named  gentle- 
man being  the  present  pastor,  who  preaches  every  alternate  Sabbath  at 
Fail-view,  in  Union  township.  The  present  membership  is  about  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty.  At  the  time  of  completion  of  the  church  it  was  supposed 
to  be  free  from  debt,  but  about  three  hundred  dollars  of  the  amount  nom- 
inally secured  at  that  time,  has  returned  upon  the  shoulders  of  the  church. 

In  connection  with  the  work  of  the  church  there  has  been  in  existence. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


511 


for  about  eight  years,  a flourishing  Sabbath -school,  now  numbering  about 
eighty  in  average  attendance,  with  J.  W.  Bowdle  as  superintendent. 

Presbyterian  Church. — This  congregation  wTas  organized  in  accordance 
with  the  rules  of  the  Presbyterian  denomination,  in  the  month  of  June, 
1875,  by  a committee  appointed  by  the  Presbytry,  composed  of  Rev.  S. 
Snodgrass,  Rev.  Frackleton,  and  Elder  W.  A.  Hunter.  The  congregation 
numbered  fourteen  members  at  organization. 

The  flrst  session  of  the  church  was  composed  of  J.  V.  Hart  and  John 
Versteeg,  to  whom  have  since  been  added,  to  assist  in  the  councils  of  the 
church,  P.  P.  Loughlin. 

The  church  building  of  this  body  was- built  in  the  summer  of  1876,  at  a 
cost  of  $3,000,  all  of  which  was  paid  at  the  time  of  its  dedication.  The 
latter  ceremony  took  place  on  September  17,  1876,  Rev.  Robert  McAyeal, 
D.D.,  of  the  Oskaloosa  U.  P.  Church,  preaching  the  dedicatory  sermon, 
and  the  pastor,  Rev.  Snodgrass,  assisting  in  the  exercises  of  the  day.  The 
church  is  a model  in  neatness  and  grace,  being  a frame  imitation  of  white 
and  grey  stone.  Previous  to  the  building  of  the  church  the  M.  E.  building 
was  occupied  by  the  congregation.  The  first  minister  was  Rev.  II.  S.  Snod- 
grass, who  preached  here  one-third  of  his  time  from  the  date  of  organiza- 
tion until  February,  1878.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  Matthews,  who  be- 
gan his  labors  July  1,  1878.  The  membership  numbers  fifty -five  persons. 
Revenue  of  church  for  all  purposes  is  near  $500.  The  board  of  trustees  is 
composed  of  George  Hill,  James  Drennan,  George  Carson,  Robert  Ilues- 
ton,  and  J.  R.  Nichol.  In  connection  with  the  church  is  a prosperous 
Sabbath-school,  superintended  by  P.  P.  Loughlin.  It  has  an  average  at- 
tendance of  about  eighty  persons. 

Christian  Church. — This  is  a young  organization,  having  been  formed 
October  7,  1877,  by  J.  K.  Cornell,  with  a membership  of  twenty-five  per- 
sons. The  first  meeting  was  held  in  the  Baptist  Church,  and  that  build- 
ing was  occupied  until  February,  1878,  for  the  services  of  this  congrega- 
tion. Since  that  date  services  have  been  held  in  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

Rev.  Cornell  is  still  pastor,  but  is  also  corresponding  secretary  of  the 
Iowa  Christian  Convention,  and  devotes  one-half  of  his  time  to  State  mis- 
sion work.  The  present  membership  of  the  congregation  is  not  far  from 
thirty-five.  The  deacons  are  T.  Graham,  J.  M.  Hiatt,  and  N.  F.  Hoen. 

Baptist  Church.— This  congregation  was  organized  January  2,  1875,  by 
J.  F.  Childs,  of  Oskaloosa,  with  fourteen  members,  in  the  old  New  Sharon 
school  house.  It  vras  recognized  as  a church  by  the  customary  ceremony  of  the 
Baptists  in  June,  1875.  The  first  officers  elected  were  Hattie  E.  Page,  clerk, 
and  J.  F.  McCurdy,  deacon.  J.  F.  Childs  has  been  the  only  salaried 
minister  the  church  has  ever  employed,  and  he  remained  with  them  a part 
of  his  time,  until  the  spring  of  1878.  Rev.  O.  L.  Cruttenden,  who  lived 
at  Sharon,  and  was  preaching  at  Eddyville  and  Leighton,  has  preached 
gratuitously  to  this  people  almost  as  much  as  their  employed  minister. 

The  meetings  of  the  church  from  the  time  of  its  organization  were  held 
in  a hall  in  the  business  block  which  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  April,  1876. 
This  apparent  misfortune  led  to  the  decision  to  build  a church.  A lot  was 
purchased  by  Rev.  O.  L.  Cruttenden,  south  of  the  Friends’  meeting-house, 
and  on  this  the  congregation  erected  a small  chapel,  which  was  dedicated  in 
November,  1876.  The  ministers  officiating  were  Rev.  Brand,  of  Grinnell, 
Rev.  Fuhrman,  of  Oskaloosa,  and  Revs.  J.  F.  Childs  and  O.  L.  Cruttenden, 
of  New  Sharon.  The  church  was  dedicated  free  from  debt. 


512 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


A Sabbath-school  was  organized,  April  18,  1875,  with  Dr.  H.  R.  Page  as 
superintendent,  but  was  disbanded  in  the  spring  of  1878.  The  present 
clerk  is  Mrs.  O.  L.  Cruttenden.  Deacon,  Win.  Aiken.  Trustees,  Stephen 
Davis,  Wm.  Aiken,  and  O.  L.  Cruttenden. 

Universalist  Church. — A building,  under  control  of  the  denomination, 
Universalists,  was  built  in  New  Sharon,  in  1877.  The  city  contains  quite 
a large  element  of  those  who  are  called  liberal  in  religious  thought,  and 
the  occasion  of  the  building  of  this  church  was  the  refusal  of  an  orthodox 
pulpit  to  one  of  their  ministers.  The  platform  on  which  the  church  was 
erected,  was  that  it  should  be  forever  equally  free  to  all  denominations. 
Until  August,  1878,  it  has  been  the  house  of  worship  of  what  is  termed  a 
Universalist  Parish,  which  was,  at  the  time  of  the  meeting  in  New  Sharon 
of  the  State  Universalist  Association  in  that  month,  changed  to  a church 
organization. 

The  church  building  is  a neat  frame  structure,  costing  about  $3,000,  and 
is  substantially  free  from  debt.  In  October  following  its  erection,  Rev. 
Fidelia  W.  Gillette  commenced  to  occupy  its  pnlpit,  which  she  continues 
to  do  every  alternate  Sabbath.  This  lady  is  from  Michigan,  and  is  said  to 
have  been  twenty  years  in  the  employ  of  the  National  Lecture  Association, 
but  recently  entered  the  ministry  for  conscientious  reasons.  She  is  smart, 
well  educated,  and  a fine  speaker,  and  has  preached  greatly  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  her  congregation  in  New  Sharon.  She  receives  six  hundred  dollars 
annually  for  the  alternate  Sabbath  preaching  in  this  church. 

Of  the  meetings  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  we  have  taken  occasion  to 
speak  in  the  county  history  proper. 

The  history  of  the  New  Sharon  Star , is  found  under  the  chapter  on 
“ The  Press.” 


BEACON. 

Beacon  is  a station  on  the  Keokuk  & Des  Moines  R.  R.,  and  is  a mining 
town,  situated  on  section  27,  Oskaloosa  township,  about  two  and  one-half 
miles  southwest  of  Oskaloosa  city.  Its  site  is  in  the  valley  of  the  Muchaki- 
nock,  on  the  east  side  of  the  creek,  and  as  approached  from  all  sides  presents 
a very  picturesque  appearance,  nestling  among  the  hills  like  an  eastern  vil- 
lage. The  surrounding  landscape  is  one  of  more  than  ordinary  interest 
and  beauty,  and  there  are  few  mining  towns  indeed  which  can  rival  Beacon 
in  neatness  and  attractiveness. 

The  land  on  which  Beacon  is  now  located  was  formerly  owned  by  Ezekiel 
Mendenhall.  The  town  was  laid  out  in  1864,  under  the  name  of  Enter- 
prise, that  being  the  name  of  the  post-office  at  that  time,  although  by  the 
railroad  men  it  was  known  as  Oskaloosa  station,  that  being  the  stopping 
place  in  that  day  for  all  railway  travel  to  the  county-seat.  The  name  was 
changed  to  Beacon  in  186  . The  town  was  platted  by  E.  J.  Evans.  The 
first  cabin  within  its  present  boundaries  was  owned  and  occupied  by  a man 
named  Miles.  The  first  business  house  was  erected  by  John  Pritchard,  and 
by  him  occupied  as  a general  store  and  hotel.  The  town  was  incorporated 
in  1874 

The  first  mayor  was  M.  C.  Ruby,  who  has  held  that  office  ever  since  and 
continues  to  swing  the  gavel  at  the  council  meetings  at  this  writing.  The 
aldermen  are  Robert  Beadle,  Charles  Wilson,  William  Davis,  Hugh  Jones, 
and  E.  E.  Roberts.  Recorder,  John  Thomas.  Marshal,  C.  W.  Wray. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


513 


The  mayor  and  aldermen  serve  without  pay,  save  in  the  honor  and  satisfac- 
tion they  receive  from  proper  discharge  of  duty.  The  corporation  is  free 
from  debt  and  taxes  are  light,  as  the  main  expense  is  in  keeping  up  streets 
and  sidewalks. 

From  eight  hundred  to  nine  hundred  is  considered  a fair  estimate  of  the 
population  of  Beacon.  It  is  a good  trading  point,  and  maintains  four  gen- 
eral stores,  viz:  Iowa  Coal  Co.  (IT.  A.  Pittman,  manager),  Phillips  & Fos- 
ter, M.  Jones  & Co.,  and  Davis,  Price  & Co.  Drug  store  by  Wm.  Beards- 
ley, Beacon  hotel  by  C.  W.  Wray,  three  saloons,  two  blacksmith  shops,  etc., 
besides  mills  and  coal  works  mentioned  below,  comprise  the  other  business 
enterprises  of  the  town. 

MILLS. 

Eureka  Flouring  Mills. — This  building  was  built  in  1865,  by  Benja- 
min Roop,  at  an  expense  of  $55,000  or  $66,000.  The  building  is  84  feet 
square,  alive  story  brick  and  stone.  At  one  time  it  contained  six  run  of 
stone,  but  now  is  equipped  with  but  three.  The  engine  is  one  of  fifty 
horse  power.  The  mill  was  originally  built  as  a distillery  and  mill  com- 
bined, but  a government  law  being  passed  to  the  effect  that  distilling  should 
not  be  carried  on  in  a building  with  any  other  business,  Roop  was  com- 
pelled to  build  a distillery  separate.  Hence,  a great  waste  of  room  in  the 
building.  During  the  past  few  years  the  mill  has  been  lying  idle,  but  was 
recently  sold  to  J.  M.  Jones,  who  now  runs  it.  The  mill  has  a capacity  for 
sixty  barrels  of  flour  and  seventy-five  hundredweight  of  meal  per  day. 

Heston  & Loughridge.  These  gentlemen  have  a frame  flouring  mill 
with  two  run  of  stone,  near  the  bridge  across  the  Muchachinock.  It  is  a 
steam  mill,  and  has  been  built  about  twelve  years.  It  does  altogether  cus- 
tom work. 

i.  o.  o.  F. 

Beacon  Lodge , No.  26^  I.  O.  O.  F was  established  December  4,  1864, 
with  seventeen  charter  members  and  the  following  corps  of  officers:  John 
J.  Shultz,  N.  G;  D.  S.  Smith,  Y.  G. ; J.  W.  Bowen,  secretary,  and  John 
S.  Morgan,  treasurer.  This  lodge  claims  to  have  grown  more  rapidly  than 
any  other  in  the  State.  Their  present  membership  is  108.  Their  hall  was 
destroyed  by  fire  August  24,  1877,  but  they  had  an  Insurance  which  covered 
most  of  the  loss.  They  now  have  a well  furnished  hall  over  Davis,  Price 
& Co.’s  store,  and  have  $1,200  in  the  treasury.  The  present  officers  are 
M.  Howells,  H.  G. ; Wm.  M.  Yiles,  Y.  G.;  A.  Henry,  secretary,  J.  Price, 
treasurer.  J.  W.  Bowen,  of  this  lodge,  is  District  Deputy  of  District  Ho. 
20,  including  lodges  Hos.  16,  128,  231,  264  and  335. 

GOOD  TEMPLARS. 

Beacon  Star , No.  1^90,  Lodge  of  Good  Templars , was  established  in 
1873,  with  forty  charter  members.  Their  present  membership  is  sixty. 
They  meet  in  the  Odd  Fellows’  Hall,  over  Davis,  Price  & Co.’s  store.  At 
this  writing  the  meetings  have  been  suspended  till  fall. 

SCHOOLS. 

Until  1874  Beacon  had  but  a small  brick  school  house  of  a single  room, 
seating  some  sixty  or  seventy  pupils.  It  has  now  a fine  two  story  brick 


514 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


building  containing  four  rooms,  built  in  1874,  at  a cost  of  near  $10,000,  and 
seating  about  225.  The  number  of  pupils  enrolled  last  year  was  about  270, 
though  the  usual  attendance  was  considerably  below  that  figure.  The 
teachers  chosen  for  1878-9  arc  Mrs.  Thomas,  principal,  Miss  Shoemaker, 

first  intermediate,  Mr.  Hedge,  second  intermediate, , primary. 

The  principal  receives  $50  per  month,  and  the  other  teachers  $30.  The 
schools  arc  graded,  but  extend  only  through  Grammar  grade.  The  direct- 
ors are  M.  C.  Ruby,  president;  John  Thomas,  Geo.  Deaver,  Win.  Bowen, 
Eli  Robinson,  D.  W.  Williams;  Sec’y  of  Board,  H.  B.  Davis;  Treas.,  John 
J.  Phillips. 

POST-OFFICE. 

Was  established  in  1866  under  the  name  Enterprise.  The  following 
have  been  the  postmasters:  H.  L.  Ethridge,  1866-7;  John  G.  Jones, 
1867-72;  John  R.  Baer,  1872-3;  J.  W.  Bowen,  1873-4;  E.  J.  Evans, 
1874-7;  J.  W.  Bowen,  re-appointed  in  1877.  and  is  the  present  ineumbenfc. 
The  revenue  of  the  office  for  the  last  quarter  was  $167. 

WELCH  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH. 

This  society  was  organized  in  1867  by  J.  W.  Pickett.  A frame  church 
building  was  built  by  the  society  about  1870.  The  various  ministers  in 
charge  have  been  D.  S.  Davies,  D.  R.  Lewis,  David  Thomas  and  C.  D. 
Jones. 

The  church  is  composed  of  about  fifty  members,  and  have  service  in 
Welch  every  Sunday  morning  and  evening,  conducted  by  Rev.  C.  D.  Jones, 
the  present  pastor.  The  church  is  free  from  debt,  and  contributes  from 
$400  to  $500  a year  to  support  the  gospel. 

The  Sunday-school  was  organized  cotemporary  with  the  church,  and  is 
at  present  superintended  by  Christmas  Evans. 

Beacon  M.  E.  Church , or  Kinsley  Chapel , was  organized  quite  a num- 
ber of  years  ago,  but  was  not  of  much  consequence  until  the  building  of  its 
church  edifice,  which  was  done  in  1875  at  a cost  of  $1,542. 

It  was  dedicated  November  7,  1875,  by  Revs.  B.  Marks  and  D.  D. 
Downs.  The  ministers  in  charge  since  that  time  have  been  E.  Sampson, 
B.  Marks,  J.  R.  Reasoner  and  W.  R.  Stryker,  The  latter  is  present  minis- 
ter, who  preaches  here  and  in  Black  Oak  township. 

The  income  of  the  cliureh  is  near  $350.  Its  membership  is  eighty-five. 
The  Sabbath-school  is  composed  of  about  one  hundred  members,  superin- 
tended by  J.  J.  Phillips. 

The  trustees  are  D.  D.  Downs,  J.  J.  Phillips,  Simeon  Phillips,  Joseph 
Phillips  and  John  Ream. 

Stewards,  Phillip  Howe  and  D.  D.  Downs. 

IOWA  GOAL  COMPANY. 

This  present  company  was  organized  in  1872.  Previously  the  mining 
interest  at  this  point  had  been  in  eharge  of  some  Keokuk  men,  with  J.  W. 
Rodefer  at  the  head,  and  we  believe  was  known  by  the  same  name.  The 
first  company  operated  one  shaft. 

The  leading  spirit  of  the  new  Iowa  Coal  Company  has  been  Geo.  Will- 
iams, of  Keokuk,  who  owned  controlling  power  of  the  stoek.  Mr.  Will- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


515 


iams  was  a thorough  business  man,  and  to  his  position  at  the  head  of  the 
company  is  much  of  the  present  prosperity  of  the  town  due. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Williams  in  July  of  the  present  will,  of  course,  be  felt 
by  the  mining  interest  at  Beacon,  since  for  his  great  executive  force  it  will 
be  difficult  to  find  a substitute.  His  son,  Chris.  L.  Williams,  has  been  ap- 
pointed administrator  of  the  estate  of  the  dead  president,  and  will  probably 
conduct  the  company  without  material  change  for  the  present.  C.  L.  has 
been  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  company  for  some  time,  and  is  well 
acquainted  with  its  workings.  The  superintendent  of  the  mines  is  J.  W. 
Bishop,  of  Keokuk.  The  foreman  at  the  mines  is  Simeon  Phillips,  a prac- 
tical miner  and  competent  manager. 

The  company  owns,  near  Beacon,  about  three  hundred  acres  of  coal  and 
two  hundred  acres  of  surface.  The  thickness  of  vein  is  from  five  to  eight 
feet,  and  yields  as  good  coal  as  Mahaska  county  affords.  This  is  high  trib- 
ute, in  the  banner  coal  county  of  Iowa. 

The  company  operates  both  a shaft  and  slope.  The  former  has  been 
running  about  eight  years.  The  coal  is  brought  in  cars  by  mules  to  the 
foot  of  the  shaft,  and  cars  elevated  by  steam  power.  The  coal  is  removed 
from  the  slope  by  mules.  At  the  shaft  coal  is  found  forty  feet  below  the 
surface.  The  air  in  the  mines  is  kept  pure  by  means  of  a flue  cut  through 
from  the  central  part  of  the  mine  to  the  surface,  and  a strong  draft  produced 
by  afire  at  the  base  of  the  flue.  The  pumping  apparatus,  which  is  located 
several  hundred  feet  from  the  shaft,  and  has  power  communication  by  wire 
cable,  is  most  excellent,  and  affords  little  trouble. 

The  capacity  of  these  mines,  were  the  demand  sufficient  to  keep  them  in 
“ full  blast,”  is  forty  cars  per  day.  At  present,  however,  the  company  have 
only  about  one  hundred  men  on  their  pay-roll,  and  do  not  find  the  demand 
sufficient  to  operate  a full  force  of  workmen. 

A switch  from  the  Keokuk  & Des  Moines  R.  R.  is  laid  to  the  mines,  but 
none  to  the  Central  Road.  This  is  a disadvantage  to  the  company,  as  it 
gives  them  neither  a good  northern  outlet  nor  a competing  line.  The  coal 
is  marketed  all  along  the  line  of  the  K.  & D.  M.  Road,  but  especialty  at 
the  company’s  yards  in  Keokuk,  Hes  Moines,  Council  Bluffs  and  Omaha. 

There  has  never  been  but  one  strike  of  any  great  consequence  since  1873. 
At  that  time  President  Williams  established  a store  at  Beacon,  proposing 
to  sell  to  the  miners  as  cheaply  as  they  could  buy  elsewhere.  During  the 
first  winter  most  of  the  miners  dealt  at  the  store.  In  the  spring,  it  becom- 
ing necessary  to  reduce  the  force,  the  foreman  was  ordered  to  discharge  a 
certain  number  of  men,  with  instructions  to  include  those  who  withheld 
their  patronage  from  the  company’s  store. 

This  caused  a general  strike,  the  miners  declaring  their  right  to  trade 
where  they  pleased,  and  refusing  to  work  at  all  if  any  of  their  number  were 
discharged.  Quite  a number  of  Swedes  were  brought  up  from  Keokuk, 
who  had  been  engaged  on  the  Government  canal,  and  the  mining  continued 
with  a new  set  of  hands.  This  was  more  than  the  Beaconites  had  calcu- 
lated upon,  and  they  were  glad  to  go  to  work  as  they  had  opportunity  at  the 
company’s  terms.  The  miners  are  now  paid  by  the  bushel,  the  price  being 
three  cents. 

ROSE  HILL. 

Rose  Hill  is  a new  and  neat  village  on  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  & Pa- 


516 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


eific  Railroad,  and  was  laid  out  on  the  building  of  that  branch  which  passed 
through  Mahaska  county  in  1875.  The  land  on  which  the  town  is  located 
was  owned  by  James  Ornbaum  and  A.  Williams.  Ornbaum  was  the  first 
name  of  the  post-office  and  of  the  village,  and  all  deeds  are  recorded  under 
that  name.  As  a station  it  was  called  Rose  Hill  and  the  post-office  was 
changed  to  that  in  July,  1876,  since  which  time  the  old  town  name  has 
fallen  into  disuse. 

The  first  business  house  was  built  in  1875  by  Bailey  & Stubbs,  since 
which  time  the  growth  of  the  place  has  been  quite  rapid. 

Believing  that  fifty  years  from  to-day  Rose  Hill  will  be  such  a city  that 
its  inhabitants  would  regard  a record  of  its  business  interests  in  1878  as  a 
valued  relic,  we  give  the  following  abstract: 

Rose  Hill  has  five  general  stores,  kept  by  H.  L.  Orr,  McCoy  & Roberts, 
Bethea  & Son,  James  Stout,  J.  I.  Edwards;  two  drug  stores,  W.  L.  Crow- 
der, and  Brown,  Stewart  & Ewing;  furniture  store,  M.  Kruse. 

Hotels:  Pacific  House  by  James  Means,  and  Union  House  by  G.W.  Stout. 

Livery,  by  S.  F.  Tinsley. 

Millinery,  by  Miss  N.  Rodgers,  and  the  ladies  Hartman  and  Arnold. 

Harness  shop,  by  H.  B.  Waters. 

Lumber  yard,  by  H.  McGregor. 

Billiard  hall  and  saloon,  by  S.  L.  Peebler. 

Just  across  from  the  depot  is  a two  story  grain  warehouse,  built  in  1876, 
by  John. Myers.  This  is  now  owned  and  operated  by  Bethea  & Son,  and 
offers  good  facilities  for  storing  grain  on  a small  scale. 

The  trade  of  Rose  Hill  is  well  sustained,  and  the  town  is  improving  rap- 
idly. The  custom  of  its  business  houses  comes  mostly  from  the  surround- 
ing country,  which  offers  some  excellent  farms.  A portion  of  trade  comes 
from  Keokuk  county. 

The  town  has  been  several  times  visited  by  the  fire  fiend.  In  February, 
1878,  several  buildings  were  burned,  including  a drug  store,  shoe-shop, 
saloon  and  dwelling.  In  the  winter  of  1877-8  was  burned  the  only  church 
building  the  town  contained.  It  was  a frame  building  and  belonged  to  the 
Free  Methodist  congregation,  established  at  this  point  some  years  before 
the  town  was  laid  out.  No  steps  have  yet  been  taken  toward  the  erection 
of  a new  building. 

Rose  Hill  post-office  was  established  in  January,  1876,  and  is  kept  by  H. 
L.  Orr,  the  first  and  only  postmaster  at  this  point.  The  revenue  of  the 
office  is  about  $300  per  year. 

The  town  was  incorporated  in  January,  1877,  and  the  government  in- 
vested in  a Mayor  and  five  trustees  or  aldermen.  The  council  meets  once 
a month,  and  the  Mayor  is  town  magistrate.  The  first  chief  officer  was  S. 
K.  Wilson.  The  present  city  government  is  as  follows: 

Mayor — J.  H.  Sawyer. 

Recorder — B.  H.  Harding. 

Treasurer — Dr.  C.  Brown. 

Assessor — S.  P.  Ewing. 

Street  Commissioner — F.  L.  Jackson. 

Trustees,  or  Couneilmen — Dr.  Crowder,  J.  C.  Williams,  R.  P.  Bowles, 
J.  A.  C.  Swiggett,  and  C.  J.  Jackson. 

The  business  of  the  city  government  is  as  yet  confined  mainly  to  the  care 
of  sidewalks  and  streets. 

As  a school  district  Rose  Hill  is  a part  of  North  White  Oak  district. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


517 


The  building  now  occupied  as  a city  school  was  erected  in  1875,  and  used 
as  a select  school  by  Prof.  Messer  until  1877,  when  it  passed  into  the  hands 
of  the  public.  The  usual  salary  paid  is  $35  per  month,  and  the  average 
attendance  during  the  winter  months  is  sixty  pupils.  This  exhibits 
cramped  work  and  a crowded  school,  and  has  excited  a desire  on  the  part 
of  the  Rose  Hill  citizens  to  have  a separate  school  district,  in  order  that 
they  may  enlarge  their  building  and  conduct  their  school  to  suit  themselves. 
The  present  directors  are  Robert  Doak,  S.  K.  Wilson,  and  Morris  Lister. 

In  justice  to  Rose  Hill  physicians  the  town  should  have  a green  vegeta- 
ble market  during  the  entire  year.  The  list  of  doctors  is  legion,  viz:  S. 
B.  Waters,  A.  J.  Cook,  W.  L.  Crowder,  J.  C.  Williams,  and  C.  Brown. 

Rose  Hill  is  located  on  one  of  the  best  railroads  in  the  West,  and  her 
shipping  facilities  are  first  class.  However,  the  light  crops  for  the  past 
two  years  have  lessened  what  might  otherwise  be  an  excellent  exhibit. 

Cars  of  stock  shipped  during  the  year  ending  July  1, 1878 120 

“ grain  “ u “ “ 25 

The  station  agent  is  B.  H.  Harding. 

ROSE  HILL  LITERARY  AND  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION. 

This  association  is  composed  of  the  literary  people  of  the  town,  who 
have  banded  together  for  general  culture,  and  for  the  purpose  of  building 
up  a library  for  future  use  among  the  citizens.  It  was  organized  in  De- 
cember, 1877,  and  has  only  fairly  commenced  its  work.  Meetings  are  held 
in  which  debates,  essays,  and  other  literary  exercises  entertain  the  audience. 
The  membership  is  now  thirty-seven  persons.  The  receipts,  from  dues  and 
fines,  are  divided  between  running  expenses  and  the  establishment  of  a li- 
brary now  containing  some  fifty  volumes  of  well-selected  literature.  From 
small  beginnings  great  ends  may  be  reached. 

MASONIC. 

Industry  Lodge , No.  %60,  A.  F.  As  A.  M .,  was  established  March 
25,  1869,  at  Springfield,  in  Keokuk  county,  and  was  moved  to  Rose  Hill  in 
January,  1877.  This  lodge  meets  in  a well  furnished  hall  over  Crowder’s 
drug  store.  Its  membership  is  about  twenty-five. 

The  present  officers  are:  E.  R.  Stevens,  W.  M. ; J.  C.  Williams,  S.  W. ; 
S.  K.  Wilson,  J.  W.;  H.  L.  Orr,  Secretary;  W.  R.  Bridges,  S.  D.;  M.  S. 
Hadley,  J.  D. 

Rose  Hill  is  a new  town  and  only  requires  time  to  spread  itself  over  the 
two  sections  of  land  which  comprise  its  corporate  limits. 

FREMONT. 

Fremont,  the  only  town  in  Cedar  township,  is  a neat  little  village  of 
about  200  inhabitants,  situated  on  section  14,  being  on  the  divide  between 
Skunk  river  and  Cedar  creek,  a branch  of  the  Des  Moines.  Thus  located  it 
was  on  the  line  of  an  immense  travel  in  the  days  preceding  railroads,  an 
old  settler  informing  us  that  he  had  seen  as  many  as  50  wagons  encamped 
over  night  in  a single  grove  north  of  town.  Up  to  this  date  Fremont  has 


518 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


no  railway,  but  will  probably  be  on  the  line  of  a future  route  which  will 
choose  the  “ divide  ” as  its  natural  grade. 

The  town  was  laid  out  by  Win.  Morrow  in  1848,  and  by  him  named  in 
honor  of  Gen.  Fremont,  who  about  that  time  made  his  trans-continental 
trip.  Mr.  Morrow  built  the  first  store  in  the  town,  a log  building,  which 
has  since  rotted  down.  The  first  dwelling  was  also  erected  and  occupied  by 
him,  and  is  now  used  as  a corn-crib,  located  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
town.  Just  across  the  street  and  a little  northeast,  stands  the  first  school 
house  that  Fremont  ever  had,  being  now  used  as  a stable. 

There  are  very  few  old  settlers  in  the  town,  though  quite  a number  live 
upon  the  surrounding  country. 

Fremont  has  a number  of  business  houses  of  which  we  note  the  follow- 
ing: Canon  & Gunn,  general  store,  established  1873.  These  gentlemen  are 
not  so  warlike  as  their  names  would  seem  to  indicate,  but  are  followers  of 
peace  and  good  business.  When  times  w^ere  good  their  sales  have  aggre- 
gated $30,000  per  annum. 

J.  Q.  White  & Son,  general  stock,  established  1872. 

F.  FT.  Byram  & Co.,  general  stock,  established  1876. 

M.  W.  By  ram,  drug  stock,  established  1876. 

In  addition  to  these,  Fremont  has  a blacksmith  and  wagon  shop,  hotel, 
three  churches,  and  photograph  gallery.  There  are  four  physicians  in  the 
place,  Drs.  McFall,  Hook,  Bond  and  Sigafoos. 

The  first  hotel  in  the  village  was  built  and  kept  by  Thomas  Rankin.  It 
still  stands  and  is  now  known  as  the  Canon  House,  and  is  conducted  in 
good  style  by  Samuel  R.  Canon. 

A post-office  was  established  in  1848,  and  to  this  fact  is  largely  due  the 
existence  of  Fremont  as  a town.  The  postmasters  have  been  in  service  in 
the  following  order,  Wm.  Morrow,  J.  Q.  White,  Mary  Canon,  I.  J.  Faucett, 
Ira  Barr,  S.  H.  Heinzman,  C.  W.  Wray,  A.  J.  Mader  and  J.  A.  Gunn,  who 
is  the  present  incumbent,  and  who  has  handled  the  mails  in  the  store  of 
Canon  & Gunn  during  the  past  four  years.  Fremont  has  a mail  three 
times  a week  from  Oskaloosa,  and  a new  route  has  just  been  established 
from  Ottumwa,  by  which  there  will  be  three  mails  per  week,  thus  giving 
the  town  a daily  mail. 

No  coal  has  been  discovered  nearer  than  four  miles  from  Fremont,  at 
which  distance  a mine  has  been  recently  opened  on  Skunk  river.  How- 
ever, this  is  only  a two  foot  vein,  and  most  of  the  coal  used  in  town  is 
brought  a distance  of  9 miles.  It  is  worth  about  12  cents,  delivered.  Wood 
sells  for  from  $2.50  to  $3.00  per  cord.  Most  of  the  merchandise  sold  in 
the  town  is  hauled  from  Ottumwa,  14  miles  distant,  some  of  which  is 
bought  there,  and  some  shipped  from  Keokuk.  Ottumwa  is  regarded  by 
the  citizens  as  the  most  convenient  shipping  point,  the  distance  however 
being  about  the  same  as  to  Oskaloosa. 

Fremont  has  a good  school,  and  school  building.  The  latter  is  located  in 
the  western  part  of  town,  and  is  a one  story  frame,  24x60  feet,  containing 
two  rooms,  one  of  which  is  used  as  a primary  school,  and  the  other  for 
more  advanced  pupils.  This  building  was  erected  in  1871  at  a cost  of 
about  $1,600  for  building,  and  $450  additional  for  lot  and  furniture.  It 
will  seat  about  150  pupils,  though  the  enrollment  the  past  year  has  been  a 
little  under  a hundred.  School  is  usually  kept  seven  months.  There  are 
two  teachers  employed  in  the  winter,  the  last  ones  being  Emma  and  Nettie 
Baitsell.  Salary  paid  is  from  $35  to  $40  per  month.  The  present  direc- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


519 


tors  are:  George  Lentz,  president;  R.  T.  Rewell,  secretary;  P.  Ackerman, 
treasurer. 

The  Free  Masons  have  a lodge  in  Fremont,  known  as  Toleration  Lodge, 
Ho.  236,  A.  F.  & A.  M.  It  was  established  in  1868,  the  lirst  officers  being 
as  follows:  J.  JD.  Cochran,  W.  M.;  P.  Akerman,  S.  W.;  J.  C.  Keith,  J.  W.; 

G.  Mershon,  secretary;  Win.  Dinsmore,  treasurer;  J.  H.  Heinzman,  S.  D.; 
J.  H.  Eastburn,  J.  D. ; Win.  Ellis,  Tyler.  The  lodge  built  a hall  about 
1870  at  an  expense  of  $800.  This  they  have  neatly  furnished  and  meet 
once  every  month.  The  present  number  of  members  is  52,  some  of  whom 
belong  to  Oskaloosa  chapter.  The  officers  for  1878  are:  H.  Allender,  W. 
M.;  F.  R.  By  ram,  S.  W.;  S.  F.  McFall,  J.  AY.;  M.  W.  Byram,  secretary; 
Geo.  Sha}der,  treasurer;  S.  H.  Heinzman,  S.  D.;  C.  G.  Bryam,  J.  D.;  E. 

H.  White,  Tyler. 

A branch  of  the  county  library  mentioned  in  county  history,  has  been 
established  at  Fremont.  An  initiation  fee  of  one  dollar  is  charged,  and  the 
payment  of  this,  with  50  cents  annual  dues,  constitutes  a membership. 
The  president  of  the  Fremont  branch  is  J.  W.  Slater,  secretary,  and  treas- 
urer, M.  W.  Byram.  The  number  of  members  is  22,  which  entitles  the 
branch  to  33  books,  one-half  more  books  being  allowed  than  there  are 
members  enrolled.  These  books  are  changed  every  three  months  at  the 
county  Superintendent’s  office  in  Oskaloosa. 

Fremont  has  three  churches,  viz: 

Fremont  M.  E.  Church — This  church  is  included  under  Cedar  circuit 
of  which  a sketch  has  been  given  in  the  history  of  Cedar  township.  The 
church  building  is  a brick  structure  built  in  1856,  and  has  for  sometime 
been  sadly  out  of  repair.  During  the  summer  of  1878,  however,  it  has 
been  refitted  and  made  comfortable.  The  original  cost  of  the  building  was 
about  $1,000.  The  present  membership  is  30.  The  pastor,  Geo.  Rulton, 
lives  in  Fremont  and  preaches  here  every  other  Sabbath.  The  present 
trustees  are  B.  C.  Howells,  B.  F.  Sheets,  and  Geo.  Lentz.  Ro  Sabbath- 
school  in  1878,  though  there  had  been  one  previously. 

Fremont  Christian  Church. — This  church  was  organized  about  1870, 
and  a house  of  worship  erected  in  1872.  At  its  organization  by  Rev.  G.  T. 
Johnson,  it  consisted  of  only  14  members,  but  grew  very  rapidly,  and  in 
18  months  after  the  founding,  the  congregation  were  able  to  erect  a neat 
frame  structure  at  a cost  of  near  $2,000.  At  one  time  the  membership 
reached  1 10,  but  recent  removals  and  other  causes  have  reduced  this  num- 
ber to  about  30.  Rev.  Johnson  preached  for  the  people  about  two  years; 
since  which  time  they  have  had  no  settled  pastor.  Rev.  Geo.  Carpenter  of 
Oskaloosa  supplied  the  church  for  some  time.  There  has  been  a Sunday- 
school  connected  with  the  church  most  of  the  time  since  1870,  at  present 
superintended  by  Ira  Barr.  The  present  elders  are  Ira  Barr,  Robt.  Alexan- 
der, and  James  Tidball. 

Fremont  Baptist  Church. — This  is  quite  a prominent  organization,  and 
has  a good  church  building.  We  did  not  succeed  in  securing  its  history. 

MUCIIAKIROCK. 

This  is  a mining  village  without  a corporation,  and  is  the  name  applied 
to  miners’  settlement,  stretching  two  or  three  miles  along  the  Muchakin- 
ock  creek,  between  Beacon  and  Givin,  including  several  hundred  inhabit- 
ants. The  first  mine  of  much  importance  opened  here  was  what  is  now 


520 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


known  as  Mine  No.  2,  which  began  to  be  worked  in  1870  or  1871.  A 
switch  was  laid  np  the  creek  from  Givin  station  in  1872,  and  since  that  time 
has  been  the  growth  of  the  town  and  the  great  development  of  the  mines. 
The  miners  are  generally  quiet  and  industrious,  and  there  is  not  much 
drinking,  although  the  town  has  a saloon.  There  has  been  but  one  acci- 
dent at  the  mines,  in  which,  by  a fall  of  slate  from  the  roof,  in  1877,  a 
miner,  a Welchman,  John  E.  Richards  by  name,  was  killed. 

The  only  general  store  in  Muchakinock  is  kept  by  Little,  Kelly  & Co. 
Their  sales  amount  to  $50,000  per  year,  with  stock  invested  amounting  to 
near  $9,000.  There  is  also  a drug  store  in  the  place. 

The  land  in  this  vicinity  is  worth  about  one  hundred  dollars  per  acre,  on 
account  of  the  coal  which  underlies  it.  The  land  along  Muchakinock  is  not 
very  valuable  for  farming. 

The  only  church  at  this  point  is  the  Welch  Congregational  Church,  in 
which,  for  some  time  past,  until  recently,  services  were  held  ever}'  Sabbath 
by  Rev.  Jones,  of  Beacon. 

The  church  was  organized  some  time  previous  to  1870.  The  house  of 
worship,  a frame  building,  was  built  about  1874.  The  other  ministers  who 
have  preached  here  are  D.  L.  Davies  and  D.  R.  Lewis. 

Muchakinock  is  remarkable  mainly  as  headquarters  of  the 

CONSOLIDATION  COAL  COMPANY. 

The  Consolidation  Coal  Co.  was  incorporated  on  January  12,  1875,  and 
has  a capital  stock  of  $500,000.  The  company,  however,  has  really  a his- 
tory antecedent  to  its  incorporation.  H.  W.  McNeill,  Esq.,  is  the  leading 
spirit  of  the  company,  and  properly  its  founder.  He  became  interested  in 
the  mines  at  Muchakinock,  where  the  headquarters  of  the  company  are  now 
located,  in  1873,  in  connection  with  what  is  known  as  the  Iowa  Central 
Coal  Co.  That  corporation  absorbed  the  Hardin  and  Mahaska  Coal  com- 
pany, and  subsequently  the  Southern  Coal  Co.,  with  seven  hundred  acres  of 
land  in  Muchakinock  valley.  These  were  organized  into  the  Consolidation 
Coal  Co.,  including  the  Black  Diamond  works,  south  of  the  Des  Moines 
river.  The  Consolidation  Coal  Co.,  in  1877,  bought  out  the  Mahaska 
County  Coal  Co.,  giving  them  the  largest  mines  and  interests  in  the  coun- 
ty. Besides  these,  the  company  is  interested  in  lead  mines,  near  Dubuque, 
Iowa,  silver  mines  in  Colorado,  and  gold  in  the  Black  Hills.  The  present 
coal  acreage  owned  by  the  company  is  1,600  acres,  costing  about  one  hun- 
dred dollars  per  acre.  The  capacity  of  the  mines  in  Mahaska  county  is 
two  thousand  tons  per  day.  The  mines  include  one  shaft  and  six  drifts; 
one  drift  worked  by  machinery  for  drawing  out  the  coal;  the  remainder  by 
mules.  The  Muchakinock  vein  is  about  six  feet,  and  is  worked  by  three 
drifts  within  one-fourth  mile  of  the  intersection  of  the  Harrison  and  Des 
Moines  township  lines  with  a branch  of  Muchakinock  creek.  The  Mahaska 
Count}'  mine,  about  one  and  one-half  miles  southwest  from  Beacon,  is 
worked  by  shaft.  Yein,  eight  feet.  Black  Diamond  mines  are  worked  by 
two  drifts — three  feet  veins,  located  in  Monroe  county.  The  number  of 
men  on  the  pay-roll  of  the  company  in  Mahaska  county,  is  near  four  hun- 
dred. The  company’s  plan  of  wages  is  to  pay  the  men  one-half  of  the 
gross  receipts  of  the  corporation,  and  this  is  divided  among  their  employes 
in  proportion  to  their  work.  The  present  profits  to  the  miners  is  a frac- 
tion over  three  cents  per  bushel.  The  company  are  highly  satisfied  with 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


521 


the  working  of  this  plan,  and  have  never  had  any  trouble  from  strikes. 
The  coal  mined  is  of  excellent  quality,  and  a trial  of  its  strength  shows  the 
average  train  mileage  on  western  roads  using  the  company’s  coal,  to  be 
forty  miles  per  ton  of  coal,  and  the  evaporative  power  to  be  five  pounds  of 
water  to  one  of  coal.  The  number  of  cars  actually  mined  in  1876,  was 
13,000.  In  1877, 11,500  cars.  A switch  from  the  Central  road  is  laid  up 
the  creek  from  Givin  station  to  the  Muchakinock  mines,  and  has  been  in 
operation  since  1873.  The  first  president  of  the  company  was  C.  C.  Gilman, 
formerly  of  the  Central  Railroad;  then  Senator  Clark,  of  Iowa  City.  His 
successor  and  the  present  incumbent  is  J.  K.  Graves,  of  Dubuque.  H.  W. 
McNeill  has  been  superintendent,  and  his  brother,  W.  A.  McNeill,  has 
been  secretarj7  of  the  company  since  its  organization.  The  board  of  direc- 
tors is  composed  of  the  following  gentlemen: 

J.  K.  Graves,  of  Dubuque;  E Clark,  of  Iowa  City;  R E.  Finkbine,  of 
Des  Moines;  H.  W.  McNeill,  of  Muchakinock;  W.  A.  McNeill,  of  Mucha- 
kinock; Tom  Height,  of  Coalfield;  E.  J.  Evans,  of  Beacon. 

The  company’s  coal  is  shipped  largely  to  Northern  Iowa  and  Minnesota 
railroads,  and  most  of  it  reaches  three  hundred  miles  from  the  place  of 
mining. 

MUCHAKINOCK  COKE  COMPANY. 

The  Muchakinock  Coke  Co.  was  organized  in  1877,  with  a capital  stock 
of  $50,000.  The  capacity  of  the  works  is  four  car  loads  per  week.  The 
company  manufactures  a good  article  of  coke,  which  they  sell  in  competi- 
tion with  Anthracite  coal,  for  fancy  fuel.  The  directors  of  the  company 
are:  H.  W.  and  W.  A.  McNeill,  of  Muchakinock,  and  John  W.  Gilman, 
of  Mason  City.  IT.  W.  McNeill  is  president,  and  W.  A.  McNeill  is  secre- 
tary and  treasurer. 


TOWNSHIPS. 


CEDAR. 

This  township  is  No.  74  north,  of  range  14  west,  5th  principal  Meridian, 
and  was  surveyed  by  Geo.  Wilson,  Deputy  Surveyor  in  employ  of  the  U. 
S.  Government,  in  November,  1844.  Township  lines  were  run  by  Alvin 
Burt  in  the  fall  of  1843.  It  is  almost  exclusively  prairie  land,  gently  roll- 
ing, a little  wet  in  low  parts.  The  soil  is  of  the  very  best  quality,  dark, 
deep  black,  and  light  to  work.  It  has  some  timber  in  the  northeast  corner 
near  Skunk  river,  and  some  small  groves  in  cedar.  There  are  very  few 
springs.  The  township  is  divided  into  rather  small  farms,  most  of  them 
containing  a quarter-section  or  less,  but  they  are  well  improved,  and  pre- 
sent the  appearance  of  a fine  agricultural  country.  Cedar  creek  crosses  the 
southwestern  part  of  the  township  in  a southeasterly  direction.  Almost  the 
entire  township  is  under  cultivation,  and  not  more  than  200  acres  of  prairie 
is  now  unbroken.  Considerable  attention  has  been  given  to  stock  raising 
in  Cedar,  and  in  former  years  it  has  had  the  reputation  of  leading  the 
eounty  in  this  respect.  The  best  timber  in  the  township  is  burr  oak  and 
white  oak.  There  are  no  saw  mills.  Land  is  worth  from  $30  to  $40  per 
acre. 

Cedar  township  was  settled  as  early  as  any  other  part  of  the  county,  some 
settlers  having  come  here  in  the  spring  of  1843.  Of  those  now  living,  how- 
ever, none,  perhaps,  can  show  an  earlier  record  than  Samuel  McFall,  Sr., 
who  came  here  with  his  family  in  the  spring  of  1844  and  settled  on  section 
No.  11,  where  he  now  resides  in  a house  which  he  built  shortly  after  his 
settlement,  and  which  is  now  probably  the  oldest  building  standing  in  the 
township.  On  his  place  was  built  the  first  school  house  where  the  ideas  of 
Cedar  began  to  shoot.  The  building  was  erected  in  1846,  and  was  after  the 
backwoods  fashion.  Greased  paper  windows,  clay  chimney  outside,  pun- 
cheon floor  and  desks — such  was  the  furniture  our  fathers  used  when  they 
were  boys.  This  was  a subscription  school,  of  which  the  first  teacher  was 
Joseph  McFall,  a nephew  of  Samuel  McFall,  above  mentioned. 

rlhe  Methodists  appear  to  have  captured  Cedar  township  even  more  thor- 
oughly than  other  parts  of  Mahaska  county,  and  they  have  been  holding 
the  fort  ” ever  since.  There  are  three  JV1.  E.  churches  within  the  bounda- 
ries of  the  township,  of  which  the  pastors  are  the  ministers  in  charge  of 
what  is  now  known  as  Cedar  Circuit.  The  circuit  under  which  this  locality 
has  been  assigned  has  suffered  frequent  changes  in  names  and  boundaries. 
At  one  time  known  as  Eddyville  Circuit,  again  as  Oskaloosa  Circuit,  more 
recently,  and  for  some  time  previous  to  1873  known  as  Fremont  Circuit, 
and  since  that  date  as  Cedar  Circuit.  The  present  minister  in  charge  is 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


523 


Rev.  Geo.  N niton,  of  Fremont,  who  preaches  at  the  five  churches  within 
the  bounds  of  the  circuit,  viz:  Fremont  M.  E.  Church,  Concert  M.  E. 
Church,  Cedar  M.  E.  Chapel,  Fairview  Church  and  Greenwood  Church, 
these  last  two  being  in  Harrison  township.  So  far  as  we  have  been  able  to 
learn  we  give  the  names  of  the  ministers  in  charge  in  about  the  order  in 
which  they  labored,  viz:  Rev.  Tlios.  Kirkpatrick,  Rev.  Wright,  Rev.  Jen- 
nison,  Rev.  New,  Rev.  J.  Q.  Hammond,  Rev.  Strange  Brooks,  Rev.  J.  Joy, 
Rev.  Win.  Paston,  Rev.  Geo.  Clammer,  Rev.  Jos.  Paul,  Rev.  Carl,  Rev. 
Thos.  Paul,  Rev.  Abner  Orr;  1863,  Rev.  G.  H.  Clark;  1864,  Rev.  E John- 
son; 1865,  Rev.  J.  H.  Lucas;  1866  and  1867,  Rev.  J.  G.  Thompson;  1868, 
R.  S.  Robinson;  1869 and  1870,  Rev.  B. F.  Shain  and  Rev.  J.  W.  Robinson; 
1871,  Rev.  W.  I.  Miller;  1872,  Rev.  J.  S.  King;  1873  Rev.  J.  M.  Mann 
and  Rev.  H.  F.  Pugh;  1874,  Rev.  M.  Lee;  1875-6,  Rev.  C.  W.  Shepherd; 
1877-8,  Rev.  Geo.  Nulton.  G.  B.  McFall  has  been  steward  of  this  circuit 
since  1855,  with  the  exception  of  a single  year. 

The  first  religious  organization  formed  in  the  township  was  the  begin- 
ning of  the  Concert  M.  E.  Church  in  the  spring  of  1844,  in  the  house  of 
Samuel  Barbee,  near  where  the  present  building  now  stands.  The  first 
members  were  Samuel  McFall,  his  wife,  and  daughter  Sarah  (now  Mrs. 
Howells),  Solomon  Barbee  and  wife,  Homer  Stone  and  wife,  and  the 
mother  of  Solomon  Barbee.  The  minister  at  the  organization  was  Rev. 
Kirkpatrick.  This  church  had  no  house  of  worship  till  1856,  when  the 
present  brick  structure  was  built  at  a cost  of  $1,700.  The  trustees  at  the 
time  of  building  were  Jos.  Paul,  David  Mills,  John  Zaring,  Gideon  McFall, 
M.  Kinsman,  David  Beck,  F.  W.  Lindsley,  Thos.  Paul  and  James  Wright. 
The  church  was* dedicated  January  3,  1858,  by  Rev.  Cowles,  of  Oskaloosa. 
At  present  the  inrch  numbers  about  seventy  members,  being  the  largest 
in  the  circuit.  A prosperous  Sabbath-school  is  held  in  the  church  building, 
superintended  by  Wm.  L.  Crandall.  The  trustees  for  1878  are  John  Zar- 
ing, D.  T.  Mills,  Samuel  McFall,  Sr. 

Cedar  Chapel,  on  section  18,  as  above  mentioned,  is  a part  of  Cedar  Cir- 
cuit. The  congregation  numbers  fifty-seven  persons.  Sabbath-school  is 
in  good  condition,  with  A.  D.  Coleman  as  superintendent.  The  trustees 
are  A.  D.  Coleman,  R.  W.  Moore,  Wm.  Fox,  E.  Brubaker, Steele. 

The  first  camp  meeting  in  Cedar  township  was  held  in  the  grove  of 
Samuel  McFall,  by  Rev.  J.  Q.  Hammond,  assisted  by  others,  in  1850. 

Probably  the  first  marriage  in  Cedar  township  was  that  of  Joel  Hunter 
and  Mahuldah  Barbee.  The  ceremony  was  performed  by  Rev.  Kirkpat- 
rick at  the  residence  of  the  bride’s  parents,  and  a grand  wedding  dinner 
followed.  This  was  in  the  autumn  of  1844. 

Wm.  Morrow  was  the  first  justice  of  the  peace. 

The  present  towmship  officers  are: 

Trustees — R.  S.  McCarl,  Samuel  McClane,  G.  B.  McFall. 

Clerk — I.  W.  Moody. 

Justices — Geo.  Lentz,  F.  M.  By  ram. 

Constables — S.  T.  McFall,  Chas.  Randolph. 

Assessor — N.  W.  Foster. 


At  the  time  of  the  grange  movement  Cedar  township  had  an  organiza- 
tion numbering  about  sixty  members,  but  this  has  since  disbanded,  and  at 
present  there  is  no  society  of  agricultural  or  political  nature  in  the  town- 


524 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Beside  Fremont  there  are  two  other  post-offices  in  Cedar  township,  Con- 
cert and  Cedar. 

Concert  was  made  a post-office  in  1876.  L.  Bryan  is  the  postmaster. 

Cedar  became  a post-office  in  1873.  The  first  postmaster  was  R.  W. 
Moore,  succeeded  by  J.  N.  Endicott,  the  present  incumbent.  Mr.  Endi- 
cott  also  keeps  a general  store. 

The  impromptu  manner  in  which  sites  were  selected  and  dwellings  be- 
gun in  the  pioneer  days  is  illustrated  by  an  incident  related  of  a settler  who 
staked  out  a claim  a few  hundred  rods  north  of  Fremont.  He  went  out  into 
the  timber  with  a double  yoke  of  oxen,  cut  a log,  hitched  to  it  and  drove 
onto  his  claim  without  having  chosen  a location  for  the  proposed  cabin. 
He  then  drove  oxen,  dragging  a log  after  them,  all  over  his  place,  and  to- 
ward night  declared  his  choice  of  site  by  unhitching  his  team  and  leaving 
the  log  in  position  for,  not  corner-stone,  but — we  will  call  it  a back-log. 

A panther  was  seen  on  the  place  of  Samuel  McFall  in  the  cabin  days, 
and  its  human-like  cries  are  still  remembered  by  some  of  the  old  settlers. 
The  recollection  is  now  more  pleasant  than  the  dread  of  the  animal  in  the 
days  of  its  prowling. 

Cedar  township  pioneers  went  fifty-five  miles  to  mill,  and  a five  days’ 
journey  was  necessary  to  complete  the  trip.  In  such  times  wheat  bread  was 
a luxury. 


HARRISON. 

This  township  is  one  of  the  southern  tier  in  Mahaska  county.  It  was 
laid  out  as  a township  by  Alvin  and  Win.  A.  Burt,  in  June  and  August, 
1843.  It  is  designated  on  the  records  as  township  74,  north  of  range  15, 
wTest  of  5th  principal  meridian.  The  section  lines  were  run  by  Geo.  Wilson, 
Deputy  Surveyor,  in  employ  of  United  States  Government,  in  November 
and  December,  1844.  The  soil  of  Harrison  township  is  of  most  excellent 
quality,  mostly  prairie.  It  contained  but  little  timber  at  time  of  settle- 
ment, and  that  of  poor  quality.  The  prairie  is  rolling,  and  well  adapted  to 
farming  purposes.  The  northeastern  portion  is  rather  flat. 

Harrison  township  has  no  town,  save  a part  of  Muchakinock.  However, 
a corner  of  Eddyville  juts  over  from  Wapello  county.  Coal  is  plenty  in 
Harrison,  and  easily  worked.  The  township  is  watered  by  Loss,  Kennebec, 
and  other  creeks.  This  township  has  many  large  stock  dealers,  and  some 
of  the  finest  horses  in  the  county.  Here  is  the  pottery  and  fire  clay  men- 
tioned in  the  introduction  of  this  work.  In  Harrison  was  built  the  first 
white  man’s  house  ever  in  the  county,  as  has  been  elsewhere  mentioned. 
So  many  settlers  came  into  Harrison  May  1,  1843,  that  personal  mention 
would  be  tiresome.  The  early  history  was  uneventful.  The  settlers  went 
to  Bonaparte  or  Farmington  to  mill,  sent  their  children  to  subscription 
schools  in  log  shanties,  attended  class-meeting  on  the  frontier,  sowed  and 
reaped  as  in  other  parts  of  the  county.  Harrison  is  one  of  the  few  town- 
ships organized  in  1841  with  its  present  boundaries.  At  first  elections 
were  held  at  the  house  of  Samuel  Tilbets. 

In  this  township  is  located  Fairview  M.  E.  Church,  which  was  organized 
at  quite  an  early  day,  and  formerly  called  the  Rlnnehart  society.  It  met 
in  “Rhinehart’s  school-house”  for  a number  of  years. 

They  now  have  an  excellent  church  building,  erected  about  1872,  at  a 
cost  of  near  $2,000.  The  membership  of  the  society  is  fifty-nine.  It  has 


I 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


527 


been  a part  of  Eddyville,  Oskaloosa,  Fremont  and  Cedar  circuits  in  suc- 
cession. The  present  minister  is  Rev.  Geo.  Hnlton,  who  lives  at  Fre- 
mont, and  preaches  here  each  alternate  Sabbath.  Connected  with  the 
church  is  an  excellent  Sabbath-school,  superintended  by  Mr.  Riggs. 

The  present  township  officers  of  Harrison  are: 

J ustice  of  the  Peace — Robert  Moore. 

Trustees — John  Steelq,  Y.  Brubaker,  D.  D.  Miller. 

Clerk — A.  D.  Coleman. 

Assessor — Robert  Moore. 

Constable — A.  Baker. 

Road  Supervisors — 1st  District,  R.  W.  Dye;  2d,  Joseph  Barber;  3d, 
C.  C.  Palmer;  4th,  Thos.  Ewing;  5th,  A.  L.  Hoopes;  6th,  H.  H.  Gearhart; 
7th,  A.  D.  Coleman;  8th,  J.  A.  Stephenson;  9th,  J.  W.  Thomas. 

In  a sketch  of  Harrison  township  it  would  be  proper  to  place  on  record 
an  account  of  one  of  the  most  terrible  disasters  which  ever  occurred  in  the 
coal  fields  of  Central  Iowa.  On  the  farm  of  William  G.  Briggs  was  a coal 
shaft,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  house,  the  shaft  was 
thirty-two  feet  deep  and  about  eight  feet  square,  in  which  considerable 
water  had  gathered,  and  which  had  been  used  for  watering  stock,  the  water 
being  drawn  out  by  a bucket  raised  by  horse  power.  On  the  morning  of 
August  12,  1871,  about  7:30  o’clock,  two  sons  of  Wm.  G.  Briggs,  Mahlon, 
aged  eighteen,  and  Charlie,  aged  ten  years,  went  out  to  this  shaft  to  water 
the  stock.  While  they  were  there  a neighbor’s  boy  named  Jimmie  Cow- 
den  came  along,  in  search  of  some  lost  hogs,  and  was  assisting  them,  when 
the  bucket  failing  to  fill,  Charlie  Briggs,  the  younger  boy,  was  sent  down 
to  fill  it  by  dipping,  the  water  being  very  low  in  the  shaft.  He  had  been 
there  but  a moment  when  he  notified  his  brother  that  he  was  suffocating. 
Mahlon  immediately  went  down  to  his  rescue,  put  his  brother  in  the 
bucket,  got  in  himself,  and  called  to  the  boy  to  draw  them  up,  which,  with 
the  aid  of  the  horse,  he  at  once  did.  But  when  the  bucket  almost  reached 
the  top,  young  Cowden  noticed  Mahlon  let  go  and  fall  to  the  bottom. 
Charlie  was  raised  out  safely,  though  insensible.  The  boy  Cowden  then 
called  to  Wm.  G.  Briggs,  who  was  near  the  house,  and  who  immediately 
ran  to  the  shaft  and  down  the  ladder,  probably  not  thinking  of  damps,  but 
under  the  impression  that  Mahlon  was  drowning.  Soon  seeing  his  mis- 
take he  started  out  again,  but  before  reaching  the  top  lost  his  hold  and  fell 
to  the  bottom  of  the  pit.  Seeing  him  fall,  young  Cowden  started  for  the 
field  for  help.  On  the  way  he  met  Anna  Briggs,  daughter  of  Wm.  Briggs, 
about  fourteen  years  of  age,  running  over  from  the  house,  and  told  her  not 
to  go  into  the  shaft.  He  then  ran  across  the  fields  over  half  a mile  to 
where  some  men  were  threshing,  and  gave  the  alarm.  While  he  was  gone, 
however,  the  girl  went  down  and  met  the  fate  of  the  rest.  The  threshers 
all  ran  to  the  pit.  Mr.  W.  G.  Briggs’  brother  George  was  the  first  to 
reach  the  mouth  of  the  pit,  and  immediately  descending  the  ladder,  was 
overcome.  Edward  Grier,  an  Irishman,  who  had  been  working  on  the 
farm  for  four  years,  arrived  with  the  crowd,  and  started  to  go  down.  The 
crowd  tried  to  dissuade  him,  but  could  not.  They  then  wished  to  tie  a 
rope  around  him,  but  he  would  not  wait.  He  went  down  to  his  fate. 
Grappling  irons  were  procured  as  soon  as  possible  and  the  bodies  raised, 
but  of  course  not  till  after  death  had  ensued.  Thus  briefly  we  sketch  from 
the  Herald  report  an  account  of  one  of  the  most  heart-rending  catastro- 
phies  the  Iowa  historian  has  been  called  upon  to  record.  Five  persons, 
32 


528 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


substantially  of  a single  family,  stricken  in  the  prime  of  life,  in  a single 
half  hour. 

DES  MOINES. 

This  is  known  in  surveys  as  township  74,  north  of  range  16,  west  of  the 
fifth  principal  meridian.  The  township  lines  were  surveyed  by  Win.  A. 
Burt,  August,  1843,  and  section  lines  by  William  Dewey,  January,  1845. 
The  southwestern  portion  of  the  township  is  cut  off  from  the  main  part  by 
the  Des  Moines  river.  This  township  contains  a large  body  of  first  rate 
land.  The  bottoms  of  the  Des  Moines  are  generally  wide  and  have  a con- 
siderable growth  of  walnut  and  cottonwood  timber.  At  the  time  of  the 
survey  of  this  township  it  was  remarked  by  the  surveyor  that  the  white 
oak  timber  here  was  the  finest  he  had  seen  in  the  Territory.  Limestone  is 
frequent  along  the  river. 

A party  of  six  white  men  came  into  this  township  April  26,  1843.  This 

party  was  composed  of  Ephriam  Munsell,  Harry  Brewer, Scribner, 

Isaac  DeWitt,  Harvey  Case,  and  Phillip  Schuyler.  This  party  first  camped 
on  what  was  known  as  Stumbo  Bottom.  There  were  at  that  time  Indian 
huts  here  and  there  all  along  the  Muchakinock.  These  men  put  their  axes 
in  their  knapsacks,  without  handles,  so  they  could  not  be  seen  by  the  dra- 
goons, and  when  they  wished  to  use  them  made  handles  with  a butcher 
knife.  On  their  way  into  the  country  they  passed  a burning  wagon  which 
had  been  set  on  fire  by  the  dragoons  for  transgressing  on  forbidden  ter- 
ritory. 

When  the  party  came  to  Muchakinock  they  were  kindly  treated  by  the 
Indians,  who  showed  them  a fine  spring  of  wat$r  and  told  them  of  the  best 
places  for  farms.  One  night  they  camped  in  the  hollow  trunk  of  a fallen 
tree,  large  enough  to  stand  erect  in.  A day  later  they  encamped  in  the 
Indian  huts,  which  they  had  deserted,  on  the  Muchakinock.  At  that  day 
the  coal  croppings  could  be  seen  but  the  settlers  did  not  realize  their  value, 
nor  was  much  of  the  coal  land  claimed  for  several  years. 

Among  other  settlers  of  an  early  day  were  John  L.  Hennis,  Hollom 

Bice, Anderson,  and  Daniel  Downing,  on  Six-mile  prairie;  Colonel 

Bose  and  John  Doosenberry,  north  of  Muchakinock;  south  of  Muchaki- 
nock the  Benedicts  (old  bachelors)  settled  in  1843,  and  built  a saw  mill 
during  the  same  year,  and  added  a pair  of  corncrackers  in  1844.  This 
mill  was  quite  a rude  structure.  The  burrs  were  made  of  what  is  vulgarly 
called  nigger-heads.  The  water  wheel  was  that  known  as  the  Parker 
wheel.  Settlers  came  there  for  grists  from  beyond  Ft.  Des  Moines. 

Holland  Benedict  and  John  Brown  were  first  justices.  The  first  elec- 
tion was  held  at  the  house  of  Col.  Yance,  Des  Moines  and  Harrison  then 
forming  together  a single  precinct  Des  Moines  became  a separate  town- 
ship in  January,  1845,  and  Ephriam  Munsell  was  elected  first  clerk.  The 
place  of  holding  the  election  was  at  the  house  of  John  Stumbo. 

The  first  school  was  taught  in  six-mile  bottom,  probably  in  the  winter 
of  1844,  in  a log  cabin.  This  was  a private  school.  The  first  school 
house  was  built  by  private  enterprise,  about  1848,  and  school  taught  by 
Adelaide  Schuyler. 

Game  was  quite  plenty  in  Des  Moines  township  at  an  early  day.  Mr. 
Munsell  relates  an  incident  somewhat  remarkable  of  his  early  hunting,  if 
hunting  it  might  be  called.  He  was,  one  winter  day  when  the  snow  was  quite 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


529 


deep  on  the  ground,  engaged  tramping  out  some  wheat,  when  he  heard,  in 
the  distance,  the  baying  of  some  hounds.  Looking  across  the  country  he 
could  see  a deer  running  and  the  dogs  in  full  chase.  The  deer  was  running 
in  a sort  of  trail,  or  beaten  track.  He  jumped  on  a horse  and  intercepted 
its  course,  compelling  it  to  turn  into  the  deep  snow.  Following  it  a few 
rods  he  overtook  it  with  the  aid  of  the  dogs  and  cut  its  throat  with  a jack 
knife.  Prairie  chickens  were  abundant  and  tame,  and  it  was  no  uncommon 
thing  to  knock  one  over  with  a stone  from  the  hand. 

A few  years  since  quite  a sad  accident  happened  in  the  township,  which 
was  as  follows:  A Mr.  Clayworth  was  doing  some  work  about  an  old  well 
near  his  house,  and  accidentally  dropping  the  bucket  into  the  same,  went 
down  after  it.  Mrs.  C.,  missing  her  husband,  went  in  search  of  him  and 
discovered  him  in  the  well  helpless.  She  descended  to  his  assistance  and 
was  likewise  overcome  with  the  damps.  The  children,  four  or  five  in  num- 
ber, having  clustered  around  the  well,  thinking  something  was  wrong,  gave 
the  alarm  to  the  neighbors.  The  oldest  child  was  but  nine  years  of  years. 
Mrs.  C.  was  still  living  when  assistance  arrived  and  was  holding  her  hus- 
band’s head  out  of  the  water,  but  died  before  she  was  taken  out,  her  hus- 
band probably  having  been  dead  when  she  found  him. 

GIVIN  STATION 

Is  a small  town  on  the  lines  of  the  K.  & D.  M.  and  Central  Roads,  in 
the  eastern  part  of  this  township,  and  is  about  six  miles  from  Oskaloosa. 

It  was  laid  out  by  Harry  Brewer  in  1870,  and  named  in  honor  of  John 
Givin,  of  Keokuk,  then  superintendent  of  the  K.  & D.  M.  Railroad.  The 
first  store  was  built  in  1870,  by  Mr.  Brewer,  which  is  now  kept  by  his  son, 
G.  W.  Brewer. 

It  was  made  a station  in  1871. 

There  was  a post-office  at  this  point  previously  to  the  town.  The  post- 
masters have  been  Hiram  Ethridge,  1862-3;  E.  Munsell,  1861-5;  Geo.  W. 
Brewer,  1875 — present  incumbent. 

The  officers  of  Des  Moines  township  are: 

Trustees— D.  W.  Delashmutt,  W.  W.  Sprague,  Zebulon  Hoff. 

Clerk — J.  P.  McCrea. 

Assessor — C.  W.  McFall. 

Constable — T.  S.  Barton. 


JEFFERSON. 

This  is  known  in  United  States  surveys  as  township  number  74,  north 
of  range  17,  west  of  the  5th  principal  meridian,  and  was  surveyed  as  a 
township  and  divided  into  sections,  during  the  winter  of  1844-5,  by  ¥m. 
Dewey.  It  is  cut  off  from  the  remainder  of  the  county  by  the  Des  Moines 
river.  The  soil  is  good,  fertile,  and  yields  abundantly.  It  is  well  watered 
by  Coal,  Bluff,  and  other  creeks.  The  A.  K.  & D.  railroad  in  Marion 
county,  runs  within  half  a mile  of  the  western  boundary  of  this  township, 
and  convenient  stations  afford  good  railroad  facilities. 

The  first  three  settlers  in  this  township  were  Moses  Nowels,  Hiram  Co- 
vey, and  E.  Flanders.  These  men  came  into  the  township  in  April,  1843, 
and  made  their  claims  in  the  early  morning  of  May  1st.  For  a considera- 
ble time  they  had  no  post-office  nearer  than  Oskaloosa.  Nor  was  there 
either  ferry  or  ford  across  the  Des  Moines.  The  settlers  sometimes  con- 


530 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


structed  small  rafts  and  took  their  wagons  across  in  pieces,  swimming  the 
horses  behind.  In  this  way  it  took  about  a half  day  to  cross  the  river. 

The  first  school  was  taught  by  Mrs.  Geo.  W.  Baer,  on  section  3,  in  a log 
school  house.  This  was  a subscription  school  and  was  conducted  about 
1845  or  1846. 

Mr.  Nowels  gave  us  a description  of  the  early  fanning  mill  which  he 
used.  The  grain  was  tramped  out  on  the  bare  ground  and  the  kernel  and 
chaff’  were  swept  up  and  thrown  into  a rail  pen.  When  it  'became  neces- 
sary to  separate  the  wheat  from  the  chaff  one  man  took  a half  bushel  of 
the  mixture,  and  holding  it  as  high  as  he  could,  poured  its  contents  slowly 
to  the  ground  while  two  others  made  a current  of  air  by  means  of  a bed 
sheet  or  quilt,  which,  in  their  hands,  accomplished  the  work  of  a fan. 
When  a strong  wind  was  blowing  this  power  was  sometimes  dispensed 
with  and  Dame  Nature  herself  did  the  necessary  fanning. 

The  land  in  Jefferson  contains  a number  of  small  groves  of  jack  oak  and 
elm,  but  the  timber  is  not  remarkable.  There  are  several  springs  of  good 
water  in  the  township.  Coal  is  not  much  mined. 

From  a well  dug  on  Sampson  More’s  farm,  in  1875,  we  get  the  following 


record  of  strata: 

Soil,  rich  black  loam 2 feet. 

Yellow  clay 13  “ 

Soapstone  14  “ 

Slate 12  “ 

Coal 2 “ 

Black  jack 2 “ 

Oil  slate — burns  readily 16  “ 

Animal  formation 20  “ 

Vegetable  formation 15  u 

Slate 6 “ 

Coal 3 “ 


105  feet. 

There  are  now  two  post-offices  in  Jefferson  township,  Ferry  and  Eveland 
Grove. 

The  present  officers  are: 

Justice — J.  M.  Tucker. 

Trustees — Freeman  Eveland,  J.  W.  Calloway,  John  Collins. 

Clerk — A.  Mehanna. 

Assessor — Wm.  A.  Atkinson. 

Constables — J.  W.  Trotter,  L.  C.  Williams. 

WHITE  OAK. 

This  township  is  on  the  eastern  line  of  Mahaska  county,  and  is  known 
in  surveys  as  township  No.  75  north,  range  No.  14  west,  of  the  5th  princi- 
pal meridian.  The  township  lines  were  run  by  Alvin  Burt  in  the  fall  of 

1843,  and  the  sub-divisions  by  U.  S.  Surveyor  S.  C.  Wiltse,  in  December, 

1844.  The  south  fork  of  Skunk  river  flows  through  the  township  and  pre- 
sents generally,  a rapid  current,  a sandy  bed,  and  perpendicular  banks  of 
15  feet  in  height.  The  river  bottom  is  valuable  only  for  its  timber,  which 
is  abundant  and  of  good  quality.  The  uplands  are  so  slightly  elevated 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


531 


above  the  main  streams,  as  scarcely  to  merit  the  name.  The  surface  is 
very  moderately  rolling,  and  the  soil  of  a choice  quality.  The  prairies, 
when  they  occur  distinct,  are  beautiful,  and  the  timber  has  been  first-class. 
The  township  is  decidedly  mixture  in  its  kind  of  land,  timber  land,  brush 
and  prairie  alternating.  It  contains  about  700  acres  of  swamp  lands,  and 
is  traversed  by  a number  of  small  creeks  which  flow  into  Skunk  river. 
Its  name  is  taken  from  the  kind  of  timber  predominating.  The  township 
also  contains  some  good  ledges  of  rock,  from  which  building-stone  may  be 
obtained. 

Among  the  very  first  settlers  in  White  Oak  were  Alex.  Troy  and  two 
brothers,  M.  Kinsman,  Henry  Bond,  Wm.  Bridges,  James  Stanfield,  John 
and  W m.  Butler.  It  would  be  hard  to  decide  between  these  as  to  who  did 
make  the  first  settlemement,  they  having  come  in  together  at  the  time  the 
land  came  into  possession  of  the  whites.  This  township  contained  the 
Indian  village  known  as  Kisli-Ke-Koslrs  village,  and  to  its  ruins  the  first 
settlers  were  indebted  for  part  of  their  building  material.  M.  Kinsman 
probably  had  the  first  cabin  completed.  It  was  built  of  logs  and  covered 
with  bark  from  the  Indian  wigwams.  The  first  school  in  this  township 
was  in  a claim  house  belonging  to  Henry  Bond,  and  located  on  section  31. 
It  was  taught  by  a lady  teacher  whose  name  we  could  not  ascertain,  and 
was  a subscription  school.  This  was  in  1845.  Ho  religious  exercises 
were  held  in  the  bounds  of  this  township  until  in  this  same  year,  when 
Rev.  Kirkpatrick,  a Methodist  preacher  on  Eddyville  circuit,  preached  in 
the  house  of  M.  Kinsman.  Quite  a number  of  the  settlers,  however,  had 
attended  services  at  the  Concert  M.  E.  church  in  Cedar  township,  and 
some  of  them  belonged  to  the  class  organized  there  at  a very  early  day. 

In  order  to  utilize  the  very  excellent  timber  thereabouts,  and  to  assist 
the  incoming  settlers  to  more  comfortable  homes,  a saw-mill  was  started 
on  the  ground  where  White  Oak  P.  O.  now  stands.  This  was  run  by  ox 
power — six  oxen  answering  for  a steam  engine.  Of  course  the  work  was 
not  very  rapid,  nor  were  the  logs  sawed  very  large,  but  cabin  floors  were 
provided  for,  and  puncheon  furniture  was  superseded  by  that  made  from 
sawed  lumber. 

On  this  ground  a town  was  laid  out  in  18 and  grew  to  be  quite  a 

village,  containing  twelve  or  fifteen  houses.  Twenty  acres  of  land  had 
been  laid  out  in  lots.  The  lack  of  a railroad,  or  other  causes  for  building- 
up  a town,  left  Oxford  in  a declining  condition,  and  about  twenty  years 
ago  it  began  to  be  abandoned.  In  1860  or  thereabouts,  the  town  lots  were 
bought  up  by  Messrs.  Kinsman  & Gaskell,  were  fenced  in  and  turned  into 
corn  fields.  How  the  place  is  called  White  Oak  P.  O.  The  old  dwellings 
have  about  all  disappeared.  The  post-office  is  kept  by  O.  R.  Gaskell,  who 
has  been  keeping  a general  store  here  since  1871.  The  post-office  was  es- 
tablished in  1869,  with  Henry  Winder  as  first  postmaster.  The  office  is 
on  the  mail  route  between  Oskaloosa  and  Cedar  and  has  three  mails  per 
week. 

OSKALOOSA. 

This  township  contains  the  county -seat,  and  is  twice  the  size  of  an  ordi- 
nary township,  being  longest  in  an  eastern  and  western  direction.  It  cor- 
responds to  those  tracts  in  the  government  surveys  known  as  township 
seventy-five  (75)  north,  Ranges  15  and  16,  west  of  5th  principal  meridian, 
Mahaska  county,  Iowa.  In  the  northeastern  part  it  is  not  regular  in  shape, 


532 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


but  follows  the  channel  of  Skunk  river.  In  the  government  survey  the 
regular  township  lines  were  made  by  Wm.  and  Alvin  Burt  in  the  summer 
of  1843,  and  the  survey  was  completed  by  George  Wilson  in  January, 
1845.  The  entire  township  is  thickly  settled,  and  is  well  adapted  for  farm- 
ing purposes.  The  southeastern  and  western  portions  are  good  prairie, 
and  the  northeastern  part  is  considerably  broken.  Along  the  creeks  the 
coal  veins  reach  the  surface,  and  the  coal  is  easily  mined  from  the  banks. 
The  Muchakinock  crosses  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  township,  with 
steep  banks,  and  good  current.  The  soil  is  excellent.  Timber  is  rather 
poor,  except  in  the  southern  part  along  the  Muchakinock. 

Within  the  boundaries  of  this  township  are  Oskaloosa  and  Beacon,  the 
first  and  third  towns  in  the  county  in  size,  and  the  history  of  these  places 
in  connection  with  the  coal  interests,  has  included  the  early  history  of  the 
township. 

Oskaloosa  is  by  far,  the  wealthiest  township  in  Mahaska,  and  takes  a 
leading  place  in  stock  raising.  The  census  of  1874  shows  within  the  lim- 
its of  the  township  2,054  horses,  5,015  cattle,  90  being  thoroughbred  short- 
horn, and  10,171  hogs;  155,069  pounds  of  butter  were  made  in  the  same 
year.  Its  population  was  7,408,  or  nearly  one-third  that  of  the  county. 

The  township  officers  are: 

Trustees — R.  P.  Bacon,  IT.  R.  Kendig,  Wm.  S.  Martin. 

Clerk — John  Hall. 

Assessor — H.  P.  Weaver. 

Road  Supervisors — 1st  District,  D.  A.  Himes;  2d,  A.  B.  Paine;  3d, 
J.  II.  Warren;  4th,  M.  Varley;  5th,  Geo.  Mitchell;  6th,  Isaac  Yotaw;  7th, 
Tie;  8th,  Wm.  T.  Smith;  9th,  Tie;  10th,  D.  J.  Evans;  lltli,  Geo.  Dnsen- 
berry;  12th,  Wm.  T.  Henry;  13th,  Ho  votes  cast;  14th,  E.  C.  Wing;  15th, 
Thos.  Hyde;  16th,  Tie;  17th,  Dank  Harris;  18th,  W.  F.  Woodward;  19th, 
Wm.  Reeves;  20th,  Richard  Parsell;  21st,  J.  Madson. 

SCOTT. 

This  township  is  known  in  government  surveys  as  Ho.  75  north,  of  17 
west,  of  fifth  principal  meridian.  The  township  lines  were  run  by  Wm.  A. 
Burt,  United  States  Surveyor,  in  August,  1843.  The  section  lines  were  run 
by  Deputy  Surveyor  Wm.  L.  D.  Ewing,  in  July  and  August,  1845.  The 
Des  Moines  river  divides  the  township,  cutting  off*  the  southwest  corner. 
This  was  one  of  the  first  settled  townships.  The  south  and  west  parts  are 
well  timbered,  while  the  north  is  prairie,  all  well  settled  and  in  a high  state 
of  cultivation.  The  timber  along  the  Des  Moines  has  been  of  quite  heavy 
growth.  Just  east  of  Bellefontaine  is  one  of  the  best  ridges  of  white  oak 
timber  in  the  State,  extending  up  the  river  to  the  county  line. 

The  oldest  settler  is  Dr.  Boyer,  who  came  to  the  township,  April  18, 
1843,  and  remained  until  after  the  country  began  to  be  generally  settled. 
In  his  first  attempts  to  come  to  this  part,  he  met  with  opposition  from  the 
dragoons,  left  here  to  guard  the  border,  and  was  escorted  quite  a distance 
back  toward  the  Mississippi,  but  when  he  was  left  alone,  the  Doctor  took  a 
circuitous  route  and  returned.  During  the  last  three  days  of  April,  while 
watching  his  intended  claim  from  trespass,  he  lived  on  three  biscuits  and 
what  nourishment  he  could  secure  from  game. 

Among  others  who  came  to  this  township  at  the  first,  were  Yan  B.  De- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


533 


lashmutt,  Jacob  H.  Majors,  John  Majors,  E.  Flanders,  H.  Covey,  E.  T. 
Lonsberry,  and  Joseph  Tally.  These  all  made  claims  near  the  river. 

Jacob  H.  Majors  was  probably  the  first  justice. 

This  township  was  first  called  Jackson,  but  in  the  election  when  Scott 
was  running  for  the  presidency,  it  cast  a solid  vote  for  the  veteran  of  the 
Mexican  War.  Dr.  Boyer  was  commissioned  to  return  the  vote  to  the 
county  officials,  and  at  the  same  time  requested  to  have  the  name  of  the 
township  changed,  not  appreciating  the  Democratic  name,  Jackson,  for  a 
township  of  the  opposite  political  complexion.  He  was  asked  for  his  peti- 
tion. He  handed  in  the  election  returns , saying,  there  was  a unanimous 
and  unmistaken  petition.  The  joke  was  appreciated,  and  Jackson  became 
Scott  township. 

During  the  first  winter  Dr.  Boyer  was  there,  he  shot  ninety-three  wolves. 
He  was  a great  hunter,  and  kept  some  fine  dogs  and  horses.  From  his 
land  along  the  Des  Moines,  the  Doctor  has  sold  $12,000  worth  of  black 
walnut  timber. 

Mrs.  Covey  taught  the  first  school  in  Scott  township.  This  was  a private 
school  and  was  kept  in  a building  built  mainly  by  Boyer  and  Delashmutt, 
at  a cost  of  $237.  This  house  still  stands  on  its  old  location,  in  what  is 
now  the  village  of  Bochester. 

This  last  named  village  was  laid  out  by  John  Wright  in  October  26, 
1850,  but  never  amounting  to  much,  not  ever  having  to  exceed  fifty  in- 
habitants. Its  palmiest  days  were  when  the  Des  Moines  was  navigated  by 
small  steamboats,  this  then  being  a landing.  Dr.  Boyer  kept  a general 
store  there  for  several  years,  including  1857-8-9.  At  one  time  he  landed 
there  one  thousand  barrels  of  salt,  and  had  all  his  heavy  goods  shipped 
up  the  river. 

The  name  of  the  post-office  at  this  point  was  Auburn.  It  does  not  now 
contain  a single  business  house. 

Bellefontaine  has  much  a similar  history.  Is  is  located  on  the  west  side 
of  the  Des  Moines,  close  to  the  county  line.  It  was  laid  out  August  24, 
1846,  by  Nathan  Gregory  and  E.  H.  Thisselle.  The  first  cabin  in  the 
place  was  built  by  Mr.  Thisselle.  Thisselle  and  Boyer  established  the  first 
business  house  there,  about  1849,  and  a successful  business  with  Dr.  Boyer 
as  partner,  has  been  carried  on  there  ever  since,  until  about  three  years 
ago.  At  the  time  of  the  building  of  the  C.,  B.  I.  & P.  B.  B.,  a station  was 
made  in  Marion  county  about  three-fourths  of  a mile  from  Bellefontaine, 
called  Tracey.  The  business  of  Bellefontaine,  including  the  above  men- 
tioned store  (now  Boyer  & Son),  was  transferred  to  the  new  town  in  Marion 
county,  and  the  place  now  has  no  trade  whatever.  The  post-office  was  also 
removed  to  Tracey.  E.  H.  Thisselle  had  been  first  postmaster  at  Bellefon- 
taine. 

There  was  a Masonic  Lodge  at  Bellefontaine,  known  as  Bellefontaine 
Lodge,  Ho.  163,  organized  about  1848.  They  now  meet  in  Tracey. 

The  present  township  officers  are: 

Justice — George  DeLong. 

Trustees — Wm.  Gilmore,  John  Shultz,  W.  E.  Boyer. 

Clerk — George  Fansher. 

Assessor — J.  M.  Norwood. 

Constable — Alonzo  N.  Church. 

Boad  Supervisors — 1st  District,  W.  G.  Locke;  2d,  Jas.  Finney;  3d, 


534 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Win.  Gilmour;  4tli,  R.  B.  Walker;  5tli,  S.  S.  Robertson;  6tli,  J.  M.  Nor- 
wood; 7th,  R.  V.  Correll. 

Olivet  Presbyterian  Church,  in  this  township,  was  dedicated  October  17, 
1867,  by  Rev.  Fisher,  of  Centerville.  It  was  completed  during  that  year 
at  a cost  of  $1,666,  and  paid  for  at  time  of  dedication.  Its  seating  capac- 
ity is  from  to  200  to  300. 

Olivet  is  a station  on  the  C.,  R.  I.  & P.  R.  R.,  in  this  township. 

MONROE. 

This  township  borders  the  eastern  line  of  Mahaska  county,  and  in  sur- 
veys is  designated  as  township  76  north,  range  14  west,  of  the  5th  princi- 
pal meridian.  The  township  lines  were  run  by  Alvin  Burt,  July  10,  1843, 
and  sub-survey  was  made  by  U.  S.  Surveyor  S.  C.  Wiltse,  December,  1844. 
Skunk  river  traverses  this  entire  township  in  a southeasterly  direction, 
averaging  eighty  feet  in  width,  and  probably  two  feet  in  depth.  It  has  a 
sand  or  sandstone  bed,  a quick  current  and  perpendicular  banks.  The  val- 
ley or  river  bottoms  are  generally  low  and  wet,  best  fitted  for  grazing 
lands.  The  river  and  the  creek  which  passes  through  the  southwestern 
part  of  the  township,  are  bordered  with  good  timber.  The  uplands  on  both 
sides  of  the  river  are  rolling  and  very  fertile. 

There  are  about  six  hundred  acres  of  swamp  lands  in  the  township. 
The  first  settlers  in  the  township  were  Jacob  Johns,  James  Bridges,  Henry 
Wymore,  William  Kimberly,  John  Baker,  and  Thomas  Tinsley. 

Jacob  Johns  was  the  first  man  to  break  the  soil.  He  located  on  section 
13  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  township,  and  in  a few  years  he  had  a fine 
farm,  which  he  and  his  family  enjoyed  for  many  years.  Some  of  the  old 
pioneers  stated  to  the  historian  that  in  three  days  after  they  had  pitched 
their  tent,  they  had  a cabin  completed,  and  the  happiest  homes  they  ever 
enjoyed  were  in  the  “old  cabin  home,’’  but  these  cabins  have  nearly  all  dis- 
appeared, and  are  succeeded  by  fine  dwellings  and  cottages. 

Coal  is  found  in  abundance.  The  mine  that  is  most  successfully  worked 
is  known  as  the  Rhinehart  shaft,  situated  on  section  36.  The  coal  is  of  a 
good  quality.  The  vein  is  from  6 to  7 feet  thick,  and  supplies  coal  for  a 
large  scope  of  territory.  They  run  a force  of  20  miners. 

The  first  school  in  the  township  was  taught  by  Henry  McMillen,  in  the 
winter  of  1852,  as  a subscription  school. 

In  Indianapolis,  a Campbellite  Church  was  organized,  and  a building 
erected  in  1852.  Jacob  Reid  was  the  first  pastor.  The  church  was  used 
until  1873,  when  a new  building  was  put  up  at  a cost  of  $1,600.  The 
present  membership  is  about  100.  A.  T.  Snyder  is  the  pastor. 

A Baptist  congregation  was  organized  in  1854,  which  built  a church  in 
1865,  at  a cost  of  $3,000,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  James  Fry.  The 
present  membership  is  about  50.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  Nelson. 

Indianapolis  is  a small  village  about  the  center  of  the  township.  It  was 
laid  out  by  Willis  Baker,  from  Indiana,  in  1845,  who,  having  pleasant  rec- 
ollections of  his  native  state,  named  his  town  Indianapolis,  after  the  Cap- 
itol of  Indiana.  This  town  was  for  the  accommodation  of  the  farmers  as 
a trading  point.  Its  growth  has  been  slow.  The  present  population  is 
about  one  hundred.  It  contains  two  general  stores,  a post-office,  black- 
smith and  wagon  shop. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


535 


Skunk  river,  flowing  through  this  township,  furnishes  excellent  water 
power,  and,  as  a result,  there  are  three  flouring  and  three  saw-mills  located 
on  the  river. 

James  Senate  built  the  flrst  mill,  and  on  this  site  the  Roberts  Brothers, 
in  1874,  built  a fine  flouring-mill,  having  three  run  of  stone.  The  Smith 
and  McBride  mill  was  put  up  in  1870  by  the  Wymore  Brothers.  It  has  a 
fine  location  on  the  west  side  of  the  Skunk  river,  and  has  three  pairs  of 
burrs.  Samuel  Cox  built  a mill  on  the  west  side  of  Skunk  river  in  1848. 
The  mill  has  since  passed  into  the  hands  of  Ford  and  Anderson.  This  has 
two  run  of  stone. 

Monroe  township  has  three  fine  iron  bridges  over  the  Skunk  river. 

The  present  township  officers  are:  justice,  Gr.  A.  Kent;  trustees,  L.  C. 
Tanner,  J.  L.  Roberts  and  B.  C.  McClain;  clerk,  Hamilton  Brown;  asses- 
sor, John  Summers;  constable,  Phillip  Henderson. 

ADAMS. 

This  township  borders  South  Skunk  river  on  the  north,  and  follows  the 
channel  of  the  stream  for  its  southern  boundary.  It  is  known  in  the  gov- 
ernment surveys  as  township  76  north,  range  15  west,  of  the  5th  principal 
meridian.  The  survey  of  township  lines  was  made  by  William  and  Alvin 
Burt,  in  July  and  August,  1843,  and  was  re-surveyed  by  Deputy-surveyor 
Stiles  S.  Carpenter,  in  October,  1847.  Its  surface  is,  for  the  most  part,  roll- 
ing, and  the  soil  is  a rich,  sandy  loam,  and  well  adapted  for  farming  pur- 
poses. Adams  township  contains  a considerable  amount  of  timber,  the 
most  valuable  of  which  is  burr  oak.  The  timber  has  been  well  preserved, 
and  we  are  informed  by  an  old  settler  that  it  is  more  abundant  now  than 
thirty  years  ago.  Large  quantities  of  wild  blackberry  bushes  are  found  in 
the  brush.  The  value  of  the  land  is  from  twenty-five  to  forty-five  dollars 
per  acre.  Adams  township  is  not  very  thickly  settled,  as  most  of  its  farm- 
ers own  large  farms,  from  five  hundred  to  eight  hundred  acres.  Part  of 
the  roads  in  this  township  are  well  worked,  being  thrown  up  in  the  center, 
though  as  a whole  the  roads  do  not  compare  favorably  with  other  parts  of 
the  county.  The  farms  are  generally  well  improved  by  good  buildings. 

Adams  township  formed  a part  of  Monroe  in  1845,  but  was  subsequently 
detached.  The  first  justice  of  the  peace  was  Matthew  P.  Crowder.  The 
first  school  in  the  township  was  taught  by  A.  N.  Atwood,  in  a claim-house 
belonging  to  Squire  Crowder.  Probably  the  first  church  in  the  county  was 
a Methodist  organization,  formed  in  the  house  of  John  Ruby,  in  1846.  At 
present  there  are  two  churches  in  the  township — North  River  Baptist 
church,  and  the  Centenary  M.  E.  church.  The  latter  wTas  built  about  1863, 
and  the  former  probably  a year  later.  The  present  minister  of  the  M.  E. 
church  is  Rev.  J.  H.  Cook.  The  Baptists  have  no  regular  preacher.  There 
are  four  Sunday-schools  within  the  borders  of  this  township,  and  on  July 
4, 1878,  these  schools  had  a grand  union  celebration  in  the  grove  of  A. 
Ruby.  During  the  time  of  the  grange  excitement  a chapter  of  the  Pat- 
rons of  Husbandry  was  organized  in  district  school  house  number  1,  but  is 
no  longer  an  active  organization. 

In  the  fall  of  1876  was  organized,  at  the  house  of  Adam  Yictor,  an  agri- 
cultural association  known  as  the  Adams  Township  Agricultural  Society, 
and  having  in  view  a sort  of  annual  township  fair.  The  first  president  was 


536 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Elijah  Busby.  The  September  exhibition  of  that  year  was  considered  a 
success.  Nothing  hut  stock  and  purely  agricultural  products  were  exhib- 
ited. About  one  hundred  and  fifty  were  present,  and  a general  good  time 
was  had.  The  only  premiums  given  at  this  free  exhibition  were  blue  rib- 
bons. This  meeting  being  such  a success  the  neighboring  townships  were 
invited  to  take  part  in  the  following  year,  at  an  exhibition  held  on  the  as- 
sociation’s leased  grounds,  in  John  F.  Allgood’s  grove.  Here  an  admit- 
tance fee  of  ten  cents  was  charged,  and  two  thousand  persons  are  supposed 
to  have  been  present.  It  is  the  purpose  of  the  association  to  pay  cash  pre- 
miums after  a time.  The  present  officers  are:  G.  W.  France,  president; 
Joseph  Davenport,  vice-president;  Willis  Willhoit,  secretary ; Robert  Bass, 
treasurer;  and  John  Allgood,  marshal.  The  fall  meeting  of  1878  has  been 
appointed  for  September,  26  and  27. 

A big  wind  storm  visited  Adams  township  on  June  18,  1871,  blowing 
down  houses,  fences  and  trees.  The  year  1851  is  known  by  the  citizens 
along  Skunk  river  as  the  year  of  the  flood,  at  which  time  the  farms  of  the 
bottom  land  were  almost  wiped  out.  No  lives  lost  in  either  case. 

Of  the  first  settlers  A.  Ruby  and  Jos.  Davenport  are  probably  the  ear- 
liest now  living. 

Adams  township  contains  no  village  worthy  of  the  name,  and  only  one 
post-office,  Comet,  established  1877,  with  Stephen  Criss,  postmaster. 

The  following  are  the  presnt  township  officers: 

Justices — Wm  Hibbs  andFrank  Stone. 

Trustees — Jacob  Koogler,  J.  D.  White,  J.  C.  Wilson. 

Constables — Geo.  Stone,  C.  W.  Pittman. 

Assessor — Ed  McDonough. 

Clerk — Chas.  Stanley. 


MADISON. 

This  is  one  of  the  central  townships  in  Mahaska  county.  Its  congres- 
sional name  is  No.  76,  north  of  range  16,  west  of  the  5th  principal  merid- 
ian. The  township  lines  were  run  by  Wm.  A.  Burt  in  August,  1843,  but 
the  township  was  not  divided  by  section  lines  until  it  was  surveyed  in  1847 
by  theU.  S.  Surveyor  Stiles  S.  Carpenter.  The  south  fork  of  the  Skunk  river 
flows  across  the  township  from  the  northwest  to  the  southeast  and  divides 
it  into  what  is  known  by  the  residents  as  North  Madison  and. South  Madi- 
son. 

For  farming  purposes  the  land  of  this  township  takes  a front  rank.  It  is 
fertile  and  well  drained.  A considerable  belt  of  timber  skirts  the  banks  of 
the  Skunk.  The  farms  are  in  a good  state  of  cultivation,  and  speak  well  for 
the  industry  of  the  people  who  in  twenty-eight  short  years  have  changed 
the  wilderness  into  a finished,  well  settled  and  finely  improved  community. 

Among  the  first  settlers  were  Enoch  Shoemake,  Wm.  Goodplaster,  John 
Padget,  Wm.  Brummel  and  Samuel  Coffin.  These  settlers  attended  the 
land  sales  at  Iowa  City  in  1850,  on  foot,  and  traveled  in  company  with  oth- 
ers, banded  together  under  the  club  law,  protecting  themselves  from  the 
encroachments  of  speculators  or  claim-jumpers  who  might  be  disposed  to 
play  the  game  of  sharpers  at  the  land  sales. 

The  first  school  in  Madison  township  was  a private  enterprise.  In  the 
fall  of  1846  Samuel  Coffin,  John  Padget  and  Wm.  Goodplaster  built  a log 
house  for  school  purposes,  and  employed  Wm.  Lawrence  as  the  first  teacher. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


537 


This  school  was  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Thos.  Coffin.  The  second  school 
was  taught  in  a house  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Milton  Padget.  Both 
these,  as  the  local  reader  will  notice,  were  on  the  south  side  of  the  town- 
ship. For  several  years  the  country  north  of  the  Skunk  was  very  thinly 
settled,  and  enjoyed  no  school  privileges. 

The  first  religious  exercises  in  this  township  are  said  to  have  been  held 
in  school  house  No.  1. 

On  the  Skunk  river  is  located  what  was  known  in  early  days  as  the  “Up- 
per Mill,”  thus  named  in  contrast  with  the  Comstock,  or  lower  mill,  in  Os- 
kaloosa  township.  This  “ Upper  Mill  ” was  built  by  Bussell  Peck  and  Geo. 
Duncan  in  the  summer  of  1843,  and  contests  with  the  Benedict  mill  the 
name  of  the  first  in  the  county.  In  1858  the  mill  passed  into  the  hands  of 
Messrs.  Braden  Bros.  It  has  since  been  rebuilt,  and  for  the  last  eight  years 
has  been  owned  by  Whitmore  & Anderson.  The  present  mill  is  equipped 
with  three  run  of  stone,  and  has  a capacity  for  grinding  300  bushels  per 
day.  The  building,  machinery  and  site  are  valued  at  $18,000. 

At  this  point  is  a fine  iron  bridge  across  the  river,  composed  of  two 
spans.  A substantial  limestone  approach  crosses  the  bottom,  avoiding  em- 
bargo from  overflow. 

On  the  east  line  of  this  township  is  the  new  station  “ Lacey,”  on  the  Cen- 
tral Koad.  This  is  quite  a small  village,  but  affords  good  shipping  facili- 
ties to  the  farmers  of  Madison. 

The. present  township  officers  are: 

Justice — I.  C.  Middleton. 

Trustees — Geo.  Crispen,  T.  W/Dye,  G.  M.  Mott. 

Clerk — Jesse  J.  Hill. 

Assessor — Amos  T.  Young. 

Constable — T.  C.  Young. 


BLACK  OAK. 

This  township  has  corresponded  to  the  boundaries  of  congressional  town- 
ship 76,  north  of  range  17,  west  of  5th  principal  meridian,  since  1860.  At 
one  time  Black  Oak  was  a part  of  Jackson  township,  which  in  1845  ex- 
tended so  far  north  as  to  include  one  township  in  Poweshiek  county.  Black 
Oak  was  surveyed  as  a congressional  township  by  U.  S.  Surveyor  W.  A. 
Burt  in  August,  1843.  The  section  lines  were  run  by  W.  L.  D.  Ewing,  in 
September,  1845.  The  soil  is  mostly  good  prairie,  and  is  drained  by  South 
Skunk  river,  and  by  Black  Oak,  Muchakinock  and  other  creeks. 

Black  Oak  Grove  is  a small  tract  of  good  timber  on  sections  8,  9 and  16, 
comprising  about  600  acres. 

The  first  settlers  upon  the  soil  of  Black  Oak  township  were  John  Gillas- 

pie,  William,  Jacob  and  John  Majors,  Aaron  Folk,  Johnson,  Bichard 

Quinton,  Wm.  Owens,  Henry  Groves,  John  Bandall,  James  H.  Warren, 
Fielding  Betz,  John  Shoemake,  Wesley  Moreland  and  Jacob  Miller. 

The  first  school  in  Black  Oak  township  was  taught  by  C.  Cliipman,  on 
section  17.  The  first  meeting  for  religious  worship  was  held  at  the  house 
of  Dr.  Warren. 

From  the  book  of  original  entries  we  find  that  the  first  lands  purchased 
in  Black  Oak  township  were  as  follows: 


538 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Wesley  Metter on  May  8,  1847,  a part  of  section  8 

Eliza  Holman “ Aug.  5,  “ “ “ “ 30 

Fielding  Betz (i  Sep.  15,  “ “ 66  “ 9 and  17 

James  L.  Warren “ “ “ u u “ “ 9 and  17 

John  Woods “ “ “ “ “ “ “ XI 

B.  H.  Lonsberry “ Oct.  “ “ u “ 36 


On  Skunk  river,  in  this  township,  are  located  the  Huron  Mills.  These 
were  built  in  1857  by  Morris  Bros.,  at  a cost  of  from  $5,000  to  $6,000,  and 
at  that  time  containing  but  one  run  of  stone.  In  1868  the  mills  were 
bought  by  Messrs.  Reynolds  & Bowdel,  who  remodeled  the  same  and  put 
in  an  additional  pair  of  burrs,  making  the  whole  cost  about  $10,000.  In 
October,  1870,  they  were  purchased  by  Parker  & Cramer,  who  are  the  pres- 
ent proprietors.  These  gentlemen  do  a general  custom,  and  some  merchant 
trade.  Their  local  market  includes  Pella,  Hew  Sharon,  Oskaloosa,  Leighton 
and  Peoria.  They  ship  some  flour  to  St.  Louis. 

Leighton  is  a neat  and  comparatively  new  village  located  in  the  township 
on  the  Keokuk  & Des  Moines  Valley  Railroad.  It  is  on  the  north  side  of 
the  track,  and  stands  on  a sort  of  eminence  from  which  can  be  had  a good 
view  of  the  surrounding  country.  Leighton  was  laid  out  February  9,  1865, 
upon  land  formerly  owned  by  B.  F.  Roberts.  The  projectors  of  the 
town  were  Wm.  Leighton  and  John  W.  Carver,  of  Keokuk.  The  town  was 
named  in  honor  of  the  former  gentlemen,  at  that  time  one  of  the  lessees  of 
the  Keokuk  & Des  Moines  Road,  which  was  built  through  Mahaska  just 
before  the  town  was  platted. 

Of  those  who  first  cast  their  fortunes  with  those  of  the  new  station,  we 
are  informed  of  J.  B.  Fleck,  David  L.  Bowman,  S.  B.  Beere  and  Adam 
Hoover. 

The  town  in  1878,  contains  two  general  stores,  one  boot  and  shoe  store, 
a drug  store,  harness  and  two  blacksmith  shops,  a hotel,  flouring  mill, 
saloon,  meat  market  and  wagon  shop.  The  population  of  the  village  is  not 
far  from  two  hundred  and  seventy -five. 

The  K.  & D.  M.  R.  R.  have  built  at  this  point  a neat  little  depot,  and 
have  found  Leighton  a good  shipping  point.  The  town  also  supports  a 
grain  elevator — quite  a convenience  for  shippers. 

As  worthy  of  special  mention  we  note  the  steam  flouring  mill,  built  by 
H.  S.  Stein  in  1870,  at  an  outlay  of  $12,000.  This  is  a two  and  one- half 
story  frame  building,  and  has  three  run  of  stone.  Does  both  custom  and 
mercantile  work. 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Leighton  was  built  in  1875,  at  an  ex- 
pense of  upward  of  $2,000.  The  congregation  was  organized  with  ten 
members  as  follows,  Christian  Hoover,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thos.  Scott,  David 
Young,  Thos.  J.  Henderson  and  wife,  Wm.  H.  Barber  and  wife,  John  Rol- 
ler and  wife. 

The  first  pastor  was  Rev.  John  Fisher,  who  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  S.  M. 
Keir.  The  present  minister  is  Rev.  A.  A.  Mathes.  The  membership 
(1878)  is  twenty-eight. 

Leighton  also  has  an  Old  School  Baptist  Church. 

The  present  township  officers  of  Black  Oak  are: 

Justice — Otto  Pothoven. 

Trustees — John  Funston,  Madison  Tice,  David  L.  Bowman. 

Clerk — Chas.  Stoddard. 

Constables — Ed.  McCabe,  Jas.  H.  Irvin. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


539 


Road  Supervisors — 1st  District,  John  S.  Roller;  2d,  Samuel  Miller;  3d, 
John  H.  Smith;  4th,  Wm.  Thomason;  5th,  Tie;  6th,  A.  Shelley. 

From  Donnel’s  “Pioneers  of  Marion  County”  we  learn  that  among  those 
who  settled  in  this  township  at  a very  early  date,  was  Dr.  James  L.  Warren, 
who  died  at  his  residence,  near  Peoria,  Mahaska  county,  January  18,  18T0, 
age  69  years.  He  was  born  in  Green  county,  Tenn.,  July  1st,  1801,  immi- 
grated to  Iowa,  and  settled  in  Lee  county  in  1841.  He  made  his  first  claim 
in  Mahaska  county,  where  he  cut  some  logs  and  employed  a man  to  put 
them  up  in  the  shape  of  a cabin.  But  he  afterward  abandoned  the  idea  of 
settling  there,  and  made  a claim  about  three  miles  southeast  of  where  Pella 
now  is,  where  lie  succeeded  in  planting  about  twenty  acres  of  corn  and  wheat 
in  the  spring  following.  He  returned  to  Mahaska  county  in  184T-8. 

Those  who  came  up  at  the  same  time,  and  helped  to  found  a settlement, 
were  John  B.  Hamilton,  Robert  Hamilton,  Harry  Miller,  Green  T.  Clark, 
and  Henry  McPherson;  on  their  way  up  the  Dragoons  refused  to  let  them 
pass  Libertyville  with  their  wagons,  so  they  packed  on  horses  what  provi- 
sions they  thought  would  la^t  them  till  after  the  first  of  May,  and  proceeded. 
Approaching  an  Indian  village  near  the  present  location  of  Oskaloosa,  the 
Doctor,  who  had  some  practical  knowledge  of  military  tactics,  called  a halt 
and  suggested  that  they  march  through  the  town  in  military  order. 

On  entering  the  place  they  found  the  inhabitants  engaged  in  worship  in 
consequence  of  which  they  paid  little  or  no  attention  to  this  mock  military 
demonstration.  The  men  were  collected  in  a large  tent,  seated  in  a circle 
singing  in  a monotonous  drawling  tone,  to  the  equally  musical  rattle  of 
beans  in  gourds,  that  they  shook  up  and  down  as  an  accompaniment  to  their 
voices.  The  door  of  the  tent  was  closed  against  intruders,  but  Robert 
Hamilton,  having  an  ungovernable  curiosity  to  witness  the  performance 
raised  the  tent  wall  near  the  ground  and  peeked  under.  Hot  one  of  the 
solemn-faced  worshipers  took  the  least  notice  of  this  breach  of  good  man- 
ners, nor  did  they  for  an  instant  seem  to  permit  their  attention  to  be  di- 
verted from  their  devotions;  but  an  old  squaw,  who  seemed  to  be  standing 
guard  without,  noticed  the  intruder,  and  indignantly  ordered  him  away. 
Hot  being  instantly  obeyed,  she  took  hold  of  Robert,  gave  him  a violent 
pull,  uttered  the  word  “Manitou  ” (God)  as  an  explanation  of  the  sacredness 
and  privacy  of  the  place  and  performance,  at  which  he  deemed  it  advisable 
to  desert.  On  the  26th  of  April  they  reached  the  present  location  of  Pella, 
and  contemplated  taking  claims  there.  But,  owing  to  its  distance  from  tim- 
ber, they  thought  it  very  probable  that  it  would  be  many  years  ere  much 
improvement  could  be  made  there,  and  the  land  become  valuable;  so  they 
made  choice  of  the  timber  about  three  miles  southeast.  But  ere  the  time 
came  for  them  to  get  their  wagons,  and  the  remainder  of  their  provisions, 
what  they  had  brought  with  them  began  to  come  short.  As  soon  as  possi- 
ble Green  T.  Clark  was  sent  for  the  wagons,  and  some  of  the  others  resorted 
to  hunting  as  a means  of  economizing  the  scanty  remainder  of  bread  stuffs. 
But  the  bread  finally  quite  gave  out,  and  hunting,  even  in  those  early  days, 
was  not  so  reliable  a means  of  supporting  the  demand  for  food  as  some 
might  suppose.  It  is  said  that  game  was  plentiful,  which  was  generally 
true,  but  like  fishing,  the  taking  of  it  depended  upon  skill  and  good  luck. 
An  instance  is  related  of  an  old  settler  named  Cunningham,  who  lived  in 
Mahaska  county,  who  by  hunting  maintained  a half-starved  existence  for 
for  eight  or  ten  days,  on  his  claim  near  Oskaloosa,  not  daring  to  leave  it 
lest  it  should  be  “jumped.”  Our  settlers  now  found  it  necessary  to  use 


540 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


energy  and  skill,  or  starve.  Hunger  already  incited  them  to  do  their  best. 
Kobert  Hamilton  shouldered  his  rifle  and  went  in  search  of  a turkey,  or  any 
thing  else  he  could  find  that  would  do  to  eat,  whilst  Henry  Miller  went  in 
search  of  a bee  tree.  Both  were  successful,  and  what  added  much  to  their 
good  fortune,  their  wagons  came  the  next  day,  bring  breadstuffs  and  other 
conveniences. 

Dr.  Warren  was  among  the  first  ministers  of  the  M.  E.  Church  who 
preached  in  the  county,  and  organized  the  first  class  west  of  Libertyville. 
He  was  licensed  as  a local  preacher  in  1828;  ordained  deacon  at  Oskaloosa 
in  1852,  and  was  ordained  an  elder  by  bishop  Ames  in  1863.  He  also 
commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  1831,  which  he  continued  till  a 
short  time  before  his  death.  In  this  he  was  very  successful  during  his  res- 
idence in  this  county,  especially  in  the  management  of  the  miasmatic  dis- 
eases, to  which  the  early  settlers  were  subject,  and  his  field  of  practice  often 
extended  from  Oskaloosa  to  “ Tools  Point,’’  now  Monroe,  Jasper  county, 
and  over  a large  territory  north  and  south  of  this  route.  Over  this  wide 
field  he  ministered  both  in  spiritual  and  temporal  things.  He  was  a man 
universally  loved  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  Many  instances  illus- 
trative of  his  charitable  nature,  and  many  acts  of  kindness  performed  by 
him,  have  been  related  to  us,  and  are  well  remembered  by  many  who  have 
shared  the  privations  of  pioneer  life  with  him. 

PLEASANT  GKO  YE. 

This  township  is  the  northeastern  township  of  Mahaska  county,  and  was 
included  in  the  township  Survey  made  by  Alvin  Burt  in  July,  1843.  It 
was  laid  out  into  sections  and  quarter  sections  by  Samuel  C.  Wiltse,  in  the 
fall  of  1844.  This  township  was  named  from  a fine  grove  of  timber  which 
it  contained.  Its  timber  land  is  generally  valuable,  and  a portion  still 
remains.  The  eastern  half  of  this  township  is  fine  agricultural  land,  set- 
tled by  an  industrious  class  of  people.  The  western  half  of  this  township 
is  light  soil,  and  contains  considerable  timber.  The  bottom  lands  are  sub- 
ject to  overflow,  which  decreases  somewhat  their  value  as  farming  land, 
but  they  are  regarded  as  fine  pasture  lands.  The  north  and  western  por- 
tions of  the  township  are  ordinary  prairie;  in  the  township  there  are 
about  two  thousand  acres  of  open  prairie,  good  for  pasture.  The  chief 
mineral  products  of  this  township  are  coal  and  limestone.  There  has  been 
opened  up  quite  a fertile  coal  mine  by  G.  S.  Feirling  and  H.  S.  Morrow 
on  section  20;  the  shaft  is  9x42^  feet,  the  depth  is  80  feet,  the  coal  vein  is 
from  4 to  5 feet,  and  of  a very  good  quality.  When  in  full  operation  the 
proprietors  can  turn  out  from  700  to  800  bushels  per  day. 

This  township  was  first  settled  about  1850.  Among  the  earliest  settlers 
were  Mr.  Amos  Holloway,  Somerel  Whitaker,  Noah  Van  Winkle,  William 
Hambleton,  John  Wymore,  John  Wyat,  John  Whitehead,  Benjamin  Mur- 
rey. These  gentleman  erected  the  first  houses  that  were  built  in  the  town- 
ship. These  early  settlers  left  their  homes  in  Ohio  and  Indiana,  filled  with 
the  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  soon  after  they  had  established  their  new 
homes  they  set  to  work  to  provide  schools  and  churches  for  their  families. 
In  the  winter  of  1853  the  first  school  was  taught  by  Kichard  Mayberry,  in 
a log  cabin,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Isaac  McCartney;  but  this  was  a 
private  enterprise,  and  in  the  fall  of  1855  the  schools  were  organized  by 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


541 


law,  and  three  houses  were  built.  But  these  buildings  are  now  among  the 
things  that  were  but  are  not.  They  have  given  place  to  eight  fine  school- 
houses  with  all  the  modern  equipments,  supporting  a good  class  of  teachers. 

The  first  religious  exercises  were  held  in  the  house  of  Dr.  Fisher,  and 
led  to  the  organization  of  and  building  a house  of  worship.  Following  the 
teaching  of  Alexander  Campbell,  in  1854,  a Christian  church  was  organ- 
ized in  Agricola  by  Rev.  Mr.  White.  Since  then  the  church  has  passed  in 
the  hands  of  the  New  Lights.  The  organization  at  present  has  a fair 
church,  with  a membership  of  about  one  hundred  and  twenty.  The  pres- 
ent pastor  is  the  Rev.  A.  S.  Culbertson.  A Baptist  church  was  organized 
and  a church  built  in  1866.  These  churches  are  located  in  Agricola,  a 
village  situated  about  the  center  of  the  township.  It  was  laid  out  in  1854 
by  David  Santee.  Present  inhabitants  number  about  one  hundred.  As 
its  name  indicates  it  is  a farmer’s  village;  it  contains  two  stores,  kept  by 
J.  H.  Hutchison  and  Mr.  Sarvis,  also  two  blacksmith  shops. 

The  Justices  of  the  Peace  are  J.  IT.  Hutchison  and  William  Smith. 

The  other  township  officers  are: 

Trustees — C.  S.  Ruble,  Tlios.  Lyons,  Wm.  Smith. 

Clerk — Jackson  Sarvis. 

Assessor — J.  G.  Wymore. 

Constable — Wm.  A.  Likens. 


UNION. 

At  the  first  formation  of  this  township  it  comprised  five  congressional 
townships,  being  what  is  now  included  in  Union  and  Pleasant  Grove  in 
Mahaska  and  Union,  Jackson  and  Deep  River  townships,  in  Poweshiek 
county.  These  last  three  were  detached  before  the  time  of  organization  of 
Poweshiek.  Pleasant  Grove  was  formed  into  a separate  township  in  Jan- 
uary, 1850,  leaving  Union  an  ordinary  sized  township,  with  thirty-six  square 
miles,  known  as  township  Ho.  77  north,  of  range  15  west,  of  the  5th  prin- 
cipal meridian.  The  township  lines  were  run  by  Alvin  Burt,  in  July, 
1843;  the  section  lines  were  run  by  Stiles  C.  Carpenter,  in  October,  1847. 

This  township  is  broken  and  rolling  in  marked  contrast  with  its  sister 
township  Prairie,  on  the  west,  yet  it  contains  some  of  the  finest  farms 
and  best  developed  country  coal  banks  in  the  county.  It  is  crossed  by  the 
North  Skunk. 

Among  the  first  settlers  within  the  present  boundaries  of  Union,  were 
John  Morrison,  Nathan  Brown,  John  Widows,  Jacob  Dalby,  and  Isaac  N. 
Griffith.  These  lived  near  the  county  line.  In  the  southern  part  were  the 
Bradshaws,  Jacob  Klinker,  John  Graham,  Jesse  Moon,  Robert  Telford, 
John  Deardorf,  Daniel  Rodgers,  John  McMaines,  Benjamin  Groves,  An- 
derson James,  Fred.  Weimer,  and  others.  John  Morrison,  Jesse  Moon, 
and  Jacob  Klinker,  were  of  the  very  first. 

From  an  examination  of  the  book  of  original  entries  we  find  the  first 
lands  purchased  from  the  government,  in  this  township,  were  as  follows: 
October  9,  1848,  by  Simeon  Johnson,  a part  of  Sec.  No.  1;  same  date,  by 
R.  B.  Ogden,  a part  of  Sec.  4;  October  12,  Joshua  Gorsuch,  in  Sec.  11; 
same  date,  Robert  Tedford,  Sec.  12. 

The  first  school  was  on  section  11,  in  a log  school  house,  taught  by  Mrs. 
Fry.  The  next  was  at  Union  Mills. 

The  last  named  place  was  laid  out  by  Jacob  Weimer,  at  quite  an  early 


542 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


day,  and  called  Middletown,  it  being  a sort  of  half-way  place  between 
Oskaloosa  and  Montezuma.  It  is  now  a collection  of  half  broken  down 
houses  and  is  most  forlorn  looking.  A post-office  was  established  here  in 
1855,  with  Pleasant  Carver  as  postmaster.  It  still  is  maintained,  and  is  on 
the  mail  route  between  New  Sharon  and  Indianapolis. 

The  mills  known  as  Union  Mills,  were  located  on  the  north  side  of  the 
river  at  this  point,  but  have  fallen  into  decay  years  ago.  A new  mill  was 
built  by  a man  named  Kaggy,  some  six  years  ago,  but  its  owner  died  be- 
fore completing  it.  It  is  about  to  be  mantled,  and  a dam  is  to  be  built  for 
its  operation  by  J.  W.  Braden,  who  purchased  it  recently. 

A frame  church  building  stands  on  an  eminence  near  Union  Mills.  It 
was  built  by  the  Methodists,  about  1864,  but  never  dedicated  by  them.  A 
Christian  church,  organized  at  this  point  about  twelve  years  ago,  purchased 
the  building  in  1872,  and  now  occupies  it. 

In  the  northern  part  of  this  township  was  organized  an  M.  E.  Church, 
some  fifteen  years  ago,  which  held  its  meetings  for  some  years  past  at 
Brooks’  school  house.  This  congregation  have  recently  purchased  a five 
acre  grove  in  the  northwest  quarter  of  section  11,  which  is  called  Bethel 
Grove,  and  where,  next  summer,  they  hope  to  erect  a Bethel  Grove  M.  E. 
Church.  Here  a camp-meeting  was  held  in  August,  1877,  conducted  by 
W.  E.  Stryker,  then  pastor  of  the  church.  A meeting  was  held  during  the 
week,  beginning  August  14,  1878,  conducted  by  Revs.  D.  C.  and  T.  C. 
Smith,  and  Rev.  Schaine,  of  Montezuma.  The  attendance  on  both  occa- 
sions was  quite  large. 

The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  near  30;  their  minister,  Rev. 
Phillips.  The  trustees,  J.  S.  Chew,  Joshua  Gorsuch,  John  Latchem,  Al- 
bert Latchem,  and  J.  E.  Ogborne. 

A Sabbath-scliool  is  connected  with  the  church,  superintended  by  James 
Chew. 

About  ten  years  ago  a Protestant  Methodist  Church  was  organized  at 
Brooks’  school  house.  They  have  just  built  a church  building  at  Brown- 
town,  on  the  county  line,  at  a cost  of  near  $700.  This  society  is  about  the 
same  size  as  Bethel  Grove  congregation.  The  minister  in  charge  is  Rev. 
Hazelett. 

Fairview  M.  E.  Church  was  established  at  Union  Mills  about  January, 
1863.  In  1872,  a church  was  built  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  section  33, 
known  as  Fairview  M.  E.  Church.  This  building  cost  about  $1,000. 

The  society  was  organized  by  B.  F.  Wright,  with  about  eighty  members. 
The  present  membership  is  not  far  from  100.  The  congregation  maintains 
a good  Sabbath-school,  conducted  by  David  Upton.  The  church  is  on 
what  is  known  as  Sharon  Circuit.  The  minister  is  Rev. Ferguson. 

The  present  officers  of  Union  township  are: 

Trustees — John  McMains,  J.  A.  Bonewell,  Charles  Reed. 

Clerk — Paul  Caster. 

Assessor — A.  B.  Reed. 

Constables — Thomas  Wyinore,  Josiah  Hollingsworth. 

PRAIRIE. 

This  was  originally  a part  of  Madison  township,  and  was  not  organized 
into  a separate  town  until  in  1856.  It  was  one  of  the  latest  settled  parts 


. 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


545 


of  Mahaska  county,  although  one  of  the  best  townships  in  the  same. 
However,  it  did  not  contain  a quarter  section  of  good  timber,  and  the  earljr 
settlers  were  slow  to  go  out  upon  the  open  prairies,  which  cover  its  entire 
surface  in  gentle  rolls  or  level  fields.  The  soil  is  rich,  and  in  a high  state 
of  cultivation.  Middle  creek  and  other  small  streams  drain  it.  Prairie 
township  contains  no  stone,  either  loose  or  in  available  quarries. 

In  regard  to  the  early  settlement  we  quote  as  follows  from  the  New 
Sharon  Star  of  August  21,  1878: 

“John  Hiler,  a half-blooded  African,  moved  his  family  from  Indiana,  and 
settled  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  section  three,  in  the  year  1844,  and  was 
the  first  settler  of  Prairie  township.  When  the  writer  hereof  moved  to 
this  place,  this  cinnamon-colored  descendant  of  two  nationalities  was  yet  a 
resident.  We  recollect  him  as  a bony,  muscular  fellow,  full  six  feet  high, 
and  of  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  pounds,  every  ounce  of  which  he 
proudly  denominated  ‘fighting  material*’  It  cannot  be  truthfully  said 
that  he  was  a quarrelsome  individual.  On  the  contrary,  he  was  peacefully 
disposed,  neighborly  to  those  who  treated  him  as  he  considered  he  deserved. 
But  when  his  rights  were  invaded,  he  was  quick  to  resent,  and  his  powerful 
muscle  at  once  became  his  refuge  and  defense.  For  a number  of  years  he 
was  decidedly  troublesome  as  a vendor  of  poor  whisky  to  the  Indians,  who 
were  abundant  at  that  time.  Numerous  efforts  were  made  to  arrest  and 
bring  him  to  trial  for  this  offense  against  the  dignity  of  law  and  order,  but 
generally  he  evaded  capture  by  hiding  in  the  groves  and  dense  hazel  thick- 
ets with  which  the  neighborhood  abounded.  He  was  a hunter  of  some 
skill,  and  many  a fleet  deer  and  savage  wolf  went  down  before  his  rifle. 
His  success  as  a hunter,  combined  with  the  profits  of  his  clandestine  traffic 
with  the  Indians,  afforded  him  such  means  of  subsistence  as  satisfied  his 
meager  wants,  and  he  seldom  resorted  to  a diet  of  steady  labor,  and  never 
with  success.  Finally  he  left  the  State.  One  night  in  the  summer  of  1875 
he  packed  his  traps  and  family  into  a wagon,  and,  like  a man  wdio  was  leav- 
ing some  debts  behind  which  he  desired  to  not  pay,  he  quietly  stole  awTay 
in  search  of  a new  home  in  the  less  crowded  southwest.  His  present  where- 
abouts is  a matter  of  conjecture.  The  next  resident  was  a man  named 
Wallace,  who  came  from  Indiana,  and  settled  on  the  northeast  quarter  of 
section  four,  in  1845.  He  remained  but  a short  time,  and  we  know  noth- 
ing further  of  him. 

The  next  settler  was  Alexander  Stewrart,  who  turned  his  back  upon  the 
luxuries  of  a Pennsylvania  home,  and,  following  the  ‘star  of  empire’  in  its 
western  way,  selected  his  future  home  on  the  southeast  fourth  of  the  north- 
west quarter  of  section  three,  in  the  spring  of  1847.  For  one  year  he  re- 
mained alone  upon  his  claim,  built  a snug  cabin,  and  in  the  spring  of  1848 
moved  his  family  thereto,  and  there  he  still  resides. 

Next  came  A.  C.  Doze,  from  Hark  county,  Ohio.  He  arrived  here  June 
1,  1848,  and  located  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  section  twelve,  now  famil- 
iarly known  as  the  ‘Cobb  place,’  but  owned  at  present  by  Charley  Miller. 
He  now  lives  in  Union  township,  east  of  Fairview  church.  Next  came 
Jacob  Bartlett,  who  left  his  home  south  of  South  Skunk  river,  and  settled 
on  the  farm  now  owned  by  William  Burks,  in  the  northwest  quarter  of 
section  twenty-nine.  Years  ago  he  passed  on  through  the  valley  and  the 
shadows.  In  the  following  year  numerous  settlers  appeared  and  chose  lo- 
cations, mostly  in  the  northern  sections.”- 

33 


546 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


The  first  election  was  held  at  the  residence  of  Jesse  Grace,  on  the  south- 
east quarter  of  section  eight,  where  J.  S.  Clements  now  resides.  At  this 
election  Alexander  Stewart  and  T.  B.  Campbell  were  elected  justices. 

Probably  the  first  wedding  held  in  the  township  was  that  of  Jared  Rock- 
well to  Nancy  Winder,  in  the  town  of  New  Sharon,  in  1860.  This  wed- 
ding was  noted  for  some  years  on  account  of  the  big  charivari  which  fol- 
lowed the  ceremony.  Weddings  were  an  uncommon  thing  in  those  days, 
and  “ the  boys”  believed  in  making  them  events  not  soon  to  be  forgotten. 

The  history  of  the  first  schools  and  churches  has  been  given  under  the 
history  of  New  Sharon. 

This  township  was  once  the  scene  of  battle,  in  a celebrated  and  rather 
ludicrous  lawsuit.  The  contest  was  over  a single  hog,  and  between  two 
neighbors  named  Mitchell,  who,  though  of  the  same  name,  were  not  kins- 
men. The  suit  commenced  before  a justice  and  was  carried  into  the  courts, 
the  costs  finally  amounting  to  some  hundreds,  we  believe  upward  of  one 
thousand  dollars.  Quite  a good  joke  is  told  in  connection  with  this  case 
on  a certain  ex-judge  in  pleading  this  case.  The  facts  were  that  the  hog 
had  been  shut  up  in  a pen  belonging  to  one  of  the  Mitchells.  The  other 
claimed  it,  and  it  was  proposed  to  let  the  hog  out,  and  discover  which  home 
he  preferred.  Judge  C.,  in  pleading  the  case,  argued  upon  the  intelligence 
and  the  domestic  habits  of  the  hog,  in  support  of  his  client.  When  he  had 
done,  the  opposing  counsel  (since  lieutenant-governor)  arose.  Addressing 
the  jury  he  said  he  was  compelled  to  admit  his  opponent’s  authority  on  the 
hog  question.  There  was  reason  to  believe  the  gentleman  was  posted,  for 
he  was  generally  admitted  to  be  the  biggest  “ bore  ” in  Mahaska  county. 
This  brought  down  the  house,  but  we  did  not  learn  whether  the  joke  won 
the  case  for  the  wag  or  not. 

The  present  officers  of  Prairie  township  are: 

Justices — J.  M.  Hiatt,  Osman  Watland. 

Trustees — E.  Munsill,  S.  Janey,  O.  G.  Knudson. 

Clerk — F.  W.  lioen. 

Assessor — Oliver  Wildman. 

Constable — Ezra  Smith. 

RICHLAND. 

This  township  is  in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  county,  and  though 
further  removed  from  the  point  where  the  tide  of  immigration  struck  the 
county,  it  was  not  the  last  to  be  settled.  The  township  was  surveyed  as 
congressional  township  No.  77  north,  of  range  17  west  of  5th  principal 
meridian,  in  August,  1843.  The  section  lines  were  run  by  James  Grant, 
and  sub-survey  made  in  September,  1845.  In  the  draft  of  this  survey  we 
find  located  the  claims  of  Geo.  Buckley,  who  was  the  first  settler  in  the 
township  and  built  the  first  cabin,  about  one  mile  west  of  the  present  town 
of  Peoria;  that  of  Mr.  Leaden,  about  one  mile  north;  also  those  of  J.  E. 
Godby,  L.  Miller,  and  J.  James. 

Thompson  Baldwin  came  to  this  township  in  1846.  Among  the  other 
early  settlers  are  Moses  Wassom,  Lauren  Osborn,  Powell  Bush,  and  Wil- 
liam Lawrence. 

Probably  the  first  justice  in  the  township  was  Moses  Wassom,  who  held 
that  office  in  1846. 

The  first  school  in  Richland  was  taught  in  the  winter  of  1847,  in  a log 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


547 


cabin  belonging  to  T.  Baldwin.  The  teacher  was  Miss  Mary  Westlake, 
who  here  kept  a subscription  school,  having  probably  ten  or  twelve  pupils. 
The  next  school  was  also  a private  enterprise,  in  the  same  place,  and  con- 
ducted by  Warren  Lathrop.  The  first  public  school  house  was  just  east  of 
Peoria. 

The  first  religious  exercises  in  this  township  were  probably  those  con- 
ducted by  a circuit  rider  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  who  held  services  in  West- 
lake’s house.  The  first  church  built  in  the  township  was  the  M.  E.  Church 
at  Peoria,  in  1856. 

The  early  settlers  sometimes  went  to  mill  at  what  was  known  as  Whist- 
ler’s Mill,  on  the  North  Skunk  river,  not  far  from  Sigourney,  but  the  ma- 
jority went  to  Duncan’s  mill,  on  South  Skunk,  where  a register  was  kept  of 
those  desiring  grists,  and  customers  were  waited  on  in  the  order  in  which 
their  names  appeared  on  the  register,  and  sometimes  work  was  thus  en- 
gaged three  weeks  ahead,  for  a constant  run,  day  and  night. 

The  Robert  Warren  flouring  mill  is  located  on  the  South  Skunk  river, 
in  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  township,  and  has  a good  run  of  custom. 

Peoria,  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  township,  is  quite  an  old  town, 
and  has  probably  seen  its  best  days,  unless  a railroad  or  some  other  good 
fortune  should  give  it  opportunity  for  development.  It  was  laid  out  May 
21st,  1853,  bv  Theodric  Spain,  on  land  owned  by  himself,  G-eo.  Westlake 
and  Sanford  Haines.  The  town  now  has  two  general  stores,  kept  by  C.  B. 
Shields  and  by  Spain  & Smith.  A hotel  is  kept  by  C.  C.  Joy,  who  is  also 
proprietor  of  a harness  shop.  The  town  is  the  home  of  one  physician,  Dr. 
E.  N.  Woodworth. 

There  are  two  churches  in  Peoria,  M.  E.  and  Christian. 

Granville  was  also  laid  out,  as  we  are  informed,  by  the  same  man,  Theo- 
dric Spain.  It  contains  two  stores,  which  are  kept  by  S.  S.  Needham  and 
Dr.  Smith.  There  are  two  physicians  in  the  place,  Drs.  Smith  and  Brown. 
The  growth  of  Granville  has  been  interfered  with  somewhat  by  the  growth 
and  prosperity  of  New  Sharon. 

The  present  officers  of  Richland  township  are: 

Trustees — C.  DeGener,  A.  Ryan,  G.  F.  Lunt. 

Clerk — C.  A.  Timbrel. 

Assessor — L.  Osborn. 

Constable — F.  Alexander. 

Road  Supervisors — 1st  District,  Charles  Moberly;  2d,  John  Coakley; 
3d,  M.  Lundy;  4th,  David  Wintermute;  5th,  A.  G.  Quinn;  6th,  G.  van 
der  Camp. 

The  northern  and  eastern  portions  of  this  township  contain  fine  farming 
land.  The  southwestern  part  is  considerably  broken  and  covered  with 
timber.  Near  Peoria  are  some  good  quarries  of  building-stone,  of  which 
we  have  made  mention  elsewhere. 


BIOGRAPHICAL. 


GENERAL  ELLIOTT  W.  RICE 

Was  born  in  Alleghany  City,  Pennsylvania,  November  16,  1835.  The 
year  following  his  parents  moved  to  Martinsville,  Belmont  county,  Ohio, 
where  he  was  raised;  he  was  educated  at  the  old  Lancasterian  academy, 
Wheeling,  Virginia,  and  at  Franklin  college,  Ohio;  came  to  this  county  in 
September,  1855,  and  studied  law  in  his  brother’s  (General  Samuel  A.  Bice), 
office  and  afterward,  in  the  spring  of  1858,  graduated  at  the  law  school  of 
the  University  of  Albany,  Albany,  New  York,  and  was  then  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  that  State;  returned  to  Oskaloosa  and 
commenced  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  partnership  with  his  brother, 
and  continued  in  successful  practice  until  the  war  commenced,  when  he  en- 
listed as  a private  soldier  in  Major  McMullin’s  company,  of  the  Seventh 
Iowa  Infantry,  and  was  mustered  into  the  service  at  Burlington,  in  July, 
1861.  At  the  time  of  muster  in  McMnllin’s  company  had  more  than  the 
full  complement  of  101  men,  and  was  given  the  position  of  honor  in  the 
regiment,  that  of  color  company;  Capt.  McMullin,  and  Lieuts.  Smith  and 
Beam,  also  claimed  for  the  company  one  of  the  field  officers  of  the  regiment, 
and  recommended  Bice,  who  had  been  appointed  sergeant  by  McMullin,  for 
Major.  After  the  regiment  entered  the  field,  Governor  Kirkwood  sent  Bice 
his  commission,  and  he  at  once  entered  upon  his  duties  in  the  advanced 
position.  This  was  on  the  first  of  August,  1861.  On  the  Seventh  of 
November  following,  that  regiment  went  into  Grant’s  first  battle,  the  battle 
of  Belmont,  and  achieved  a fame  that  will  last  as  long  as  history;  C com- 
pany bore  the  colors  that  wTas  confided  to  it  by  the  noble  ladies  of  Oskaloosa, 
and  which  had  become  the  regimental  flag.  Many  of  Mahaska  county’s 
grandest  men  went  down  on  that  field,  battling  for  them.  The  colonel  of 
the  regiment,  Lauman,  was  wounded;  and  carried  from  the  field.  The 
lieutenant  colonel  was  killed  by  the  side  of  the  major.  The  adjutant  was 
captured,  and  the  command  of  the  regiment  fell  upon  Major  Bice,  who  had 
already  lost  one  horse,  and  was  badly  wounded,  he  took  his  command, 
charged  through  the  enemies  line,  and  covered  the  retreat  of  the  troops 
back  to  the  boats,  three  miles  up  the  river.  After  the  battle  the  regiment 
remained  a while  at  Bird’s  Point,  Mo.,  then  was  sent  to  Benton  barracks,  St. 
Louis,  to  recruit  its  deceminated  ranks;  Bice  was  taken  by  his  brother  to 
his  old  Ohio  home,  and  before  he  had  recovered  from  his  wound,  rejoined 
his  regiment  at  St.  Louis,  and  started  with  it  in  January,  1862,  on  the  Ten- 
nessee campaign;  was  on  duty  at  the  capture  of  Fort  Henry,  but  his  regi- 
ment was  not  engaged  as  that  capture  was  a naval  victory.  At  Fort  Donel- 
son  his  regiment  supported  the  grand  old  Second  Iowa,  which  made  the 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


549 


charge  that  carried  the  works.  All  field  officers  were  ordered  to  dismount 
on  the  charge,  and  Rice  was  told  by  his  colonel  that  he  would  have  to  re- 
main in  the  rear,  and  he  was  unable  to  make  the  charge,  but  Rice  brought 
his  crutches  into  service,  claimed  that  he  had  more  legs  than  Lauman,  and 
went  in  with  his  troops.  After  this  battle  Colonel  Lauman  was  promoted, 
and  Rice  was  made  colonel  of  his  regiment,  and  Captain  James  W.  McMul- 
lin  of  this  county  was  commissioned  major  of  the  regiment.  After 
Donelson  the  regiment  went  to  Pittsburg  Landing,  and  engaged  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Shiloh,  and  wreathed  its  fame  with  additional  laurels,  familiar  to 
Iowa  and  the  country;  then  on  to  Corinth,  the  siege  there,  the  summer 
camp,  discipline  and  drill.  The  old  Seventh  here  gave  its  entire  attention  to 
“recruiting  within  its  own  ranks,”  as  Rice  called  it,  getting  back  the  men 
that  were  absent,  “ wounded,”  “ sick,”  “ detached  service;”  lie  made  a “raid” 
on  his  surgeon,  whom  he  claimed  was  the  best  in  that  army — Dr.  Lake, 
now  of  Indianola,  and  told  him  to  cut  down  that  sick  report,”  cure  the 
men  under  his  treatment,  and  return  them  to  duty;  Dr.  Lake  did  so,  and 
under  sanitary  arrangements  established  at  that  camp,  the  Seventh  Iowa 
had  fewer  men  sick  and  more  for  duty,  in  proportion  to  its  roster,  than  any 
other  regiment  in  the  army.  This  attracted  the  attention  of  Gen.  Ord,  com- 
manding the  garrison  of  Corinth;  he  sent  for  Rice,  told  him  of  the  fact,  and 
issued  a general  order,  calling  attention  to  the  fact.  Commending  Rice 
and  his  surgeon,  and  comparing  his  regiment  with  the  Fiftieth  Illinois  In- 
fantry, which  at  that  time  was  reporting  nearly  thirty-three  per  cent  of  its 
men  sick,  while  the  Seventh  had  less  than  two  per  cent.  Rice  is  proud  of 
this  order  and  well  he  may  be;  he  is  loud  in  his  praise  of  Dr.  Lake,  and  says 
that  to  him  all  the  credit  is  due.  From  Camp  Montgomer}7  the  regiment 
marched  to  the  battle  of  Iuka,  in  September,  1862,  but  was  not  engaged ; re- 
turned to  camp  and  remained  until  the  2d  of  October,  when  it  was  hotly 
engaged  in  the  two  days  second  battle  of  Corinth,  and  lost  nearly  one-third 
of  all  the  men  on  its  battle  roster,  among  them  captain  Benton  K.  Smith, 
brother  of  Hon.  Win.  T.  Smith.  General  Rice  relates  of  him  that  lie,  Rice, 
was  sitting  on  his  horse  talking  to  Smith,  who  was  sitting  on  a stump,  when 
the  enemy  burst  from  the  woods  on  a magnificent  charge.  “Bent”  rose 
up  and  said  enthusically,  “ that  is  the  way  I like  to  see  them  come,”  and 
“two  minutes  afterward  that  noble  and  gallant  boy  was  dead.” 

This  charge  of  the  enemy  on  the  4th  was  the  last  one  made,  and  was  met 
by  the  Seventh  and  Second  Iowa  in  a counter-charge,  and  ended  the  second 
battle  of  Corinth.  Mahaska  county  knows  all  about  it;  her  boys  were  there. 
Rice  looked  after  his  men  while  living,  and  did  not  neglect  them  dead. 
He  carefully  had  them  buried,  in  separate  graves,  and  their  graves  marked 
with  name,  company  and  regiment.  This  duty  he  imposed  as  a special 
service  on  the  late  William  Johnson,  of  this  county,  who  was  fife-major  of 
his  regiment,  and  son-in-law  of  Judge  Rhinehart.  This  care  and  thought- 
fulness have  been  of  great  service  to  the  war  department,  in  collecting*  the 
remains  of  the  government’s  dead  heroes  for  interment  in  the  national 
cemetery.  Few,  if  any,  of  Rice’s  soldiers  are  in  “ unknown  ” graves.  Af- 
ter this  battle  of  Corinth  the  Seventh  pursued  the  flying  rebels  as  far  south 
as  Rienzi,  then  was  sent  to  the  outpost,  Boneyard.  From  this  latter  place 
Colonel  Rice  was  sent  to  Bethel,  Tennessee,  with  his  regiment,  the  Forty- 
third  Ohio,  a portion  of  the  Eleventh  Illinois  Cavalry,  and  a Michigan 
battery,  and  took  command  of  the  post  and  district,  giving  the  most  of  his 
time  to  watching  the  army  of  the  rebel  general  Bragg,  on  the  north  side 


550 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


of  the  Tennessee  river.  From  Bethel  he  was  sent  to  Lagrange,  Tennessee, 
and  took  command  of  the  post,  and  disposed  his  troops  along  the  railroad 
between  Memphis  and  Corinth.  In  addition  to  the  command  of  the  post 
he  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  brigade  composed  of  the  Second 
and  Seventh  Iowa,  Fifty-second  Illinois,  and  Sixty-sixth  Indiana.  While 
here  the  rebel  general  Chalmers,  with  a strong  force,  attacked  one  of  Rice’s 
regiments,  the  Sixty-sixth  Indiana,  stationed  on  the  railroad  at  Collierville. 
After  several  hours’  hard  lighting  the  enemy  was  repulsed,  and  Rice,  with 
the  Second  and  Seventh  Iowa  and  Fifty-seventh  Ohio,  followed  him  several 
miles  below  Holly  Springs,  Mississippi.  The  grand  movement  from  Chat- 
tanooga to  Atlanta  and  the  sea  had  been  determined  upon.  Rice  was  or- 
dered, with  his  brigade,  to  Pulaski,  Tennessee.  Enroute  there  the  old  Sev- 
enth u veteranized,”  and  returned  to  Iowa  on  a thirty  days’  furlough.  It 
was  everywhere  received  with  patriotic  demonstrations  of  appreciation. 
At  the  expiration  of  the  furlough  the  regiment  rendezvoused  at  Keokuk, 
and  waited  for  a steamer.  This  was  in  February,  1864.  One  night,  while 
enjoying  a pleasant  party  at  Captain  Conn’s,  a steamer  came  whistling 
down  the  river.  The  party  was  soon  broken  up,  and  the  troops  hurried  on 
board  the  boat.  Major  McMullin  was  left  behind  to  pick  up  the  strag- 
glers, and  the  regiment  started  on  its  renewed  effort  to  crush  the  rebellion. 
Arriving  at  St.  Louis  in  a snow  storm,  the  colonel  directed  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Parrott  to  get  the  regiment  in  line  on  the  wharf,  and  not  allow 
officers  or  men  to  go  up  town  until  he  should  return  after  reporting  to  the 
post  commander  there.  Reporting,  he  was  informed  that  he  would  have 
to  go  into  barracks,  and  wait  for  transportation.  He  replied,  “ Give  me  an 
order,  and  I will  find  transportation.”  This  was  given  him,  he  proceeded 
to  the  wharf,  and  found  a government  chartered  boat  loaded  with  grain  for 
Memphis.  Without  consulting  the  captain,  a detail  of  men  was  put  on 
hoard,  re-arranged  the  grain  sacks  so  that  the  troops  could  find  comfortable 
quarters,  and  put  them  aboard  before  the  captain  could  get  up  town  and 
get  an  order  against  the  proceeding.  The  steamer  captain  and  post  Q. 
M.  arrived  at  the  boat  only  in  time  to  find  their  old  regiment  comfortably 
fixed,  ready  for  Cairo.  These  steamers  were  chartered  at  high  prices  by 
the  government.  They  carried  only  such  freight  and  troops  as  they  wTere 
obliged  to  under  orders.  Rice  knew  this,  and  he  claimed  that  that  boat 
was  better  garrison  quarters  than  he  could  find  at  Benton  or  Jefferson, 
wdiere  they  had  already  had  sufficient  experience.  Of  course  the  regiment 
was  not  ordered  off  the  boat,  but  in  two  hours  after  arriving  at  St.  Louis 
it  was  steaming  rebelward.  At  Cairo  the  same  thing  occurred.  This  boat 
was  going  to  Memphis.  The  regiment  was  enroute  back  to  Pulaski,  via 
Nashville.  General  Reed,  of  this  State,  was  in  command  at  Cairo.  He 
informed  Rice  that  he  would  have  to  go  into  quarters  there,  and  wait  for 
transportation.  These  men  knew  each  other  well.  Rice  knew  that  there 
were  two  boats  at  the  wharf,  loaded  to  the  guards,  for  Nashville.  He  asked 
an  order  to  divide  his  troops  between  the  two  boats,  and  that  the  order 
should  not  be  revoked  upon  the  application  of  the  captains  of  the  boats. 
It  was  given  him,  and  an  hour  found  his  troops  moving  comfortably  up  the 
Ohio  for  the  Cumberland  river  and  Nashville.  At  the  latter  place  they 
arrived  at  daylight.  Finding  a train  loaded  with  commissary  stores  for 
the  south,  they  took  the  top  of  the  train,  and  in  the  afternoon  landed  at 
their  old  Pulaski  camp.  General  Sweeny,  commanding  the  post,  met  them 
at  the  depot,  and,  on  being  informed  that  the  regiment  only  reached  Nash- 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


551 


ville  that  morning,  exclaimed:  “Great  God!  the  Fiftieth  Illinois  has  been 
there  for  a week,  trying  to  get  transportation !”  Of  course  there  was  a 
great  deal  of  growling  by  officers  and  men  about  this,  what  they  called, 
“ forced  march,”  but  all  were  delighted  when  they  found  that  they  had 
made  the  trip  from  Keokuk  to  Pulaski  before  another  regiment,  belonging 
to  the  same  command,  could  get  from  Nashville  to  the  same  place. 

On  arriving  at  Pulaski,  Pice  again  assumed  command  of  his  old  brigade, 
the  regiment  going  on  to  Prospect,  a little  place  on  the  Elk  river,  a few 
miles  below  there.  The  last  of  April,  1864,  the  troops,  except  a small  gar- 
rison, left  for  the  grand  rendezvous  at  Chattanooga,  preparatory  for  the 
grand  campaign  against  Atlanta.  Pice’s  Brigade  entered  upon  this  mem- 
orable campaign  with  a zest.  It  was  his  troops  that  effected  the  crossing  of 
the  Oostanaula  river  at  Lang’s  Ferry,  and  with  his  own  brigade,  Welkin 
battery,  and  the  Michigan  battery,  he  attacked  Walker’s  rebel  division,  en- 
trenched on  the  hill,  and  drove  it  from  its  position,  the  other  two  brigades 
of  the  division  afterward  reported  to  him,  and  he  held  this  lodgment  in  the 
rear  of  the  enemy’s  position,  which  was  at  Pesaca,  and  they  compelled  the 
evacuation  of  that  place.  This  was  one  of  the  most  complete  and  impor- 
tant successes  of  the  Atlanta  campaign,  and  was  appreciated  as  such  by 
General  Sherman.  Major  McMullin  here  commanded  the  7tli  Iowa,  and 
was  highly  complimented  for  his  good  judgment  and  bravery  by  General 
Pice.  At  Dallas,  his  command  was  hotly  engaged  in  a magnificent  mid- 
night defensive  battle.  A severe  rain  and  thunder  storm  was  raging,  and 
the  whole  of  General  Logan’s  Corps,  and  General  Sweeney’s  division,  of 
Gen.  Dodge’s  Corps,  were  engaged.  Not  one  inch  of  ground  was  given, 
but  the  enemy  was  completely  repulsed  and  routed,  leaving  the  dead  in 
our  hands.  On  went  the  victorious  troops  to  Kensaw  Mountain,  Big 
Shante,  Nickajack  creek,  across  the  Chattahoochee  river  to  the  investment 
of  Atlanta.  On  the  22d  of  July,  when  the  gallant  McPherson,  command- 
er of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  was  killed,  Pice’s  brigade,  together  with 
the  other  troops  of  Gen.  Dodge’s  command,  met  a terrific  assault  made  by 
Gen.  Hardee’s  rebel  troops,  repulsed  the  enemy,  made  a counter-charge, 
taking  possession  of  the  field  in  his  front,  burying  the  dead  rebels,  and  cap- 
turing, besides  prisoners,  over  six  hundred  stand  of  new  English  Enfield 
rifles.  After  this  battle  these  troops  marched  around  from  the  left  in  rear  of 
our  grand  army,  to  position  on  the  right,  and  were  again  engaged  in  the  other 
great  Atlanta  battle  on  the  28th  of  July,  but  were  not  in  the  heat  and  front 
of  the  battle  as  they  were  on  the  22d.  After  these  battles,  and  while  his 
troops  were  still  in  front  of  Atlanta,  Pice  received  his  promotion  as  Briga- 
dier-General, retained  his  old  command,  and  with  it  went  on  the  world 
renowned  march  to  the  sea.  There  was  very  little  active  fighting  on  this 
campaign.  Railroads  were  destroyed  and  the  enemy  dislodged  wherever 
found.  Skirmishing  was  only  amusement  for  Pice’s  boys;  he  said  they  en- 
joyed it  about  as  much  as  they  would  a fox  chase. 

Savannah  was  captured  in  December,  and  presented  to  the  country  by 
General  Sherman  as  a Christmas  present.  The  troops  remained  there  until 
the  last  of  January,  when  they  started  on  the  march  through  the  swamps 
of  South  Carolina,  crossing  from  Georgia  into  that  State  at  Listen  Ferry, 
about  fifty  miles  above  Savannah.  The  boys  said  the  treason  of  that  State 
was  perfectly  natural;  that  the  very  ground  over  which  they  marched  was 
treacherous,  and  they  had  to  “ corduroy  ” the  whole  State  as  they  went. 
They  marched  through  Columbia  where  there  was  a great  fire,  the  origin 


552 


HISTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COTJNTY. 


of  which  is  in  dispute;  marched  away  under  its  smoke  in  the  direction  of 
Goldsboro,  engaging  in  a little  tight  at  Lyncher  Creek  with  General  Wade 
Hampton’s  troops,  which  resulted  as  usual.  From  Goldsboro,  via  Raleigh, 
General  Rice  moved  his  command  with  General  Logan  to  give  General  Joe 
Johnson  battle.  The  news  of  the  fall  of  Richmond  was  received  and  John- 
son surrendered  to  General  Sherman.  The  last  battle  fought  by  General 
Rice’s  troops  was  at  Bentonville,  North  Carolina,  and  was  not  regarded  as 
severe,  as  but  few  troops  were  lost.  After  the  surrender  of  Johnson  the 
whole  army  marched  via  Richmond  to  Washington  City,  passed  in  grand 
review  before  the  country  and  the  representatives  of  the  civilized  world. 
Rice  was  promoted  to  Brevet-Major-General  “for gallant  and  distinguished 
services  during  the  war.”  He  took  his  troops  to  Louisville,  Kv.,  where 
they  were  mustered  out  of  the  service  and  sent  to  their  respective  homes  in 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Michigan,  Illinois,  and  Iowa,  after  having  made  a record 
that  each  and  every  one  of  his  men  is  proud  of,  and  their  country  ap- 
preciate, and  history  records.  After  the  army  was  disbanded  Rice  was  tli  e 
unanimous  choice  of  the  Soldiers’  Convention,  at  Des  Moines,  for  Governor 
of  the  State,  but  he  declined  the  nomination,  or  to  be  a candidate  before 
the  Convention,  and  has  never  desired  political  position. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  DIRECTORY. 


oskj^loos^  oiT'sr. 


^/^BEAHAM,  Mrs.  JOHN. 

Acomb,  Joseph,  paints,  oil  and  glass. 

ABRAHAM,  M.  A.,  dealer  in  dry 
goods,  carpets  and  clothing,  Oska- 
loosa;  born  in  Louden  county, 
Virginia,  April  18,  1833;  when 
5 years  of  age  removed  with  his 
parents  to  Muskingum  county, 
Ohio;  lived  there  11  years,  and  in 
1849  went  to  Cal.,  remained  there 
two  years  and  then  returned  to 
Ohio,  and  came  to  Iowa  and  locat- 
ed in  Oskaloosa  in  1855,  and  has 
been  engaged  in  the  dry  goods 
business  here  since  1864.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Loraine  Greenougli 
from  New  Orleans,  July  31, 
1856;  they  have  three  children, 
Ida,  Alice  and  Fred. 

ADLON,  JOHN  B.,  jeweler  and 
dealer  in  watches  and  clocks,  Os- 
kaloosa; born  in  Germany,  De- 
cember 26,  1826,  and  was  brought 
up  and  learned  his  business  there; 
he  emigrated  to  America  in  1849; 
came  to  St.  Louis;  he  came  to 
Iowa  and  located  at  Oskaloosa  in 
December,  1850;  after  working  at 
his  business  for  nine  months  went 
to  Keokuk,  and  was  there  twenty 
months,  and  then  returned  here, 
and  since  then  has  been  in  the 
jewelry  business,  and  has  been  in 
the  business  the  longest  of  anyone 
in  this  county.  Lie  has  held  office, 
city  councilmen;  married  Eliza- 
beth Calflesh,  in  St.  Louis,  in 
1850;  she  was  from  Germany;  she 


died  in  1863;  he  married  Sarah 
Beyers  from  Pennsylvania  in  1867 ; 
she  died  in  1875;  he  has  eight 
children,  two  sons  and  six  daugh- 
ters. 

ANDERSON,  ANDREW,  mer- 
chant tailor,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Sweden  in  1840,  and  was  brought 
up  and  learned  his  trade  there ; he 
emigated  to  America  in  1869,  and 
lived  in  Chicago  about  two  years, 
and  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in 
Oskaloosa  in  1871,  and  since  then 
has  been  engaged  in  business  here. 

Alexander,  Elizabeth. 

Allumbaugh,  Mrs.  E. 

Allumbaugh,  J.  F.,  lecturer. 

Ankeney,  Peter,  laborer. 

Atchison,  Jas.,  finisher,  woolen  mills. 

Atkins,  J.,  worker,  woolen  mills. 

BACON,  R.  P.,  born  in  Wash- 
ington county,  Ohio,  Nov.  24, 
1825;  he  came  to  Iowa,  to  Mahas- 
ka county,  in  July,  1848;  loca- 
ted in  White  Oak  township,  be- 
ing one  of  the  early  settlers;  dur- 
ing that  winter  he  and  his 
brother,  and  the  Dibble  boys,  Jo- 
siali  and  David,  intended  to  get 
out  lumber  for  a house,  but  the 
well  remembered  big  snow  came 
and  they  could  do  nothing  but 
hunt.  Mr.  Bacon  and  his  brother 
dug  out  a canal  and  went  from 
Currier’s  Mills,  being  the  first 
navigators  of  Skunk  river,  down 
to  Ft.  Madison;  the  voyage  was  a 
perilous  one;  they  remained  in 
Keokuk  during  the  summer,  and 


554 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


in  the  fall  went  to  California  by 
way  of  New  Orleans,  going  by 
water  all  the  way,  except  crossing 
the  isthmus;  was  engaged  in  min- 
ing four  years,  then  returned;  has 
been  engaged  in  farming  and  in 
the  mercantile  business.  There  are 
few  older  settlers  than  he  now  liv- 
ing here ; he  holds  the  office  of  town 
trustee,  and  has  held  other  town 
and  school  offices.  He  married 
Phebe  A.  Dunbar,  May  22,  1853. 
She  was  from  Indiana,  and  came 
to  this  county  with  her  parents  in 
1846.  Her  father  was  one  of  the 
earliest  settlers,  and  w7as  one  of 
eight  persons  who  started  the 
Republican  party  in  this  county. 

Bacon,  R.  H.,  engineer. 

Bacon,  P.  A.,  carpenter. 

Bach,  E.,  banker,  firm  Frankel,  Bach 
& Co. 

BAER,  JOHN  R.,  deputy  sheriff; 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Park  county, 
Indiana,  March  11,  1839;  when 
quite  young  he  went  with  his  pa- 
rents down  to  the  Cherokee  Nation 
and  remained  there  until  six  years 
of  age,  and  then  came  to  this 
county  with  his  parents  in  1844; 
they  were  among  the  earliest  set- 
tlers. Upon  the  breaking  out  of 
the  war,  he  enlisted  July  15,  1861, 
in  the  7th  Regiment  Iowa  Infan- 
try, Co.  C,  and  was  in  the  battles  of 
Ft.  Henry  and  Ft.  Donelson,  Shi- 
loh, and  siege  of  Corinth;  was  in 
service  three  years.  After  the  war 
he  was  engaged  in  business  at  Bea- 
con for  five  years,  and  w7as  ap- 
pointed deputy  sheriff,  January  1, 
1878.  He  married  Miss  Frances 
Carnahan,  from  Ohio,  November 
8,  1866;  they  have  two  children, 
Nellie  A.,  Grace  L. 

BALDAUF,  SAMUEL,  firm  Bal- 
dauf  Bros.,  dealers  in  dry  goods, 
carpets  and  notions,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Bavaria,  December  20, 
1848,  and  came  to  America  in  the 
spring  of  1866.  He  attended  col- 
lege in  Chicago,  and  afterward 


came  to  Iowa  and  located  in  Os- 
kaloosa, and  established  the  busi- 
ness of  the  present  firm  in  1870, 
the  firm  name  being  Samuel  Bal- 
dauf.  In  the  spring  of  1877  his 
brother  became  interested  in  the 
business  with  him,  and  the}^  are 
doing  a large  and  extensive  trade. 

Baldwin,  Mary. 

Ballard,  Mrs. 

Ballard,  D.  H.,  Grocer. 

Ballard,  Uriah,  clerk. 

Baldwin,  R.  G.,  making  washing 
machines. 

Bailey,  James,  clerk. 

Bailey,  J.  E.,  retired. 

Baker,  E.,  traveling  agent. 

Baker,  D.  D.,  teacher. 

Ballsome,  B.,  laborer. 

Barnhill,  J.  W.,  shoemaker. 

Barnhart,  Aaron,  with  E.  M.  Beatty. 

Barnhart,  William,  marble  cutter. 
BARNES,  JOHN  R.,  firm  of  Boy- 
er & Barnes,  Oskaloosa,  dealers  in 
dry  goods  and  clothing;  born  in 
Stark  county,  Ohio,  August  19, 
1833;  he  was  brought  up  and  re- 
ceived his  education  there;  he 
came  to  Iowa  and  located  in  Ma- 
haska county,  April  1,  1855;  lo- 
cated in  Scott  township  and  en- 
gaged in  lumbering.  In  1859,  he 
engaged  in  the  mercantile  business 
with  Dr.  Boyer,  of  Rochester;  he 
was  elected  and  served  three  years 
as  county  supervisor.  In  1871  he 
came  to  Oskaloosa  and  engaged  in 
the  mercantile  business,  the  firm 
being  Boyer  & Barnes.  He  holds 
the  office  of  county  treasurer;  was 
married  to  Miss  Mary  R.  Boyer, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Boyer,  December 
27,  1858;  they  have  six  children, 
Eddie  A.,  Andrew  T.,  Nellie, 
Frankie,  Fred,  John  R. 

BARR,  MARQUIS,  sheriff  of  Ma- 
haska county,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
White  county,  Ind.,  August  14, 
1844.  When  ten  years  of  age, 
came  with  his  parents  to  Iowa  by 
wagon,  and  was  nineteen  days  on 
the  way;  arrived  here  in  Oc- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


555 


tober,  1854,  and  located  in  Adams 
township,  and  has  lived  here  since 
then.  He  was  in  the  army  in  the 
47th  Regiment  Iowa  Infantry,  Co. 
I,  one  hundred  days’  service.  He 
was  elected  sheriff  of  this  county 
in  the  fall  of  1877.  He  married 
Miss  Augusta  Ballinger,  from  this 
county,  in  December,  1873;  they 
have  three  children,  Elda,  Nellie, 
and  Cora. 

BAUMGART,  LOUIS,  proprietor 
great  western  bakery  and  restaur- 
ant; born  in  Prussia  in  1833,  and 
when  fourteen  years  of  age,  emi- 
grated to  America,  in  1847,  and 
located  in  Troy,  New  York.  He 
removed  from  there  to  Saginaw, 
Michigan,  and  lived  in  that  state 
fourteen  years,  and  came  to  Iowa 
in  1864,  and  located  in  Mahaska 
county,  and  engaged  in  farming. 
He  has  been  engaged  in  his  pres- 
ent business  for  the  past  seven 
years,  and  since  then  has  built 
large  improvements; married  Miss 
Barbara  Kofka,  July  11,  1859; 
she  was  from  Bohemia;  they  have 
six  children,  Emil,  Julia,  Meda, 
Tilda,  Lena,  and  Ella,  and  have 
lost  three  children. 

BAUGH,  GEO.  H.,  born  in  High- 
land county,  Ohio,  January  22, 
1838;  when  11  years  of  age  he 
came  to  this  county  with  his 
mother  and  step-father;  they  lo- 
cated on  a farm  and  were  among 
the  early  settlers  here;  he  used 
to  cart  wood  into  Oskaloosa  at 
$1.00  per  cord,  and  melons  at 
$1.00  per  load;  in  the  spring  of 
1858  he  came  to  this  city  and 
attended  school,  and  afterwards 
studied  law,  and  in  1862  engaged 
in  practice  of  law  here  for 
four  years;  he  bought  a woolen 
and  grist  mill,  and  carried  on  the 
business  for  sometime;  he  was 
elected  Mayor  of  this  city  in 
March  1870,  and  was  re-elected 
for  six  successive  terms,  when  he 
declined  a further  re-election; 


he  also  held  the  office  of  Justice 
of  the  Peace.  He  was  elected 
Captain  in  the  7th  Regiment, 
Iowa  Cavalry,  but  on  account  of 
ill  health  did  not  go  into  the 
field.  Married  Miss  Flora  I, 
Lough  from  Ohio,  in  March  1865; 
they  have  4 children;  Richard, 
John,  Daisy  and  Thomas. 
BAUGHMAN,  ANDREW  J., 

lumber  dealer,  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Hardy  county,  Virginia, 
March  31,  1826;  when  3 years  of 
age  removed  to  Ohio  and  was 
brought  up  there;  married  Miss 
Mary  Carpenter  from  Alexan- 
dria, Ohio,  May  9,  1850;  they 
came  with  their  own  wagon  to 
Iowa,  and  were  21  days  on  the 
wav;  arrived  in  Oskaloosa  the 
last  of  September,  1851;  the 
next  day  he  traded  his  team  for 
the  first  house  that  was  built  in 
this  city,  they  used  to  hold  court 
in  it;  the  lot  is  the  one  on  which 
Philip  Herbig’s  brick  building 
now  stands;  engaged  in  the  book 
business,  being  appointed  agent 
of  the  History  of  the  United 
States;  after  one  year  he  engaged 
in  farming,  and  continued  for 
many  years;  since  January,  1876, 
has  been  engaged  in  the  lumber 
business;  has  held  the  office  of  Jus- 
tice of  the  Peace,  and  other  town 
and  school  offices;  they  have  four 
children;  Orlena,  Frank  A., 
Emma  and  Carrie  D. 

BEATTY,  E.  M.,  merchant,  dealer 
in  boots  and  shoes,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Morrow  count}',  Ohio,  in 
1830;  was  brought  up  and  lived 
there  until  1857 ; when  he  came 
to  Iowa  and  located  in  Poweshiek 
county,  at  Montezuma,  and  was 
engaged  in  mercantile  business 
there  for  8 years;  then  came  to 
Oskaloosa,  in  1866,  and  was  en- 
gaged in  the  firm  of  Siebel  & Co., 
in  the  milling  business  for  eight 
years;  and  since  then  has  been 
engaged  in  his  present  business. 


556 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


He  has  held  town  and  school 
offices;  married  Miss  A.  H.  Ship- 
ley  from  Pennsylvania,  in  1860; 
they  have  one  daughter,  Win- 
nie P. 

Bean,  John. 

Beatty,  M.,  harness  maker. 

Beardsley,  O.  A.,  marble  cutter. 

Beckman,  M.  J.,  cigar  manufacturer. 

Beckman,  Fred.,  cigar  manufac- 
turer. 

BEECHLER,  G.  N.,  firm  Beechler 
Bros.,  druggists,  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Williams  county,  Ohio,  Febru- 
ary 21,1841;  he  was  brought  up  in 
Ohio  until  20  years  of  age,  and  then 
went  in  the  army,  and  was  in  the 
medical  department;  after  being 
in  the  service  17  months  he  was 
obliged  to  leave  it  on  account  of 
ill  health;  he  studied  medicine 
and  graduated  at  Columbus,  O.; 
practiced  medicine  at  Lima,  Ind., 
for  3 years,  then  wegt  to  Virginia 
City7',  Nevada;  he  came  here  in 
1871,  and  since  then  has  been  en- 
gaged in  the  drug  business. 

Beechler,  J.  C.,  druggist. 

Beede,  Cyrus,  retired. 

Bell,  Isaac,  teamster. 

Bell,  Nathaniel,  teamster. 

Benton,  W.  L.,  wagon  maker. 

Bennett,  M.  E.,  ponstable. 

Bentley,  George,  agent  and  dealer  in 
coal. 

Berkey,  W.  H.,  painter. 

Berry,  James,  with  McMullin  & Co. 

Berman,  S.  N. 

Berkey,  Al.,  painter. 

Binns,  Benj.,  stone  mason. 

Bird,  J.  M.,  retired. 

Bird,  M.,  plasterer. 

Bird,  P.  M.,  carpenter. 

BLANCHARD,  LUCIEN  C., 

Judge  of  the  6th  Judicial  Dis- 
trict of  Iowa,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Lewis  county,  New  York,  April 
15,  1838;  he  enjoyed  the  advan- 
tages of  the  schools  there,  and  en- 
tered Rock  River  seminary,  at 
Mt.  Morris,  Illinois,  in  1858;  he 
came  to  Iowa  in  1860,  when  he 


engaged  in  teaching,  and  reading 
law;  during  the  Rebellion  he  en- 
listed as  private  in  Co.  K of  the 
28th  Regiment  of  Iowa  Infantry; 
he  was  in  the  battle  of  Port  Gib- 
son, Champion  Hills  and  the  as- 
sault on  Vicksburg.  He  entered 
the  law  department  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Michigan  at  Ann  Ar- 
bor, and  graduated;  he  com- 
menced the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession in  Montezuma,  Powshiek 
county;  in  1867  he  was  appointed 
county  judge  of  Powshiek  county, 
to  fill  an  unexpired  term;  in  the 
fall  of  1868  he  was  elected  judge 
of  the  6th  Judicial  District,  com- 
prising the  counties  of  Jefferson, 
Washington,  Keokuk,  Mahaska, 
Marion,  Jasper  and  Powshiek, 
and  took  his  seat  on  the  Bench  in 
January,  1869;  he  married  Miss 
Sallie  Kilburn,  daughter  of  F.  A. 
Kilburn  of  Montezuma,  January, 
13,  1870;  she  died  February  19, 
1878,  leaving  2 children,  Rosa 
and  Claude. 

BLATTNER,  CHARLES,. firm  of 
Blattner  & Newbrand,  proprietors 
of  the  Oskaloosa  Brewery;  born  in 
Xenia,  Ohio,  Oct.  12,  1845;  when 
7 years  of  age  he  removed  with 
his  parents  to  Kentucky,  and  lived 
there  for  14  years,  and  came  to 
Iowa  and  located  in  Oskaloosa  in 
Dec.,  1867,  and  engaged  in  the 
brewery  business;  he  is  also  ex- 
tensively engaged  in  gardening 
and  fruit,  employing  seven  and 
eight  men  in  its  cultivation;  he 
has  sold  the  present  season  about 
100  bushels  of  strawberries  and 
150  bushels  of  cherries;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Louise  Blattner,  from 
Ohio,  in  June,  1869;  they  have  one 
daughter,  Rosamond. 

Blair,  W.  P.,  laborer. 

BOLTON,  JAMES  B.,  attorney  at 
law,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Mt.  Ver- 
non, Ohio,  Dec.  26,  1840;  he  was 
brought  up  and  received  his  edu- 
cation there;  he  attended  Mar- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


557 


tinsburg  Seminary  and  Academy; 
entered  the  freshman  class,  and 
was  there  until  the  breaking  out 
of  the  Rebellion,  when  he  enlisted 
in  the  Third  Regiment  Ohio  In- 
fantry, and  was  transferred  to  the 
Fourth  Ohio  three  months  men 
under  Loring  Andrews;  owing  to 
ill  health  he  was  obliged  to  return ; 
he  came  here  to  this  county  Mar. 
16, 1863,  and  studied  law,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  1871;  mar- 
ried Miss  Anna  McMains,  a na- 
tive of  this  State,  in  1867;  they 
have  one  son,  Leslie  C. 

Braden,  J.  P.,  plasterer. 

Boswell,  Isaac,  weaver. 

Brands,  A.,  meat  market. 

Brandon,  L.  G.  book-keeper. 

Braden,  Nancy. 

Breckner,  Charles,  Cabinet  maker. 
BREWSTER,  THOS.  K.,  sur- 
geon dentist;  born  in  Green 
county,  Ohio,  in  1828;  he  received 
his  education  and  studied  his  pro- 
fession in  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  at- 
tended dental  college  in  Cincin- 
nati, and  graduated  in  the  winter 
of  1851-2;  he  engaged  in  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  in  Dayton, 
and  continued  until  1874,  when 
he  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in 
Oskaloosa,  and  since  then  has 
practiced  his  profession  here;  he 
was  in  the  100-day  service  during 
the  war  in  the  Ohio  National 
Guards;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Emma  Snowden,  from  Green 
county,  Ohio,  in  April,  1858;  they 
have  two  children,  James  B.  and 
Katie;  have  lost  one  daughter, 
Bertha  B. 

Brick,  Jerry,  laborer. 

BRIGGS,  HENRY  L.,  firm  of  H. 
L.  Briggs  & Co.,  druggists,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Troy,  Davis  county, 
Iowa,  April  21,  1851;  he  was 
brought  up  in  this  State,  and  re- 
ceived his  education  at  Mt.  Pleas- 
ant; he  came  to  Oskaloosa  in  1867, 
and  learned  the  drug  business 
with  Dr.  Wm.  H.  Wells,  and 


since  then  has  been  connected  with 
the  business;  he  married  Miss 
Jennie  Seevers,  Dec.  1,  1875;  she 
is  a native  of  this  city,  and  daugh- 
ter of  Judge  Wm.  H.  Seevers; 
they  have  one  daughter,  Hattie. 

Bristol,  M.  B.,  central  book  store. 

Broennan,  T.  H.,  tailor. 

Broerman,  Mary  E. 

Brown,  George,  mason. 

Brown,  J.  T , central  book  concern. 

Brown,  J.  W.,  plasterer. 

Buckner,  James. 

Buck,  Thomas,  traveling  agent. 

Bush,  Z.  T.,  laborer. 

Burnside,  William,  land  and  loan 
agent. 

Bundy,  I.  C.,  miller. 

BYERS,  JAMES  M.,  retired,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Mercer  county,  Pa., 
Feb.  12,  1814;  he  was  brought  up 
there  and  learned  the  trade  of  brick 
layer;  he  came  to  Iowa  in  1851, 
spent  one  summer  in  Burlington, 
and  one  year  in  Washington  Co., 
and  came  to  this  county  in  March, 
1853;  he  engaged  in  building;  he 
built  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
St.  James  Hotel,  and  many  of  the 
best  buildings  here;  he  built  the 
house  where  he  now  lives  the  first 
year  he  came,  twenty-five  years 
ago;  he  opened  the  first  coal  bank 
near  Oskaloosa;  he  holds  the  office 
of  coroner  of  this  county,  and  has 
held  other  town  and  school  offices. 
Mr.  Byers  has  been  married  three 
times;  he  married  Permelia  E.  H. 
Marshall,  from  North  Carolina,  in 
1836;  she  was  a grand  neice  of 
Chief  Justice  Marshall;  she  died 
August  21,  1838,  leaving  one  son, 
Samuel  H.  M.;  married  Eliza  Birch, 
from  Pennsylvania,  in  1839;  she 
died  in  1845,  leaving  threechildren, 
Sarah,  Annie  and  James  W.;  he 
married  his  present  wife,  Hannah 
E.  McYickers,  from  Ohio,  in  1847. 
BYERS,  SAMUEL  H.  M.,  son  of 
James  Byers,  was  born  in  Law- 
rence county,  Pennsylvania,  July 
23,  1838;  he  received  a common 


558 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


school  education,  and  studied  law 
with  Hon.  Wm.  Loughridge,  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1861; 
upon  the  breaking  out  of  the  Re- 
bellion, he  enlisted  in  1861  in  the 
5th  Regiment  Iowa  Infantry,  and 
was  appointed  quarter-master  ser- 
geant; he  was  soon  after  promoted 
to  adjutant  of  the  regiment;  at 
the  battle  of  Mission  Ridge  he 
was  taken  prisoner  with  eighty 
others  of  his  own  regiment,  'Nov. 
25,  1863;  he  was  held  a prisoner 
for  sixteen  months,  and  was  taken 
from  one  prison  to  another,  and 
suffered  almost  everything  but 
death.  After  making  two  attempts 
to  escape  and  being  recaptured, 
the  third  time,  Feb.  16,  1865,  he 
was  successful.  While  in  prison 
he  composed  the  song  which  has 
become  national,  “ Sherman’s 
March  to  the  Sea.”  After  his  es- 
cape Gen.  Sherman  sent  for  him, 
and  assigned  him  to  duty  on  his 
staff;  he  was  selected  by  General 
Sherman  as  bearer  of  the  first  dis- 
patches to  Gen.  Grant  and  the 
President  after  leaving  Savannah. 
After  the  war  he  returned  here; 
in  1869  he  was  appointed  United 
States  Consul  to  Zurich,  Switzer- 
land, and  he  has  held  that  position 
since  then,  nine  years,  and  is  the 
only  one  of  President  Grant’s  for- 
eign appointments  that  remain 
abroad;  he  married  Miss  Maggie 
Gilmore,  from  Michigan,  in  1869; 
they  have  two  children,  Lawrence 
and  Helen. 

Byers,  John,  carpenter. 

AD  W ALDER,  V.,  retired. 

Call,  F.  M.,  manager  central  book 
concern. 

Call,  C.,  carpenter. 

CARPENTER,  PROF.  GEORGE 

T.,  president  and  principal  of  Os- 
kaloosa  College,  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Nelson  county,  Ky.,  March  4, 
1834;  when  only  eight  years  of 
age  he  removed  to  Bureau  county, 


Illinois,  and  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated there,  and  then  attended 
Abingdon  College,  and  graduated 
in  the  class  of  “ 59.”  After  grad- 
uating he  came  to  Winterset, 
Madison  county,  and  engaged  in 
teaching,  taking  charge  of  the 
academy  in  connection  with 
preaching,  he  remained  there  two 
years,  then  came  here  and  in  con- 
nection with  his  brother  they  estab- 
lished this  school  in  September, 
1861;  since  then  he  has  been  con- 
nected with  it,  and  this  institution 
owes  much  to  his  efforts  and  abil- 
ity— he  has  earned  a high  position 
as  an  educator;  he  was  editor  of 
“ The  Record  and  Evangelist  ” 
for  four  years,  during  which  time, 
in  1873,  he  visited  Europe,  being 
appointed  honorary  member  from 
this  State  to  the  Vienna  Exposi- 
tion. He  married  Miss  Henrietta 
T.  Drake,  June  21,  1863;  she  is  a 
daughter  of  Judge  Drake,  of 
Drakeville,  Davis  county,  Iowa; 
they  have  four  children,  John  D., 
Mary  A.,  Henrietta  D.,  and  Jen- 
nie. 

Carter,  John,  retired. 

Carroll,  Robert,  teamster. 

Carroll,  S.  S.,  teamster. 

Car  in,  N.,  surveyor. 

Chew,  B.  W.,  machinist. 

Church,  Ed,  painter. 

Churchhill,  Samuel,  wagon  maker. 

Cis,  D.  C.  M.,  teamster. 

Clark,  Daniel,  polisher. 

Clark,  Byron,  carpenter. 

Clark,  John  M.,  carpenter. 

Clark,  W.  P.,  laborer. 

CLARK,  PERRY  H.,  assistant 
cashier  Mahaska  county  Savings 
bank;  born  in  Iowa  City,  Feb.  4, 
1851,  and  is  the  son  of  Ezekiel 
Clark,  the  well  known  banker  of 
that  place.  Perry  was  brought  up 
and  received  his  education  there 
and  in  St.  Louis;  in  1870  he  went 
to  Europe,  and  spent  two  years 
there  during  the  Franco-Prussian 
war;  after  his  return  he  entered 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


559 


his  father’s  bank  in  Iowa  City, 
and  was  afterward  connected  with 
the  management  of  the  gas  com- 
pany there;  he  came  to  Oskaloosa 
in  July,  1875,  and  became  inter- 
ested in  the  Mahaska  county  sav- 
ings bank,  and  was  elected  assist- 
ant cashier,  and  since  then  has 
held  that  position. 

Clancy,  J.  R.,  laborer. 

COFFIN,  Dr.  J.  L.,  physician, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Warren  coun- 
ty, New  Jersey,  April  17,  1817, 
and  received  his  education  there. 
In  1843  he  removed  to  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  after  two  years,  re- 
moved to  Elmira,  New  York.  He 
studied  medicine  and  graduated 
in  1854.  He  came  to  Columbia, 
Wisconsin,  and  practiced  medi- 
cine there  until  1870,  and  then 
came  to  this  city  and  has  been 
practicing  here  ever  since;  he 
married  Hannah  Westfall,  from 
Sussex  county,  New  Jersey;  she 
died,  November  14,  1868.  They 
had  live  children,  only  two  living, 
Carrie  C.,  and  Judson  A.  One 
son  was  killed  while  in  the  army, 
at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  July 
21,  1861.  He  married  his  pres- 
ent wife,  Hannah  Hicks,  from  Ver- 
mont, in  August,  1869. 

Cogley,  Aurelia  A. 

COOK,  LEVI,  blacksmith  and 
wagon  maker,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Rensselaer  county,  New  York, 
Nov.  11,  1832;  he  was  brought  up 
there  and  learned  the  trade  of  hoe 
and  fork  manufacturer.  He  came 
to  Muscatine,  Iowa,  in  the  fall  of 
1854,  and  came  to  Oskaloosa  in 
the  spring  of  1855,  and  engaged 
in  blacksmithing,  and  since  then 
has  been  engaged  in  that  business 
and  manufacturing  agricultural 
implements.  He  has  held  the  of- 
fice of  city  marshal,  and  is  engi- 
neer of  the  city  fire  engine.  He 
married  Miss  Mary  E.  Hart,  from 
Ohio,  near  Columbus,  in  August, 


1856;  they  have  two  children, 
Nelson  J.,  and  Edward  M. 

Coleman,  Andrew,  minister. 
COLLINS,  GEORGE  E.,  firm  of 
Johnson  & Collins,  Novelty  Foun- 
dry, Oskalosa;  born  in  Troy,  Ohio, 
July  10,  1849,  and  when  seven 
years  of  age,  came  to  Iowa,  and 
came  to  Oskaloosa  in  1860.  He 
learned  his  trade  here  and  in  Ot- 
tumwa. In  1875  he  associated 
with  Warren  C.  Johnson  in  their 
present  business. 

CONE,  C.  P.,  firm  of  Cone  Bros., 
attorneys,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Ma- 
haska county,  March  27,  1845,  and 
was  brought  up  in  this  county 
and  has  lived  in  this  county  thirty- 
three  years.  Is  one  of  the  earli- 
est native-born  settlers  now  liv- 
ing here.  He  studied  law  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Febru- 
ary, 1876,  and  since  then  has  prac- 
ticed his  profession  at  Albia  and 
in  this  city;  he  married  Miss  E.  J. 
Shuck,  from  Jefferson  township, 
in  this  county,  in  1864;  they  have 
two  children,  Addie  B.  and  Mar- 
tella  L. 

CONE,  W.  J.,  firm  of  Cone  Bros., 
attorneys;  born  in  Mahaska  coun- 
ty, Iowa,  August  5,  1848,  and  was 
brought  up  here;  attended  schools 
here,  and  afterward  attended  Com- 
mercial College,  at  Chicago.  He 
studied  law  here,  and  was  admit- 
ted to  the  bar  in  1874,  and  since 
then  has  practiced  his  profession 
here;  he  has  held  the  office  of  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  town  clerk,  and 
other  town  and  school  offices;  he 
married  Miss  Helen  M.  Ilenness, 
from  this  county,  in  April,  1867; 
they  have  five  children,  Trenmor 
T.,  John  L.,  Lano  D.,  William  N. 
and  Doc.;  they  have  lost  two  chil- 
dren. 

Cooledge,  F.  W.,  physician. 

Copenheffer,  John,  lawyer. 
COOPER,  CARY,  Oskaloosa;  deal- 
er in  Iron  and  heavy  hardware; 


560 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


was  born  in  Lexington,  Richland 
county,  Ohio,  September  22, 
1839;  lie  removed  to  Mt.  Yernon 
with  his  parents  when  a child, 
where  he  resided  until  he  came  to 
Iowa,  arriving  in  Oskaloosa,  April 
14,  1857 ; he  began  as  clerk  in 
the  hardware  store  of  which  he  is 
now  proprietor;  he  first  went 
into  business  in  1864,  as  junior 
partner  in  the  firm  of  Seeberger 
& Cooper;  subsequently  the  firm 
name  changed  to  that  of  Cooper, 
Bennett  & Co.,  and  again  to  that 
of  Cooper,  Stevenson  & Co.;  in 
1868  he  purchased  his  partner’s 
interest,  and  since  that  time  has 
been  sole  proprietor;  he  lias  been 
in  the  business  21  years;  it  is 
the  oldest  house  of  the  kind  in 
central  Iowa,  and  has  attained  a 
wide  reputation;  February  27, 
1866,  Mr.  C.  married  Miss  Susie 
Thurston  at  her  mother’s  resi- 
dence in  Knox  county,  Ohio;  she 
was  born  in  the  house  she  was 
married  in,  September  13,  1843; 
they  have  by  this  union  2 daugh- 
ters, Maude  Thurston,  born  in 
Oskaloosa,  Iowa,  December  28, 
1868;  Bessie  Dean,  born  in  Oska- 
loosa, December  27,  1874. 

Confer,  David,  grocer. 

Correll,  Wilson,  carpenter. 

Corigan,  Ed.,  painter. 

Courtney,  James,  boarding  house. 

Courtney,  John,  buss  driver. 

Cowen,  PI.  A.,  blacksmith. 

Cowgle,  Thos.,  railroad  laborer. 
COWAN,  WILLIAM  R.,  record- 
er of  Mahaska  county,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Guernsey  county,  Ohio, 
May  1,  1844;  when  six  years  of 
age  he  came  with  his  parents  to 
Iowa;  from  Burlington  they  came 
here  by  wagon.  He  was  in  the 
army;  enlisted  August  7,  1862, 
in  the  33d  Regiment,  Iowa  Infan- 
try, Co.  K.  He  was  in  the  battles 
of  Helena,  Arkansas,  Jenkins’ 
Ferry,  and  siege  of  Mobile;  he 
was  wounded  at  Helena  and  Jen- 


kins’ Ferry.  After  the  war  he 
returned  here  and  was  elected 
county  recorder  in  1872,  and  re- 
elected in  1874,  and  again  re-elect- 
ed in  1S76.  He  married  Miss 
Nancy  Newell,  from  Louisa  Co., 
Iowa,  September  20,  1870;  they 
have  two  children,  Lena  A.  and 
Frank  N. 

COX,  SETH,  physician,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Belmont  Co.,  Ohio,  April 
19, 1819;  when  ten  years  of  age  his 
parents  removed  to  Wayne  county, 
Indiana,  where  he  lived  until  he 
came  to  Iowa,  and  located  in  Os- 
kaloosa, March  6,  1866,  and  since 
then  has  been  engaged  in  practic- 
ing his  profession.  He  married 
Ruth  Kindley,  from  Ohio,  in 
1849;  they  have  one  daughter, 
Sallie,  and  have  lost  three  sons. 

Craig,  John,  tinner. 

Crawford,  J.  L.,  clerk. 

Craig,  George,  barber. 

Cricket,  Wm.,  Jr.,  bridge  building. 

Cricket,  Wm.,  Sr.,  bridge  building. 

Cri  11,  John,  retired. 

Crookharn,  J.  A.  L.,  lawyer. 

Curran,  John,  laborer. 

CUTTS,  M.  E.,  attorney-at-law, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Orwell,  Addi- 
son county,  formerly  Rutland 
county,  Vermont,  May  22,  1833; 
he  attended  the  common  schools 
there,  and  afterward  attended  St. 
Lawrence  Academy,  at  Pottsdam, 
New  York;  he  then  joined  a 
surveying  expedition  engaged  in 
sub-dividing  townships  into  sec- 
tions; when  20  years  of  age,  in 
1853,  he  came  to  the  State  of 
Wisconsin,  and  located  at  Sheboy- 
gan, and  engaged  in  teaching  and 
reading  law  for  2 years;  in  June, 
1855,  lie  came  to  Iowa,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  Bar  in  August, 
1855;  he  located  in  Montezuma, 
Poweshiek  county,  and  practiced 
his  profession  there,  until  coming 
to  Oskaloosa  in  August,  1866;  he 
was  elected  to  the  State  Legisla- 
ture to  fill  vacancy,  in  May,  1861, 


V.  B.  Delash  mutt 


OSKALOOSA  CITF. 


563 


it  being  the  war  session;  lie  was 
elected  to  the  State  Senate  in 
1863,  and  served  for  4 years;  lie 
was  again  elected  to  the  State 
Legislature  in  1869;  he  received 
the  appointment  of  Attorney- 
General  of  this  State,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1872,  to  till  vacancy  occasion- 
ed by  O’Connor’s  resignation; 
he  was  elected  Attorney-General 
in  fall  of  1872,  and  again  re- 
elected in  1874,  and  held  that 
office  until  January,  1877;  at  the 
recent  election  he  was  the  choice 
of  the  Republicans  in  * his  dis- 
trict for  Representative  in  Con- 
gress, but  declined  the  proffered 
honor.  Mr.  Cutts  entered  upon 
his  career  in  life  without  funds, 
or  favors  by  which  to  help  him  to 
position,  or  pave  his  pathway  to 
success;  he  came  to  this  place  an 
entire  stranger,  without  a person- 
al friend  or  acquaintance  west  of 
the  Mississippi  river,  and  by  close 
application  to  study,  and  untiling 
energy  and  perseverance,  he  has 
attained  a deservedly  high  posi- 
tion in  his  profession;  he  married 
Miss  Helen  Frick  from  Sheboy- 
gan, Wisconsin,  in  June,  1857; 
they  now  have  a family  of  four 
children,  Lizzie,  Charles  E., 
Thomas,  and  Nellie,  to  share  wTith 
them  the  burdens  and  pleasures 
of  a life  of  industry  and  pros- 
perity. 

CUTTS  THOS.  M.,  firm  of  N.  J. 
Smith  & Co.,  hardware  dealers, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  St.  LawTence 
county,  New  York,  and  at  an 
early  age,  removed  to  Rutland 
county,  Yermont,  and  was  brought 
up  there.  He  was  in  the  army; 
enlisted  in  the  5th  Regiment  Yer- 
mont Infantry,  Co.  H,  in  the  First 
Yermont  Brigade,  and  was  struck 
by  a ball  and  slightly  wounded  in 
the  battle  of  the  wilderness;  after 
the  war  returned  to  Yermont; 
came  to  Oskaloosa  in  1873,  and 
for  the  past  three  years  has  been 
34 


associated  with  Mr.  Smith  in  the 
Hardware  trade.  He  married  Miss 
Harriet  Bigelow,  from  Yermont; 
she  died  in  1870,  leaving  four 
children,  William,  Mary  E.,  Gil- 
bert and  Samuel;  married  Saman- 
tha I.  Frater,  from  Belmont  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  in  February,  1877;  they 
have  one  daughter,  Lena  F. 
AGGER,  SARAH. 


D 


DAVENPORT,  FRANCIS  M., 

attorney,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Gal- 
lia, county  Ohio,  May  1,  1840; 
when  seven  years  of  age,  he  came 
with  his  parents  to  Iowa,  and  ar- 
rived in  Oskaloosa,  Oct.  5,  184-7-; 
they  located  on  section  1,  Adams 
township, and  entered  from  the  gov- 
ernment the  land  where  his  father 
now  lives;  there  was  only  four 
neighbors  at  that  time  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  river,  from  Cur- 
rier’s Mills  to  Warren’s  Mills. 
Francis  entered  school  in  1859, 
and  graduated  at  Mount  Pleasant, 
in  classical  course,  in  1864,  teach  - 
scliool  winters  during  that  time. 
He  studied  law  and  attended  law 
school,  at  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan, 
one  year;  then  entered  the  law 
office  of  Seevers  & Cutts,  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  since 
then  has  practiced  his  profession 
here,  and  holds  the  office  of  city 
solicitor;  married  Miss  Martha  M. 
Griffith,  from  Pennsylvania,  in 
Mount  Pleasant,  May  1,  1870;  she 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
removed  to  Ohio  and  came  to 
Iowa  in  1862;  she  achieved  a 
reputation  throughout  this  State 
as  a lecturer  on  temperance  and 
self-dependence  of  women;  they 
have  one  son,  William  Warren, 
born  August  17,  1874. 

Davis,  William,  teamster. 

Davis,  John,  carriage  trimmer. 

Delashmutt,  William,  farmer. 

Desch,  W.  F.,  teamster. 
DELASHMUTT,  VAN  B retired, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Ohio  county, 


564 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


afterward  Tyler  county,  Ya.,  Jan- 
uary 4,  1802,  and  was  brought  up 
there;  he  came  to  Burlington 
Iowa,  June  22,  1837,  and  lived 
there  three  years,  and  removed  to 
Jefferson  county,  and  lived  there 
until  coming  to  Mahaska  county 
in  April  1843,  before  the  Indians 
had  left,  and  before  the  settlers 
were  allowed  to  take  possession  of 
the  land;  he  made  a claim  and 
entered  land  from  the  government 
at  the  first  land  sale  held  in  Iowa, 
and  engaged  in  farming;  he  is  one 
of  the  oldest  settlers  in  Mahaska 
county,  and  has  been  through  it 
all.  Many  and  very  interesting  are 
the  incidents  which  he  and  Dr. 
Boyer  and  a few  others  recite,  of 
the  early  days  of  this  county;  he 
had  but  little  when  he  came,  but 
by  industry  and  good  manage- 
ment, he  long  ago  secured  an  am- 
ple fortune.  He  was  elected  slier- 
riff  in  Ya.,  in  1829,  and  served 
two  years,  and  was  again  elected 
for  two  years;  he  was  elected  to 
the  State  Legislature  in  Yirginia, 
and  served  during  the  sessions  in 
winters  of  1833,  1834,  and  1835; 
after  coming  to  Iowa  he  was  elect- 
ed in  Burlington  to  the  first  State 
Legislature  held  in  Iowa,  and  was 
a member  of  the  first  constitution- 
al convention,  and  held  office  of 
swamp  land  commissioner,  and 
held  town  and  school  offices.  He 
married  Martha  W.  Inghram  from 
Greene  county,  Pa.,  in  J821;  she 
died  in  August,  1853;  he  married 
Mary  H.  Inghram  in  June  1868; 
he  has  six  children,  three  sons 
and  three  daughters. 

Desch,  J.  L.,  teamster. 

Dickens,  Esther. 

Dice,  John,  carpenter. 

Dice,  Anderson,  carpenter. 

Dimmit,  B.,  sexton  of  cemetery. 

Dill}",  Jacob,  farmer. 

DIRR,  A.  J.,  agent  of  the  Central 
R.  R.  of  Iowa  at  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Mansfield  Ohio,  in  1843,  and  at 


very  early  age  removed  to  Naper- 
ville, Illinois,  and  was  brought  up 
there.  He  went  south  and  re- 
mained there  until  1870,  then  went 
to  Parsons,  Kansas,  and  made 
some  investments;  and  engagedin 
railroading,  and  remained  there 
until  coming  here  in  1877;  in 
May  of  the  same  year  he  was  ap- 
pointed agent  of  the  Central  R. 
R.  of  Iowa  in  this  city;  he  still 
retains  his  interest  in  Parsons, 
Kansas.  He  married  Miss  Ella 
Lundy  from  Naperville,  Dupage 
county  Ills.,  in  May,  1876.  They 
have  one  daughter. 

Dix,  James,  well-digger. 

Dixon,  Mrs.  J.  P. 

Dixon  Mrs.  J.  B. 

DORLAND  EDWIN  H.,  physi- 
cian; born  in  Duchess  county 
New  York,  March  31,  1842,  and 
when  four  years  of  age  came  with 
his  parents  to  Salem,  Henry  coun- 
ty Iowa;  he  entered  Erlham  Col- 
lege at  Richmond,  Ind.,  and  re- 
mained five  years,  graduated  there ; 
after  graduating  engaged  in  teach- 
ing in  academy  and  private  high 
school.  After  traveling  for  one 
year  he  came  to  Oskaloosa;  he 
married  Miss  Lydia  A.  Jones  from 
Waynesville,  Warren  county  Ohio, 
September  1,  1869;  she  died  July 
1,  1876,  leaving  one  son,  Walter 
E. 

Dodge,  N.,  boot  and  shoe  dealer. 

Dolby,  M.,  machinist. 

Doud,  Morris,  laborer. 

Douglas,  Mrs.  IL.  S. 

Douglas,  W.  W.,  marble  cutter. 
DOWNING,  FOSTER  L.,  proprie- 
tor Downing  House,  Oskaloosa; 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  in  Madison  county,  Ohio, 
April  11,  1828;  Mr.  D.  received 
all  the  advantages  of  a common 
school  education  in  his  native 
state;  January  23,  1851,  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Sarah  A.  Croney;  lie 
emigrated  to  Iowa  in  1855,  land- 
ing at  Muscatine,  October  12th; 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


565 


in  May  of  the  following  year  he 
came  to  Oskaloosa;  upon  his  ar- 
rival he  bought  the  old  Madison 
House,  which  stood  on  the  same 
location  where  the  Downing 
House  now  stands;  and  with  the 
exception  of  5 years,  has  been  in 
the  hotel  business  since;  in  1874 
he  built  the  Downing  House  at  a 
cost  of  $40,000;  during  the  war 
he  was  quarter-master  of  the  19th 
Iowa  Infantry ; lielias  been  connect- 
ed with  the  Iowa  Agricultural 
Society  since  1862;  he  was  elected 
President  of  the  National  State 
Bank  in  January  1871,  which 
office  he  held  until  bank  stock 
changed  hands;  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  city  council  of  Oska- 
loosa; and  for  many  years  among 
the  most  active  members  of  the 
Mahaska  county  Agricultural 
Association,  and  of  which  he  was 
for  a long  time  its  president;  his 
wife  died  August  3d,  1869,  leav- 
ing one  son  and  one  daughter: 
Dwight  F.,  who  is  now  practicing 
law  in  Beloit,  Kansas;  and  Ollie 
H.,  who  resides  with  her  father; 
February  21,  1871,  he  married 
Miss  Eunice,  daughter  of  Dr. 
Albert  Dart,  of  Oskaloosa,  Iowa; 
she  was  born  in  Clarmont  county, 
Ohio;  Mr.  D.,  is  an  energetic 
and  thoroughgoing  business  man, 
and  whatever  he  undertakes  to  do, 
he  does  with  all  his  might. 
DRINKLE,  A.  T.,  dealer  in  furni- 
ture, Oskaloosa;  born  in  Hunting- 
ton  county,  Pennsylvania,  May  12, 
1845;  when  six  years  of  age  he 
came  to  Lockport,  Illinois;  lived 
there  until  1858,  when  he  came 
to  Iowa,  and  came  to  this  county 
in  1861;  was  in  the  army  in  the 
Twelfth  Regiment  Michigan  In- 
fantry, and  was  connected  with 
the  band;  married  Miss  Mary  E. 
Cricket,  from  Ohio,  in  November, 
1871;  they  have  four  children, 
Fred  C.,  Alice  Maud,  Harry  A., 
Willie  E. 


Duke,  W.  H.,  carpenter. 

Duke,  Ham,  carpenter. 

Duke,  Sarah. 

Duke,  J.  C.,  carpenter. 

DUMONT,  RICHARD,  abstracts 
and  conveyancer,  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Hightstown,  Warren  county, 
New  Jersey,  July  24,  1820;  he 
removed  at  an  early  age  to  the  city 
of  New  York,  and  was  brought  up 
there;  was  afterward  engaged  in 
the  sash,  blind  and  door  busi- 
ness, and  ship  work;  lived  there 
until  1848;  he  lived  in  Kenosha, 
Wisconsin,  and  Mansfield,  Ohio, 
and  came  to  Iowa  in  1854,  to  this 
county,  and  put  in  the  sash  and 
blind  machinery  in  Roup’s  mill, 
and  was  in  cabinet  business;  in 
1857  was  appointed  deputy  clerk, 
and  was  elected  clerk  in  1862,  and 
re-elected  in  1864;  has  been  en- 
gaged in  abstract  business  since 
1872;  married  Miss  Sarah  Graf- 
ton, from  city  of  New  York,  in 
May,  1842;  they  have  five  chil- 
dren, Mary  E.,  Thomas,  Maria  L., 
John  H.,  Charles;  lost  one  son. 

Duncan,  David,  carpeuter. 

Duncan,  Hannah. 

Dunn,  John,  carpenter. 

Dutton,  L.  IL,  mechanic. 

Dutton,  S.  J.,  groceries  and  provis- 
ions. 

Dutton,  B.  T.,  carpenter. 

gARIJART,  ISAAC,  teamster. 

Easton,  W.  S.,  insurance  agent. 

Ebey,  Thomas,  carpenter. 

Edson,  M.  W.,  house  mover. 

Eisinminger,  T.  J.,  furniture  manu- 
facturer. 

Ellsworth,  O.  J.,  grocer. 

Ellsworth,  P.  J.,  dentist. 
ELLSWORTH,  C.  W.,  groceries 
and  provisions;  born  in  Coopers- 
town,  New  York,  July  15,  1831; 
when  4 years  of  age  removed  to 
Susquehanna  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia; lived  in  Pennsylvania  10 
years  and  then  came  to  Iowa,  to 
Washington  county;  they  started 


566 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


in  May  and  got  ice  bound  at 
Quincy;  there  was  five  families,  and 
they  had  to  leave  one  family  there, 
as  they  could  only  get  wagons  to 
carry  four  families;  they  arrived 
in  Washington  county  December 
24,  1845;  he  broke  prairie  with  4 
yoke  of  oxen,  at  $6.00  a month; 
he  and  his  brother  had  a contract 
for  carrying  the  mail  from  Wa- 
pello, Louisa  county,  to  Ellen 
Grove,  18  miles,  west  of  here,  110 
miles;  it  was  all  the  mail  they 
had  in  the  several  counties 
through  which  they  passed,  until 
1850.  He  then  went  to  Califor- 
nia, was  there  two  years  and  re- 
turned; he  was  in  the  army,  en- 
listed in  the  1st  Regiment,  Iowa 
Cavalry,  Co.  E,  and  was  in  many 
battles  and  skirmishes;  after  the 
war  he  came  to  this  county  in 
June,  1865;  he  has  held  the 
office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
town  clerk  and  other  town  and 
school  offices;  he  married  Miss 
Helen  E.  Maxson  of  Louisa 
county,  September  16, 1852;  they 
have  seven  children,  three  sons 
and  four  daughters. 

Else,  Henry,  farmer. 

Emmons,  D.  W.,  carpenter. 

Emmons,  Cyrenus,  retired. 

Ennis,  John,  laborer. 

Esgen,  W.,  woolen  mills. 

Evans,  David,  carpenter. 

Evans,  B.  F.,  coal. 

'ARR,  GILBERT,  L.,  butcher. 


F 


county, 
brought 


Faxon,  A.,  retired. 

FERRALL,  JONATHAN  D., 

farmer;  born  in  Columbiana 
Ohio,  in  1827;  he  was 
up  in  that  state,  and 
lived  there  27  years;  came  to 
Iowa,  and  arrived  in  this  county 
June  1st,  1855;  he  located  in 
Pleasant  Grove  township,  and  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  stock  rais- 
raising  for  10  years;  then 


moved  here  in  the  city,  where 
now  lives;  he  owns  a farm  of 


re- 

lie 

70 


acres,  finely  located,  adjoining 
the  city  limits,  it  is  also  valuable 
coal  land;  he  married  Miss  Mar- 
garet Charters,  from  Cambrea 
county,  Pennsylvania,  September, 

13,  1*852;  they  have  three  chil- 
dren, John  O.,  Lizzie  A.,  and 
George  R. 

Ferrall,  J.  B.,  farmer  and  stock 
dealer. 

Ferris,  E.  A.,  plasterer. 

Felker,  J.  S.,  express  driver. 

Fisher,  William,  stoker  in  Gas  Co. 
FISHER,  HORACE  W agent 
Chicago,  Rock  Island  & Pacific 
R.  R.,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Leb- 
anon, Ohio,  March  18,  1849,  and 
was  brought  up  and  attended 
school  there  until  fifteen  years  of 
age,  and  came  with  his  parents  to 
this  county  in  1864;  attended 
school  here;  in  1870  lie  went  to 
Denver  City,  Colorado,  and  was 
connected  with  railroads  in  the 
freight  and  ticket  department; 
he  returned  here  in  1875,  and  was 
appointed  agent,  at  Oskaloosa,  of 
the  C.,  R.  1.  & P.  R.  R. ; he  was 
deputy  clerk  under  Captain  Searle 
for  two  years;  he  married  Miss 
Mattie  Mays,  from  this  city,  April 

14,  1874. 

Fitzgerald,  M.,  marble  cutter. 

Fitzgerald,  Pat,  laborer. 

Fitzgerald,  John,  laborer. 

Foehlinger,  Adolph,  mechanic. 

Foehlinger,  Charley,  furniture  fin- 
isher. 

Foehlinger,  Adam,  wood  turner. 

FRANKEL,  I.,  of  the  banking 
house  of  Frankel,  Bach  & Co., 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Germany,  Oc- 
tober 14,  1832;  when  twenty- 
one  years  of  age  came  to  this 
country;  in  1853  he  located  in 
Clark  county,  Indiana,  and  re- 
mained there  for  three  years,  when 
he  removed  to  Missouri,  and  was 
there  four  years,  and  came  to  Os- 
kaloosa in  May,  1861,  and  engaged 
in  mercantile  business,  and  is  the 
oldest  clothing  house  here;  Sep- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


567 


tember  1,  1873,  he  engaged  in  the 
banking  business,  and  established 
the  banking  house  of  Frankel, 
Bach  & Co.;  he  has  been  actively 
identified  with  the  interests  of  the 
city  and  county;  he  married  Miss 
Babbette  Stenerman,  from  Ger- 
many, January  20,  1864;  they 
have  five  children,  Anselin,  Ma- 
nassa,  Nathan,  Henrietta  and  Bosa. 

Frankel,  I.  & Co.,  ready  made  cloth- 
ing. 

Frankel,  Bach  A Co.,  bankers. 

Frederick,  W.  IF,  clerk. 

Gadd,  Samuel,  cabinet-maker. 

Garretson,  Beuben  T.,  retired. 

Garretson,  Thomas  B.,  agent. 

Garretson,  E.  T.,  sewing-machine 
agent. 

Garner,  Jesse,  brick-moulder. 
GIBBS,  ERNEST  H.,  capitalist, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Hampden 
county,  Massachusetts,  February 
10, 1848,  and  was  brought  up  there 
until  seventeen  years  of  age;  in 
1865  he  came  to  Lee  county,  Illi- 
nois, and  entered  a baiiK  in  Am- 
boy; he  remained  there  until  1868, 
and  came  to  Parkersburg,  Iowa; 
he  came  to  Oskaloosa  in  1870,  and 
engaged  in  banking;  he  married 
Miss  Martha  J.  White,  April  1, 
1872;  she  was  daughter  of  the 
late  John  White,  one  of  the  ear- 
liest settlers  of  the  county;  they 
have  one  daughter. 

Gilchrist,  John,  marble  cutter. 

Gilchrist,  Mrs.  P. 

Gilliland,  Mrs.  E.  N. 

GIVENS,  M.  P.,  professor  and  prin- 
cipal of  the  business  department 
of  the  Oskaloosa  College;  born  in 
Bloomington,  Indiana,  August  29, 
1842;  when  thirteen  yeafs of  age 
removed  to  Illinois,  and  attended 
school  at  Abingdon  College,  in 
Knox  county,  and  also  at  Eureka 
College,  in  Woodford  county,  Illi- 
nois; afterward  attended  Bryant 
& Stratton’s  Commercial  College 
• at  Chicago,  and  graduated  there; 
he  taught  one  year  for  Bryant  & 


Stratton  in  St.  Louis;  came  here 
in  1866,  and  since  then  has  been 
connected  with  the  Oskaloosa  Col- 
lege, being  principal  of  the  busi- 
ness department,  and  secretary  of 
the  faculty;  he  has  been  superin- 
tendent of  the  Sabbath-school  for 
twelve  years,  and  was  president  of 
the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Asso- 
ciation one  and  one-half  years. 

Golden,  Jacob  IL,  plasterer. 

Golden,  William,  plasterer. 

Golden,  Samuel,  teamster. 
GORDON,  JOHN  B.,  carpenter  and 
joiner,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  York 
county,  Pennsylvania,  April  7, 
1818;  he  went  to  York  State  and 
learned  his  trade,  and  engaged  in 
building.  He  married  Jane  E. 
Kennedy,  from  York  State,  in 
1846;  they  had  three  children  and 
lost  them  all.  In  1871  he  came  to 
this  county  on  account  of  his 
health,  and  since  then  has  lived 
here. 

Glasscock,  Joseph,  farmer. 

Glaze,  B.,  marble  cutter. 

Glaze,  Ed.,  marble  man. 
GLEASON,  H.  W.,  attorney,  firm 
of  Crookham  & Gleason,  Oskaloo- 
sa; born  in  Warren,  New  Hamp- 
shire, May  2,  1845;  was  brought 
up  and  received  his  education  in 
that  state.  Upon  the  breaking  out 
of  the  rebellion  he  enlisted  in  the 
12th  Regiment  New  Hampshire 
Infantry,  Co.  G.  He  was  in  the 
second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  An- 
tietam,  Fredericksburg,  Clian- 
cellorsville,  Gettysburg,  Cold  Ilar- 
ber,  arid  many  others.  He  was 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Gettys- 
burg; he  remained  in  the  service 
until  1865.  He  came  to  Iowa  in 
1867,  and  located  in  Benton  coun- 
ty, and  engaged  in  teaching;  he 
studied  law  and  was  admitted  to 
the  bar,  and  since  then  has  been 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession. He  represents  this  dis- 
trict in  the  State  Legislature,  be- 
ing elected  in  the  fall  of  1877; 


568 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


married  Miss  Flora  A.  Howard, 
daughter  of  Henry  Howard,  Esq., 
October  20,  1875;  they  have  one 
son,  Howard  L.,  born  February  1, 
1877. 

Glenn,  John,  laborer. 

Graham,  Samuel,  blacksmith. 

Greenough,  Mary. 

GREEN,  J.  H., firm  of  J.  H,  Green 
& Co.,  dealers  in  agricultural  im- 
plements and  farm  machinery; 
born  in  Harrison  county,  Ohio, 
June  16,  1882;  he  was  brought  up 
in  Ohio  and  lived  there  until  1856, 
when  he  removed  to  Minnesota; 
he  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in 
this  county,  in  1864.  He  engaged 
in  business  in  1866,  and  is  the  old- 
est house  in  this  business  here. 
He  has  held  town  and  school  of- 
fices; married  Hannah  Terrell, 
from  Jefferson  county,  Ohio,  in 
1862;  they  have  three  children, 
Mabel,  Clara,  and  Frank. 

GREEN,  I.  C.,  merchant;  dealer 
in  boots  and  shoes,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Clinton  county,  Ohio, 
June  10,1826;  he  was  brought  up 
there  and  lived  in  that  state  until 
the  spring  of  1868,  when  he  came 
to  Oskaloosa  and  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business,  and  for  the 
past  seven  years  has  been  engaged 
exclusively  in  the  boot  and  shoe 
business,  and  having  an  extensive 
trade.  He  has  held  office  of  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  and  held  the  of- 
fice of  mayor  of  New  Vienna, 
Ohio.  He  is  president  of  the 
board  of  trustees  of  Penn  College. 
He  married  Rachel  Moorman, 
from  Greene  county,  Ohio, in  1848; 
they  have  six  children,  T.  Homer, 
Mary  Susie,  Emma  R , Oscar, 
Lizzie  and  Walter. 

Griffin,  Mrs.  S.  B. 

Grooms,  Mrs.  J. 

Gruwell,  J.  P.,  physician. 

Guthrie,  James,  coal  agent. 

J JAPLY  , Z.,  carpenter. 

Iladly,  C.,  carpenter. 


IJadly,  William,  carpenter. 

Hagan,  Peter,  laborer. 

HALFMANN,  GEO.  AV,  manu- 
facturer of  laundry  and  toilet 
soaps,  and  perfumery,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsyl- 
vania, July  6,  1848;  was  brought 
up  and  received  his  education  in 
that  city,  and  went  through  a 
complete  course  of  chemistry,  at- 
tending the  Wagner  Free  Insti- 
tute of  Science.  He  was  super- 
intendent, for  six  years,  for  Ba- 
der, Adamson  & Co.,  in  their  ex- 
tensive manufactory  in  Philadel- 
phia; on  account  of  his  health,  he 
came  west,  to  this  city,  in  July, 
1876,  and  engaged  in  making 
soap;  married  Miss  Emma  L. 
Harper,  of  Philadelphia,  October 
24,  1871;  they  have  two  children, 
Alberta  Grace,  and  Harrold. 

Hall,  William  H.,  laborer. 

Halleck,  J.  M.,  vetrinary  surgeon. 

Hale,  G.  W.,  vice-president  and 
manager  National  State  Bank. 
HAMBLETON,  LEVI,  dealer  in 
carpets,  oil  cloths,  and  matting, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Columbiana 
county,  Ohio,  August  4,  1821; 
when  17  years  of  age  he  removed 
to  eastern  Pennsylvania,  while 
living  there  he  married  Miss 
Mary  H.  Hall,  near  Philadelphia, 
Chester  county,  Pennsylvania;  in 
October,  1845;  she  was  born  in 
Columbiana  county,  Ohio,  and 
removed  to  Chester  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, at  an  early  age.  They 
returned  to  Ohio,  and  Mr.  Ham- 
bleton  was  engaged  in  mercantile 
business,  and  pork  and  wool  bus- 
iness in  Stark  county,  Ohio,  for  9 
years;  they  came  to  Iowa  in  1857 
and  located  in  Powshiek  county, 
and  engaged  in  mercantile  bus- 
iness, and  was  burned  out;  he 
then  improved  3 large  farms,  and 
had  a saw  mill,  and  that  was 
burned;  he  was  engaged  in  ship- 
ping stock  for  10  years;  came  to 
Oskaloosa  in  1870  and  engaged 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


569 


in  mercantile  business;  but  the 
tire  followed  him  here,  and  he 
was  again  burned  out;  he  is  one 
of  the  managing  directors  of  the 
Central  Iowa  Loan  and  Trust  Co.; 
they  have  two  sons,  John  T.,  and 
Albert  F.  M.,  merchants  at 

‘ Springville,  Linn  county,  Iowa. 
They  have  lost  two  sons. 

Hanson,  Elizabeth. 

Hart,  W.  M.,  farmer. 

Hart,  W.  S.,  salesman. 

Haverfield,  Sarah. 

Haverfield,  Albert,  teamster. 

Harvy,  Samuel  F.,  teamster. 

Harris,  A.  B.,  teamster. 

Harrington,  J.  C.,  foundry. 

Haskell,  W.  W.,  lawyer. 

Hay,  Prof.  O.  P.,  teacher  Osk.  Col. 
HAWKINS  BROS.  & CO.,  pro- 
prietors of  the  Quaker  livery,  sale 
and  boarding  stable;  and  buying 
and  shipping  stock;  shipping 
horses  weekly  to  Minnesota,  and 
shipping  cattle  and  hogs  to  eastern 
markets;  and  doing  a large  and 
extensive  business. 

Hawkins,  W.  H.,  Quaker  livery  and 
sale  stable. 

Hawkins,  Abram,  retired. 

Hawkins,  S.  P.,  real  estate  and  in- 
surance agent. 

Hedger,  W.  E.,  travelling  agent. 

Hedge,  Porter,  gardner. 
HEELINGS,  WM.  P.,  firm  of 
Woody  & Hellings,  abstracts  and 
loans,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Logan 
county,  Ohio,  May  29,  1851;  he 
came  with  his  parents  to  Oska- 
loosa when  only  2 }Tears  of  age; 
he  was  brought  up  and  received 
his  education  here;  he  was  in  the 
U.  S.  government  survey  in  the 
mountains,  for  two  years;  he 
learned  printer’s  trade,  and  was 
in  printing  office  5 years,  and  was 
correspondent  for  * Chicago  and 
other  eastern  papers;  he  entered 
the  law  department  of  the  Iowa 
State  University,  and  graduated 
in  1876,  and  practiced  law  here 
until  March  1878,  when  he  asso- 


ciated with  Prof.  John  W.  Woody 
in  abstract  and  loan  business;  he 
is  secretary  of  the  Central  Iowa 
Loan  and  Trust  Co.;  married 
Miss  R.  Emma  Green,  from  Clin- 
ton county,  Ohio,  November  19, 
1874;  they  have  two  sons,  Harry, 
and  Frederick  De  Billion. 

Hemilrich,  O.  P.,  bank  clerk. 

Hendriks,  J.,  retired. 

HERRON,  JOHN  M.,  attorney  at 
law,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Clermont 
county,  Ohio,  January  25,  1845; 
he  was  brought  up  in  Ohio,  and 
in  1865  he  removed  to  Illinois  and 
located  at  Sterling,  Whiteside  Co.; 
was  engaged  in  teaching,  and  af- 
terwards studied  law  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  in  1869;  he  re- 
moved to  Des  Moines,  practiced 
law  there,  and  was  local  editor  of 
the  Des  Moines  Leader ; he  came 
to  Oskaloosa  in  this  county  in 
1876;  he  was  appointed  justice  of 
the  peace  in  this  city,  to  fill  the 
vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation 
of  G.  H.  Baugh;  married  Miss 
Mary  E.  Hotchkiss  from  Adel, 
Dallas  county,  Iowa,  in  January, 
1876. 

HERBIG,  P.  C.,  manufacturer  of 
buggies  and  fine  carriages,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Bavaria,  Germany, 
December  25,1808 ; he  was  brought 
up,  and  learned  his  trade  there; 
emigrated  to  America  in  1839,  liv- 
ed in  South  Carolina  and  North 
Carolina;  then  went  to  Philadel- 
phia Pa.,  for  a year  and  a half; 
then  removed  to  Ohio,  and  lived 
there  thirteen  years,  and  in  Spring- 
field  Illinois  one  year,  and  came 
to  Oskaloosa  February  23,  1855, 
and  engaged  in  working  at  his 
trade,  and  was  the  first  one  that 
could  make  a buggy  in  this  coun- 
ty, and  is  the  oldest  carriage  mak- 
er here,  has  been  engaged  in  bus- 
iness here  over  twenty-three  years. 
Married  Takobina  Gotthold,  from 
Germany  in  1836.  They  have 
seven  children  and  have  lost  eight 


570 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


children.  Mr.  Herbig  is  the  old- 
est German  settler  in  this  county, 
with  one  or  two  exceptions. 

Hetherington,  C.,  retired. 

Hewett,  Levi,  patent  right  agent. 

Higlin,  John  F.,  teamster. 

Hickey,  Allen,  minister. 

Himes,  Jacob,  miller. 

HINESLEY,  J.  W.,  justice  of  the 
peace,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Indian- 
apolis, Marion  county  Ind.,  March 
19,  1832.  When  fourteen  years 
of  age  removed  to  Hamilton  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  and  served  apprentice- 
ship as  blacksmith;  returned  to 
Indianapolis  and  married  Miss 
Sarah  E.  McWhorton,  a native  of 
Ind.,  January  3,  1854;  she  died 
the  following  year,  1855,  leaving 
one  son,  George  W.  He  came  to 
Iowa  in  1855,  and  located  at  In- 
dianapolis in  this  county,  and 
worked  at  his  trade.  He  again 
married  Hannah  J.  Atwood, 
April  23,  1856;  on  the  4 th  of 
J uly  1860,  he  met  with  a severe 
accident;  he  and  some  of  his 
friends  prepared  for  a celebration, 
and  procured  what  is  known  as  a 
mandrel,  and  by  drilling  a hole 
converted  it  into  a cannon.  He 
was  ramming  in  the  charge  when 
it  exploded  and  shattered  his  arm 
to  pieces;  after  losing  his  arm  he 
served  as  constable  and  assessor  of 
Monroe  township;  in  1863  he  was 
elected  sheriff  of  the  county — soon 
after  this  he  moved  to  Oskaloosa 
— he  held  that  office  for  ten  years; 
in  the  late  October  elections  he  was 
elected  justice  ot  the  peace  of 
Oskaloosa  township.  They  have 
two  children,  William  F.  and  Ida 
M. ; lost  two  daughters. 
HOFFMAN,  JOHN  A.,  attorney  at 
law,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Jackson 
county,  Ohio,  April  23,  1851; 
when  five  years  of  age  removed 
to  Ohio  with  his  parents, and  lived 
there  five  years,  then  came  with 
his  parents  to  Oskaloosa,  in  Octo- 
ber, 1861;  after  attending  school 


here  he  entered  the  Iowa  Wes- 
leyan University  at  Mt.  Pleasant; 
he  studied  law  here,  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  in  1874,  and 
since  then  has  practiced  his  pro- 
fession here;  he  has  served  as 
chairman  of  the  Mahaska  County 
Rep.  Cent.  Committee;  married 
Miss  Anna  Wallace,  of  Mt.  Pleas- 
ant, Iowa,  December  15,  1875; 
they  have  one  son,  Wallace. 

HOFFMAN,  I).  A.,  physician  and 
surgeon,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Jack- 
son,  Jackson  county,  Ohio,  Sep- 
tember 28,  1824;  he  received  his 
education  there,  and  studied  med- 
icine at  Athens,  and  attended  the 
Ohio  Medical  College,  and  after- 
ward attended  and  graduated  at 
the  Cleveland  College,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1848;  he  practiced  his  pro- 
fession in  Ohio  until  1861,  when 
he  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in 
Oskaloosa,  and  since  then  has 
practiced  his  profession  here ; mar- 
ried Miss  Emily  Smith,  from 
Hocking  county,  Ohio,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1848;  they  have  four  chil- 
dren, Edgar  B.,  John  A.,  Effie  L., 
Ripley  C. 

Holt,  Robert,  laborer. 

Holt,  Oliver,  butcher. 

Holt,  Susan. 

HOLE,  LEONxARD  H.,  attorney, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Carroll  county, 
Ohio,  June  23,  1845;  he  was 
brought  up  and  received  his  edu- 
cation there;  graduated  at  Mount 
Union  College,  class  1867 ; he  was, 
for  two  years  during  the  war,  un- 
der General  O.  O.  Howard,  in  the 
Freedmen’s  department;  he  stud- 
ied law  in  Southern  Illinois,  and 
attended  the  Law  University  at 
Iowa  City;  he  came  to  Oskaloosa 
in  1870,  and  since  then  has  prac- 
ticed his  profession  here;  he  is 
chairman  of  the  Mahaska  County 
Rep.  Cent.  Committee,  and  has 
been  in  one  city  council;  married 
Miss  Belle  Maffit,  from  Harrison 
county,  Ohio,  July  14, 1870;  they 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


571 


have  three  children,  J.  Wilber, 
Homer,  little  boy  not  named. 

Holmes,  A.  J.,  salesman. 

Holmes,  J.  H.,  salesman  with  Mitch. 
Wilson. 

Holmes,  Hannah. 

Holdsieder,  Jo.,  shoemaker. 

Hoover,  W.  N.,  miller  and  distiller. 

Hoopes,  Elizabeth. 

Hoopes,  D.  C.,  miller. 

Hoover,  Sarah. 

HOUTZ,  CHRIST  [AN,  retired, 
Oskaloosa;  was  born  in  Berks 
county,  Pennsylvania,  December 
27,  1806;  he  was  raised  in  Fred- 
ericksburg, Lebanon  county,  where 
he  received  a good  common  school 
education;  when  sixteen  years  of 
age  he  served  apprenticeship  as 
carpenter  and  joiner,  then  re- 
moved to  New  York,  and  worked 
at  his  trade  for  two  years ; he  mar- 
ried Miss  Priscilla  Colyer,  Feb- 
ruary 22,  1830;  she  was  a daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  Colyer;  she  was 
born  in  Myerstown,  Lebanon  coun- 
ty, November  6,  1812;  in  1834  he 
moved  to  Perry sburg.  Wood  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  and  lived  there  thirteen 
years;  he  came  to  Iowa  and  loca- 
ted in  Oskaloosa  in  June,  1847; 
he  was  engaged  in  building  until 
1854;  he  gave  his  attention  to 
buying  and  selling  land;  he  was 
very  fortunate  in  selecting  and 
buying  land  at  low  figures  which 
rapidly  advanced  in  value;  he  has 
laid  out  two  additions  to  this  city; 
he  had  but  very  little  when  he 
came  here,  but  by  good  manage- 
ment, and  being  a man  of  strict 
integrity,  and  conscientious  in  all 
his  dealings,  he  has  amassed  a 
nice  property;  he  owns  several 
farms,  besides  his  city  property; 
he  has  given  liberally  to  railroad 
enterprises,  churches,  colleges  and 
schools;  his  wife  died  February 
2, 1872;  he  married  Josephine  M. 
Jenkins  October  1,  1873;  she  was 
born  in  Carroll  county,  Ohio,  Oc- 
tober 3,  1839;  he  has  one  daugh- 


ter by  his  first  union,  Mrs.  Eva 
H.  Needham,  widow  of  the  late 
John  R.  Needham. 

Howar,  George,  undertaker. 

HOWARD,  HENRY,  firm  Henry 
Howard  & Son,  grocery  and  pro- 
vision dealers,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Washington  county,  New  York, 
July  11,  1821;  lived  there  until 
fourteen  years  of  age;  removed  to 
Franklin  county,  Ohio;  learned 
carpenter’s  trade,  and  sash  and 
blind  making,  and  followed  that 
business  for  seventeen  years;  he 
came  to  Iowa  and  located  in  this 
county  in  Octobr,  1855,  and  in  the 
following  spring,  1856,  he  en- 
gaged in  his  present  business,  and 
is  the  oldest  grocery  merchant  now 
in  business  here,  and  is  one  of  the 
oldest  merchants  in  this  county; 
he  has  held  various  town  and 
school  offices,  and  has  been  ac- 
tively identified  with  the  interests 
of  the  city  and  county ; he  is  treas- 
urer of  five  or  six  different  organ- 
izations— Forest  Cemetery,  Mahas- 
ka County  Bible  Society,  D.  E. 
Payne’s  Commandery,  No.  6,  Ho- 
ram  Chapter  No.  6,  and  Oskaloosa 
No.  7 ; he  married  Miss  Mary 
Scofield,  from  Washington  county, 
New  York,  in  1845;  they  have 
five  children,  Maria  L.,  George 
F.,  Flora  A.,  Harry  S.,  and  Edwin 
S. 

Huber,  Francis,  retired. 

HUBER,  CHARLES,  firm  C.Hu- 
ber  & Bro.,  dealers  in  hardware 
and  house  furnishing  goods,  Os- 
kaloosa; born  in  Baden,  Germany, 
February  2, 1846,  and  when  eleven 
years  of  age  emigrated  to  America, 
and  came  to  Oskaloosa  in  June, 
1857 ; he  engaged  as  clerk  in  store 
in  1860,  and  was  connected  with 
the  hardware  business  as  clerk  and 
salesman  for  twelve  years;  and  in 
1874  engaged  in  business  for  him- 
self, and  has  carried  it  on  since 
then;  he  had  nothing  when  he 
began  life;  he  married  Miss  M. 


572 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Y.  Warren,  from  Pennsylvania, 
December  7,  1875;  they  have  one 
daughter,  Anna. 

Hughes,  Patrick,  wagon- maker. 

Hull,  L.  L.,  harness  and  sadlery. 

Hull,  Amaziah,  teacher. 

Hull,  E.  W.,  carpenter. 

HUNT,  D.  W.,  superintendent  and 
manager  of  the  Oskaloosa  gas 
works;  born  in  North  Carolina, 
January  7,  1832;  when  five  years 
of  age  he  moved  with  his  parents 
to  Indiana;  he  received  his  edu- 
cation at  Haverford,  Pennsylvania, 
and  afterward  engaged  in  teaching 
at  Bloomingdale  Academy;  he 
came  to  Iowa  in  1865,  and  located 
in  Oskaloosa  and  engaged  in  real 
estate  and  insurance;  he  has  been 
connected  with  the  gas  works  for 
the  past  five  years;  he  married 
Miss  Mary  R.  Llewelyn,  from 
Haverford,  Pennsylvania,  in  1859; 
they  have  five  children,  Hermon, 
Anna  R.,  Esther  D.,  Hannah  R. 
and  H.  Rowland;  they  have  lost 
two,  Mary  E.  and  Sibyl  J. 

Huntsman,  H.  C.,  physician. 

Hurst,  D.  A.,  physician. 

Hurst,  James,  stock  dealer. 

JNGELS,  BRUCE,  marble  cutter. 

Irvin,  George,  teamster. 
TACKSON,  M.  L.,  surgeon  den- 

cJ  tist,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  South 
Carolina,  August  14,  1829;  when 
quite  young  removed  to  Illinois, 
and  lived  there  twelve  years,  then 
removed  to  Lee  county,  Iowa;  he 
returned  to  Illinois  and  read  med- 
icine, then  went  to  St.  Louis  and 
studied  dentistry;  he  came  to  this 
county  in  1854,  and  engaged  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession,  and 
lias  continued  since  then,  nearly 
twenty -five  years;  he  has  held  the 
position  of  vice-president  of  the 
Iowa  State  Dental  Society  for  two 
terms,  and  was  director  in  the  old 
State  Bank  of  Iowa,  and  also  in  the 
State  National  Bank,  which  suc- 
ceeded it  here;  married  Miss  Joan 


Phillips,  from  Illinois,  November 
1,  1855;  they  have  five  children, 
Harry,  Dwight,  Gertie,  Lizzie  and 
Willie. 

Jenney,  J.  M.,  expressman. 

Jessup,  Riley,  deputy  sheriff. 

Jenkins,  Jesse,  farmer. 

Johnson,  William,  horse  dealer. 
JOHNSON,  J.  KELLY,  attorney, 
firm  Lafferty  & Johnson,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Greene  county,  O., 
August  22,  1841;  when  13  years 
of  age  he  removed  to  Indiana 
and  received  his  education  there 
and  in  Ohio,  and  entered  the  law 
school  at  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan; 
he  came  to  Oskaloosa  and  read 
law  with  See  vers  & Williams,  and 
attended  the  law  school  at  Des 
Moines,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
Bar  there  in  the  spring  of  1867; 
after  spending  one  year  in  Eddy- 
ville,  he  associated  with  Geo.  W. 
Lafferty  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession  here;  he  held  the 
office  of  city  solicitor  here  for  six 
years;  married  Miss  Ann  E. 
Gruwell,  daughter  of  Dr.  Gru- 
well,  April  21,  1871;  they  have 
four  children,  Irving  C.,  Bessie, 
Ralph,  Herbert. 

JOHNSON,  WARREN  C.,  firm 
Johnson  & Collins,  Novelty  Foun- 
dry, Oskaloosa;  born  in  Warren 
county,  Ohio,  August  15,  1853; 
at  an  early  age  removed  to  Indi- 
ana, and  lived  there  8 years;  he 
came  to  this  city  in  1864,  and 
learned  his  trade  here,  and  en- 
gaged with  Geo.  E.  Collins  in  the 
foundry  business,  and  manufac- 
turing light  machinery;  and  they 
are  doing  an  extensive  business. 

Johnson,  Prof.  B.  W.,  editor  and 
minister. 

Johnson,  A.  W.,  butcher. 

JONES,  JOHN  M.,  Oskaloosa  city 
flouring  mills;  born  in  Belmont 
county,  Ohio,  January  10,  1823; 
was  brought  up  there,  and  learned 
the  wagon  making  business,  and 
worked  at  it  until  1856,  and  since 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


573 


then  lias  been  engaged  in  mill- 
wright and  milling  business;  he 
came  to  Oskaloosa  in  1869,  and 
since  then  has  been  connected 
with  the  above  mills;  during  the 
war,  at  the  time  of  John  Morgan’s 
raid  he  was  in  the  State  service, 
and  commanded  a company.  He 
is  now  serving  his  6th  year  as 
member  of  the  school  board; 
married  Miss  Sarah  A.  Condon, 
from  Knox  county,  Ohio,  Janu- 
ary 25,  1842;  they  have  3 chil- 
dren, Mary  L.,  Albert  M.,  and 
Charles  W*.,  and  have  lost  4 chil- 
dren. 

JONES,  JOSEPH,  carriage  and 
wagon  making,  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Wales,  March  22,  1834,  and 
came  to  America  in  1851,  and 
went  to  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin, 
where  he  learned  his  trade;  then 
removed  to  La  Salle  county,  111.; 
and  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in 
Oskaloosa  in  spring  of  1856,  and 
engaged  in  his  business,  and  has 
continued  since  then;  he  had 
nothing  when  he  came  here,  but 
by  industry  and  good  manage- 
ment has  built  up  a good  business; 
he  married  Miss  Catharine  A. 
Gilmore  from  Indiana,  in  Janu- 
ary, 1857 ; they  have  9 children, 
4 sons  and  5 daughters,  Joseph 
A.,  William,  Edwin,  Franklin, 
Susie,  Alice,  Nellie,  Ida,  Grace. 

Jones,  Mrs.  Jane. 

Jones,  Wesley,  teamster. 

Jones,  James,  laborer. 

J^ALBACJI,  I.,  lumber  dealer. 

KALBACH,  JOHN  A.,  firm  of  I. 
Kalbach  & Son,  lumber  dealers, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Schuylkill 
county,  Pennsylvania,  September 
1,  1844;  when  5 years  of  age  re- 
moved to  Indiana,  came  to  Mus- 
atine,  Iowa  in  1850,  and  came 
to  Mahaska  county  in  1851,  over 
27  years  ago,  being  among  the 
early  settlers;  he  engaged  in  the 


lumber  business  in  the  summer 
of  1864,  and  has  been  engaged 
in  the  business  longer  than  any 
one  in  the  same  trade;  they  also 
carry  on  the  business  at  New 
Sharon ; has  held  the  office  of 
city  councilman;  he  was  elected 
county  supervisor,  Oct.  8,  1878; 
married  Miss  Louise  Patterson, 
in  June,  1873;  they  have  3 chil- 
dren, Warren,  Helen,  and  a little 

KELLY,  JOSEPH,  retired,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  London,  England, 
between  Story’s  Gate,  St.  James 
Park  and  Westminster  Abbey; 
he  came  with  his  parents  in  boy- 
hood to  this  country,  and  settled 
in  Chillicothe,  O.;  removed  to  La 
Salle  county,  Illinois,  and  located 
about  3 miles  from  Peru,  which 
at  that  early  day  only  contained 
one  building;  being  among  the 
earliest  settlers  there,  he  was 
prominently  identified  with  set- 
tling up  that  county;  he  entered 
2,000  acres  of  land  near  Dixon, 
Illinois;  he  married  Mrs.  Fidelia 
Pierce  from  Rochester,  N.  Y., 
August  18,  1845;  they  came  to 
Iowa  and  arrived  in  this  county 
October  17,  1854;  he  engaged  in 
merchandising  here  and  at  Mon- 
tezuma; he  received  appointment 
of  Collector  of  Internal  Revenue, 
October  1,  1862,  and  filled  that 
office  until  August  9,  1869;  with 
but  one  exception  he  was  the  only 
Federal  official  in  the  State  who 
was  retained,  that  did  not  John- 
sonize,  and  he  was  retained  on 
account  of  his  efficiency,  which 
was  acknowledged  by  the  de- 
partment; he  has  since  then  had 
offers  of  Federal  appointments, 
but  he  preferred  to  remain  in 
private  life;  and  has  been  engaged 
in  real  estate  and  insurance  bus- 
ness;  he  is,  and  has  been  promi- 
nently identified  with  his  church 
in  all  of  its  interests;  they  have 


574 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


four  children,  Wilbur  F.,  Frank, 
Fred  E.,  Stella  May;  have  lost  2 
children,  Ella  and  Clarence. 

KEMBLE,  AMOS,  manufacturer 
of  canned  vegetables  and  fruits, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Columbiana 
county,  Ohio,  September  15th, 
1827,  and  lived  there  until  22 
years  of  age;  he  came  to  Iowa  in 
1850,  and  located  in  Polk  county, 
taught  school  there  and  came  to 
this  county  in  1852  and  engaged 
in  farming;  he  was  appointed 
deputy  sheriff  under  sheriff  Ed- 
mondson and  held  that  office  for  3 
years;  and  then  carried  on  a 
steam  bakery  until  1865,  when  he 
engaged  in  gardening  quite  ex- 
tensively, and  in  1873  he  con- 
nected the  canning  business  with 
it;  his  canned  goods  are  of  a su- 
perior quality,  and  he  finds  a 
ready  market  for  them;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Margaret  J.  Apple, 
from  Salem,  .Ohio,  March  12, 
1850;  they  have  8 children,  Em- 
ma, Kora,  Kay,  John,  Ida,  Willie, 
Josie  and  Charlie;  have  lost  one 
daughter,  Mollie. 

KEMPER,  WM.,  carpenter  and 
builder,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Vir- 
ginia, September  20,  1818,  and 
lived  there  until  thirteen  years  of 
age,  and  removed  to  Ohio  and  was 
brought  up,  and  learned  his  trade 
there.  He  came  to  Iowa  by  wagon 
and  carriage,  was  twenty-five  days 
on  the  way,  and  arrived  in  Oska- 
loosa October  7,  1849,  and  began 
working  at  his  trade.  He  was 
one  of  the  early  settlers  and  is  the 
oldest  builder  here  now.  He  has 
put  up  many  buildings  in  the  city 
and  county,  owns  a farm  of  120 
acres,  which  he  entered  from  the 
government  and  laid  out  Kem- 
per’s addition  to  Oskaloosa;  has 
been  vice-president  of  the  school 
board;  married  Elizabeth  J.  Elsey, 
from  Hardin  county,  Ohio,  Aug- 
ust 1,  1843;  they  have  six  children, 
Hattie,  George,  Eliza  Clarence, 


Alice  and  Jennie,  and  lost  one 
daughter. 

KENDIG,  H.  R.,  justice  of  the 
peace,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Lancas- 
ter county,  Pa.,  April  30,  1830; 
when  eight  years  of  age,  he  re- 
moved to  Stark  county,  Ohio,  in 
1838,  and  lived  there  seventeen 
years  and  came  to  Iowa  in  1855 
and  located  in  this  county,  and 
has  lived  here  over  twenty-three 
years;  he  has  held  office  of  county 
treasurer  for  six  years,  was  elect- 
ed in  1871.  He  also  held  the  office 
of  town  clerk  for  ten  years;  he 
married  Miss  Catherine  Earhart, 
from  Portage  county,  Ohio,  in 
November  1852;  they  have  seven 
children,  QliviaL.,  Clara  E.,  Myra 
M.,  Sylvia  H.,  Maud  A.,  Daisy  B., 
Homer  R.,  and  have  lost  two  chil- 
dren, one  son  and  daughter. 
KENDIG,  A.  A.,  teller  and  book- 
keeper; born  in  Stark  county 
Ohio,  December  30, 1846,  he  came 
to  Iowa  and  arrived  in  Oskaloosa 
May  5,  1855,  and  was  brought  up 
and  received  his  education  here; 
married  Miss  Josie  E.  Danner, 
from  Winterset,  Madison  county, 
Iowa,  November  26,  1868;  they 
have  had  one  daughter  who  died 
in  infancy. 

KENWORTHY,  W.  S.,  attorney ; 
born  in  Henry  county,  Indiana, 
May  24,  1840;  he  was  brought  up 
there  until  eighteen  years  of  age, 
and  then  removed  to  Jasper  coun- 
ty Iowa;  he  was  engaged  in  teach- 
ing there,  and  came  here  and  stud- 
died  law,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  1865,  and  has  practiced  his 
profession  here  for  six  years;  he 
married  Miss  Margaret  Straughan 
from  Washington  county  Pa., 
November  28,  1866;  they  have 
four  children,  Byron,  Horace,  Ger- 
tie and  Bessie. 

Kennedy,  William,  lawyer. 

Kernahan,  D.  R.,  carpenter. 

Ketner,  Eli,  farmer. 

Kimble,  William,  insurance  agent. 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


575 


Kingsley,  I.  W.,  book  agent. 

King,  H.  E.,  wagon  maker. 
KISSICK,  ROBERT,  attorney  at 
Jaw;  born  in  Mercer  county,  Pa., 
May  4,  1843;  wlien  he  was  sixteen 
years  of  age  came  to  Iowa,  and 
located  in  Oskaloosa  April  7, 1859; 
during  the  war  went  in  the  army; 
enlisted  in  Aug.,  1862,  in  the  33d 
Regiment  Iowa  Infantry,  Co.  C., 
and  was  sergeant  and  United  States 
color  bearer;  in  the  spring  of  1 864 
he  was  transferred  to  tlie  113th 
United  States  Colored  Infantry, 
and  was  commissioned  first  lieu- 
tenant and  adjutant;  was  in  the 
Yazoo  Pass  expedition  in  rear  of 
Vicksburg,  and  at  Capture  Rock, 
and  in  other  engagements.  He 
was  obliged  to  resign  on  account 
of  ill  health;  after  his'retnrn  from 
the  army  he  entered  school  and 
engaged  in  teaching;  studied  law, 
and  entered  the  Iowa  State  Uni- 
versity, and  graduated  from  the 
lawT  department  in  class  1872,  and 
since  then  has  practiced  his  pro- 
fession here;  he  lield  office  Deputy 
United  States  revenue  collector 
for  Mahaska  and  Marion  counties, 
for  three  years;  he  was  elected 
justice  of  the  peace  in  January, 
1877;  was  re-elected  in  October, 
1878;  he  married  Miss  Mary  J. 
Pettitt,  from  Ohio,  in  November, 
1868;  they  have  four  children, 
Ralph  W.,  Frank  P.,  Guy  E.,  and 
Edwin  Robert. 

Klein,  John  E.,  retired. 

Knowlton,  S.,  farmer. 

Knox,  John,  paper  hanger. 

Kreitzer,  Henry,  coal  miner 

Lacey,  W.  R.,  lawyer. 

LACEY,  MAJOR  JOHNF.,  whose 
portrait  is  found  on  another  page 
of  this  work,  was  born  in  West 
Virginia,  at  New  Martinsville, 
in  1841.  The  days  of  his  child- 
hood were  spent  in  New  Martins- 
ville and  Wheeling,  in  the  schools 
of  which  latter  place  and  those  of 
Mahaska  county,  the  Major  laid 


the  foundation  for  his  success  by 
a thorough  mastery  of  those  rudi- 
mental  branches  which  the  artifi- 
cial style  of  our  modern  schools 
sometimes  ignore,  to  the  great 
misfortune  of  the  youth  attending. 
Young  Lacey  removed  to  Oska- 
loosa with  his  parents  in  the  spring 
of  1855,  being  then  fourteen  years 
of  age.  Having  commenced  the 
study  of  law,  the  call  of  April, 
1861,  for  troops,  roused  the  young 
student  from  his  dreams  over 
Greenleaf  and  Vattel.  In  the 
very  front  of  those  who  sprang  to 
answer  the  treasonable  roar  of  the 
guns  upon  Sumpter,  John  F. 
Lacey  enlisted  in  Co.  H,  3d  Iowa 
Infantry,  which  left  Mahaska  May 
30,  1861,  his  twentieth  birthday. 
The  close  of  the  battle  at  Blue 
Mills  Landing  found  young  Lacey 
a prisoner  of  the  Southern  Con- 
federacy. Fortunately  he  was 
paroled  at  Lexington,  Missouri, 
after  the  seige  of  that  place,  and 
as  a paroled  prisoner  was  dis- 
charged November,  1861;  he  re- 
turned to  the  law  books  in  the 
office  of  Samuel  A.  Rice,  in  Oska- 
loosa; but  when  Mahaska  made 
her  great  contribution  to  Uncle 
Sam,  the  flower  of  chivalry  in  the 
33d  Regiment,  young  Lacey,  hav- 
ing been  exchanged  with  the 
other  paroled  prisoners,  again  en- 
listed as  private  in  Co.  D,  and 
was  soon  appointed  sergeant  ma- 
jor of  the  regiment.  In  the  fol- 
lowing spring  he  was  promoted 
and  commissioned  first  lieutenant, 
after  which  time  he  was  on  staff 
duty;  his  most  active  service  was 
in  the  battle  of  Helena,  the  expe- 
dition on  Yazoo  Pass,  and  in  the 
campaigns  against  Little  Rock 
and  Camden,  and  the  campaign 
of  Mobile,  where  he  took  part  in 
the  last  battle  of  the  war — the 
storming  of  Blakely.  After  the 
death  of  General  Rice  at  Jenkin’s 
Ferry,  Major  Lacey  was  appointed 


576 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


on  the  staff  of  General  Steele  as 
adjutant  general,  and  acted  in 
that  capacity  until  after  the  fall  of 
Richmond;  he  then  went  with 
General  Steele,  who  commanded 
40,000  men  in  the  army  of  obser- 
vation on  the  Rio  Grande.  Having 
returned  to  Oskaloosa  in  1865, 
and  completed  his  legal  studies, 
he  was  admitted  to  the  Bar,  and 
has  since  been  engaged  in  practice 
in  that  place.  In  1869  he  was 
elected  to  the  legislature  from 
Mahaska  county,  and  served  one 
term.  Not  only  has  Major  Lacey 
served  his  country  in  the  military 
and  civil  list,  but  he  has  likewise 
benetitted  his  profession  in  the 
preparation  of  valuable  legal 
works;  the  Major  is  energetic,  a 
diligent  student  and  an  indefati- 
gable worker;  he  published  the 
3d  Iowa  Digest,  making  with 
Judge  Dillon’s  and  Judge  Ham- 
mond’s the  complete  Digest  of 
Iowa  Reports;  he  also  published 
in  1875  Lacey’s  Railway  Digest, 
being  a full  Digest  of  Railway 
Cases  and  Railway  Law;  this  is  a 
volume  of  1,000  pages,  and  is  a 
very  complete  and  exhaustive 
work.  In  that  other  sphere  of 
life  where  mankind  is  to  look  for 
the  most  of  happiness  this  world 
gives,  where  the  soul  is  fed,  the 
manhood  strengthened  and  his 
nobility  nourished — in  his  own 
home,  Major  Lacey  has  been 
abundantly  blessed.  The  partner 
of  his  joys  and  the  sharer  of  life’s 
ills  he  found  in  the  person  of  Miss 
Mattie  Newell,  of  Ohio,  whom  he 
married  September  19, 1865;  four 
children,  Nellie,  Raymond,  Kate 
and  Bernice,  are  the  complement 
of  his  family  circle. 

Ladynski,  C.,  shoemaker. 
LAFFERTY,  GEO.  W.,  attorney, 
firm,  Lafferty  & Johnson,  Oska- 
loosa. Born  in  Mercer  county, 
Pa.,  April  9, 1838 ; he  was  brought 
up  and  received  his  education 


there;  upon  the  breaking  out  of 
the  rebellion  he  enlisted  in  April, 
1861,  in  the  10th  Regiment  Penn- 
sylvania ReserveYolunteer  Corps, 
Co.  G,  and  afterward  enlisted  in 
the  service  for  three  years.  He 
was  in  the  second  battle  of  Bull 
Run  and  Fredericksburg,  and  in 
all  the  battles  of  the  wilderness 
up  to  May  31,  1864;  after  the  war 
he  came  to  Iowa  and  located  here 
July  16,  1864;  he  read  law  with 
John  R.  Needham  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  in  1865,  and  was 
associated  with  him  in  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  until  the 
death  of  Mr.  Needham,  in  July, 
1868;  he  soon  after  associated 
with  J.  Kelly  Johnson,  which  as- 
sociation still  continues;  he  was 
elected  district  attorney  in  the  fall 
of  1874,  which  office  he  still 
holds;  he  married  Miss  S.  A. 
Fisher,  from  Warren  county,  O., 
December  26,1865;  they  have  one 
daughter,  Mabel  E. 

Lahr,  John,  laborer. 

Larkins,  Mordecai,  retired. 

Lee,  Absalom,  laborer. 

Lee,  E.  R.,  restaurant. 

LEE,  GEO.  R.,  editor  Oskaloosa 
Herald.  Born  at  Verplank,  New 
York,  February  25,  1842;  he  was 
brought  up  and  lived  there,  ex- 
cept one  year  spent  in  Connecti- 
cut, until  thirteen  years  of  age, 
and  came  with  his  parents  to 
Iowa,  and  located  in  Oskaloosa  in 
October,  1855;  he  entered  the 
printing  office  of  the  Oskaloosa 
Times  in  1858,  and  remained  un- 
til the  breaking  out  of  the  war, 
when  he  enlisted  in  the  first  com- 
pany organized  in  this  town  un- 
der the  call  for  75,000  men;  the 
company  was  not  accepted  and 
temporarily  disbanded;  he  went 
to  Illinois  and  enlisted  in  Chicago 
in  the  1st  Illinois  Artillery,  Co.  E; 
their  battery  fired  the  first  gun  in 
the  battle  of  Shiloh;  on  account 
of  sickness  he  was  obliged  to  re- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


577 


tarn  home;  he  was  in  siege  of 
Vicksburg  and  siege  of  Jackson; 
after  the  war  he  returned  to  Mus- 
catine county  for  four  years,  then 
came  here  and  entered  the  Herald 
office,  and  continued  there  until 
1877,  when  he  became  associated 
with  Henry  C.  Leighton  in  pub- 
lishing the  Herald / upon  the 
death  of  Mr.  Leighton,  January 
31,  1878,  lie  assumed  the  entire 
editorial  charge  of  the  paper.  He 
has  held  the  office  of  city  clerk 
for  four  years.  The  subject  of  this 
this  sketcth  is  a man  of  taste  and 
good  order  in  all  that  he  under- 
takes; as  a compositor  at  the  case 
he  was  among  the  most  rapid  in 
the  west,  and  as  foreman  of  the 
Herald  office,  he  always  kept 
things  “ in  apple  pie  order,’’  until 
by  the  death  of  Mr.  Leighton,  he 
was  called  to  the  editorial  chair  of 
the  great  journal,  of  which  he  had 
been  one  of  its  best  builders.  Lie 
married  Miss  Mary  E.  Dumont, 
daughter  of  Hi  chard  and  Sarah 
Dumont,  of  Oskaloosa,  and  for- 
merly of  Hew  York  City,  April  8, 
1868.  They  have  three  children, 
Edith,  Florence  and  Ealph,  and 
have  lost  one  daughter,  Leona. 
LEIGHTON?  TOBIAS,  assistant 
ostmaster,  Oskaloosa.  Born  in 
omerset  county,  Maine,  April  4, 
1812;  he  was  brought  up  there 
and  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade; 
he  removed  to  Illinois  in  1836, 
and  lived  there  eight  years,  and 
came  to  Wapello  county,  Iowa,  in 
1844;  he  came  to  Oskaloosa  in 
1847  and  engaged  in  building; 
he  is  one  of  the  early  settlers,  and 
has  held  town  and  school  offices; 
married  Miss  Harriet  Coe,  from 
Greene  county,  111.,  December  3, 
1840;  they  have  two  sons,  Charles 
and  William,  and  have  lost  six 
sons. 

Lester,  T.  B.,  minister. 

LEVI,  MORRIS  L.j  dealer  in  ready 
made  and  custom  clothing,  and 


gent’s  furnishing  goods,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Clear  Spring,  Wash- 
ington county,  Maryland,  August 
5, 1845 ; he  lived  there  until  sixteen 
years  of  age,  when  he  removed  to 
Goshen,  Indiana,  and  was  engaged 
in  clerking  for  his  father  until 
1866,  when  be  came  to  Iowa,  and 
engaged  in  his  present  business 
May  1,  1866,  and  has  continued 
since  then  doing  a large  and  ex- 
tensive business;  he  has  held  the 
office  of  city  councilman,  and  is 
treasurer  of  Masonic  Lodge,  and 
has  been  connected  with  several 
other  organizations. 

LEIGHTON,  CHARLES,  business 
manager  of  the  Weekly  Oskaloosa 
Herald , Oskaloosa;  was  born 
twelve  miles  east  of  Ottumwa, 
Wapello  county,  Iowa,  January 
21,  1846,  and  in  1847  his  parents 
removed  to  Oskaloosa.  When  fif- 
teen years  old,  he  commenced  in 
the  Herald  office  to  learn  the 
printing  business;  but  in  May, 
1864,  dropped  his  stick  and  enlist- 
ed in  company  I,  Forty -seventh 
Iowa  Infantry,  and  served  till  Oc- 
tober, 1864.  In  Dec.,  1865,  he 
went  west  and  spent  five  years  on 
the  plains,  and  in  the  mountains. 
September  21,  1870,  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Hester  A.  Wray,  who  was 
born  in  Shelbyville,  Indiana,  De- 
cember 13,  1850.  The  issue  of 
this  marriage  was  one  son,  Harry, 
and  one  daughter,  Ida,  both  of 
whom  are  deceased.  After  mar- 
rying he  went  into  the  lumber  bus- 
iness in  Oskaloosa,  in  which  he 
was  engaged  until  February,  1878, 
when,  by  the  death  of  his  brother, 
the  lamented  Henry  C.  Leighton, 
he  was  called  to  the  administra- 
torship of  the  estate  of  the  deceas- 
ed, and  became  business  man- 
ager of  the  Herald . The  subject 
of  this  sketch  is  a self-made  man, 
and  is  noted  for  his  energetic  and 
methodical  business  habits;  which, 
together  with  his  quiet  and  reserv- 


578 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


ed  manner,  stamp  him  with  the 
indelible  impress  of  those  ele- 
ments of  his  elder  brother,  whose 
place  at  the  desk  lie  so  worthily 
fills. 

Levi,  Solomon,  clothing  store. 

Lindsley,  F.  W.,  printer. 

LINDLY,  E.  D.,  cashier  of  the 
National  State  Bank;  born  in 
Washington  county,  Pennsylvania, 
December  18,  1849,  and  was 
brought  up  and  received  his  edu- 
cation there;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1867,  and  located  in  Oskaloosa, 
and  has  been  connected  with  the 
bank  since  1870,  and  has  held  the 
position  of  cashier  for  the  past 
three  years. 

LINDLY,  W.  A.,  cashier  and  man- 
ager of  the  Mahaska  County  Sav- 
ings Bank,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Washington  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia, October  3,  1846;  he  was 
brought  up  there,  and  received  his 
education  at  Waynesburg;  he 
came  to  Iowa  in  1866,  and  located 
in  Oskaloosa;  he  was  engaged  in 
mercantile  business  for  two  years, 
and  since  then  has  been  connected 
with  banking  business;  he  held 
the  office  of  city  treasurer  for  six 
years;  married  Miss  Eliza  Wray, 
from  Indiana,  near  Indianapolis, 
September  20,  1870;  they  have 
two  children,  Mabel  and  Henry. 

Little,  H.  N .,  stereoscopes  and  views. 

Little,  Bebecca. 

Little,  Joel  H.,  photographer. 

Lauglin,  Prof.  G.  H.,  Oskaloosa  Col- 

LOFL  AND,  COL . JOHN,  collector 
internal  revenue,  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Belmont  county,  Ohio,  January 
10,  1830,  and  was  brought  up  and 
received  his  education  in  that 
State;  he  came  to  Iowa  and  loca- 
ted in  Oskaloosa  in  1855,  and  en- 
gaged in  the  marble  business;  af- 
ter the  breaking  out  of  the  war 
he  went  in  the  army;  enlisted  ira 
the  Thirty-third  Begiment  Iowa 
Infantry,  and  was  captain  of  Com- 


pany D;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Helena,  J uly  4, 1 863 ; also  at  Shell 
Mound,  Mississippi,  and  in  the 
skirmishes  from  Helena  until  the 
taking  of  Little  Bock;  also  at 
Jenkin’s  Ferry,  Spanish  Fort,  nine 
day’s  fight  at  the  taking  of  Mo- 
bile; he  was  promoted,  and  com- 
missioned Lieut.  Colonel;  though 
the  shot  passed  through  his  clothes 
and  hat,  he  was  never  wounded, 
and  never  lost  a day’s  duty;  after 
the  war  he  returned,  and  was  ap- 
pointed assistant-assessor  of  in- 
ternal revenue,  August  1,  1869, 
and  in  1873  was  appointed  to  his 
present  position,  deputy-collector 
internal  revenue;  married  Miss 
Sarah  J.  Bartlett,  from  Harrison 
county,  Ohio,  December  4,  1851; 
they  have  two  children,  Frank  C., 
clerk  in  the  post-office  at  Oska- 
loosa, and  Charles  E.,  civil  en- 
gineer on  the  Burlington  & Mis- 
souri  R.  K. ; they  lost  one  son, 
George  B. 

LONG?  JOHN?  firm  of  John  Long 
& Sons,  manufacturers  of  brick 
and  draining  tile;  born  in  Eng- 
land, December  12,  1814;  he  was 
brought  up  and  learned  his  busi- 
ness of  brick  and  tile  making, 
and  was  engaged  in  that  business 
until  1868,  when  he  came  to 
America  and  located  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  was  engaged  in  the 
same  business  there  until  1877, 
when  he  came  here,  and  associated 
with  his  sons;  they  selected  ten 
acres  of  land,  and  engaged  in  man- 
ufacturing brick  and  tile;  they 
have  three  kilns,  having  a capacity 
of  50,000  each,  and  have  a capac- 
ity of  making  20,000  per  day; 
they  built  their  own  machinery, 
and  have  their  drying  sheds  heat- 
ed by  steam,  requiring  from  3,000 
to  4,000  feet  of  steam  pipe,  there- 
by enabling  them  to  manufacture 
all  winter;  they  make  an  excel- 
lent quatity  of  tile,  and  have  a 
capacity  of  making  10,Q00  daily; 


Mathew  Picken 

M/?/?/SO/V  77? 


0 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


581 


he  married  Elizabeth  Dawson, 
from  England,  August  30,  1838, 
and  they  have  seven  children, 
John  D.,  Edward,  Thomas,  Henry, 
Ann,  Mary  J.,  Hannah  E. 
LORING,  MAJOR  F.  H.,  him  of 
Shaw  & Loring,  grocery  and  pro- 
vision dealers,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Centre  Belpre,  Washington  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  July  9,  1832,  and  was 
brought  up  there;  during  the  war 
he  enlisted  in  Ninety-second  Reg- 
iment Ohio  Infantry,  Company 
G,  July  26,  1862;  he,  having 
raised  the  company,  was  elected 
and  commissioned  captain  Com- 
pany G;  was  in  battles  of  Reseca 
and  \ Dalton,  and  from  there  to 
Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Atlanta; 
in  active  service  most  of  the  time; 
he  was  under  Sherman  from  “At- 
lanta to  the  sea”;  was  discharged 
June  25,  1865;  he  was  in  the  ser- 
vice three  yea,rs  and  did  not  re- 
ceive a scratch,  and  was  not  re- 
ported off  duty  a single  day;  the 
last  year  in  the  army  he  com- 
manded a battalion,  and  was  pro- 
moted major  by  brevet;  he  came 
to  this  county  in  1865,  and  since 
then  has  been  engaged  in  business 
here;  he  married  Miss  Delia 
Armstrong,  from  Washington 
county,  Ohio,  in  1863;  they  have 
four  children,  Lizzie  M.,  Charles 
M.,  Carrie  A.,  Mabel  H.;  C.  R. 
Loring,  father  of  Major  Loring, 
died  in  1873,  at  eighty-four  years 
of  age,  and  at  that  time  was  the 
oldest  native  born  citizen  in  the 
State  of  Ohio. 

LORING,  D.  W.,  dealer  in  dry- 
goods;  born  in  Belpre,  Washing- 
ton county,  Ohio,  December  1, 
1821,  and  was  brought  up  there; 
he  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in 
Oskaloosa  December  17,  1851, 
and  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business;  he  used  to  haul  his 
goods  from  Keokuk;  it  was  a long, 
tedious  trip,  and  during  the  win- 
ter season  it  was  attended  with 
35 


much  suffering  from  cold  and  ex- 
posure; Mr.  Loring  is  the  oldest 
merchant  in  this  city,  there  being 
no  one  in  business  here  now  that 
was  here  when  he  came;  he  has 
held  town  and  school  offices;  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  K.  Soule,  from 
Marietta,  Ohio,  in  March,  1853; 
they  have  two  children,  Mary  L. 
and  Frank  W.,  and  have  lost  two 
children,  Henry  and  Willie. 

Lord,  R.  T.  C.,  coal  dealer. 

Loughridge  J.  M.,  Insurance  agent. 
LOUGHRIDGE,  WM,  lawyer. 

Lough,  David,  route  agent,  C.  R.  R. 
of  Iowa. 

Lundy,  James,  flour  and  feed. 

Lundy,  William,  janitor. 

Lupton,  David  G.,  retired. 

Lynch,  Con.,  section  boss. 

Lyons,  Mrs.  F.  A.,  physician. 

Lvster,  W.  A.,  butcher. 

Me  A YE  A L,  REV.  R.  A.,  pastor 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Washington 
county,  Pa.,  January  9,  1825,  he 
was  raised  in  Westmorland  coun- 
ty, and  received  his  literary  edu- 
cation at  West  Geneva  College, 
and  entered  Alleghany  Theologi- 
cal Seminary;  he  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  August,  1855,  and  came 
to  Oskaloosa,  Iowa,  in  June, 1856, 
and  assumed  the  pastoral  charge 
of  the  church,  where  he  has  preach- 
ed for  the  past  twenty-two  years, 
and  is  the  only  pastor  here  now 
that  was  here  when  he  came,  there 
being  one  other,  and  possibly  two 
ministers  in  this  State  that  have 
preached  for  twenty- two  years 
to  the  same  congregation.  He  was 
chaplain  in  the  army  of  the  Thir- 
ty-third Regiment  Iowa  Infantry 
one  year  during  the  war.  He 
married  Miss  Mary E.  Sharpe,  from 
Delaware, Ohio,  June  2, 1856;  they 
have  four  children,  one  son  and 
three  daughters. 

McCALL,  FRANCIS  W.,  propri- 
etor of  the  Oskaloosa  marble  works, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Galea  county, 


582 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Ohio,  October  9,  1881;  he  came 
at  an  early  age  to  La  Salle  county, 
111.;  his  father  died  when  he  was 
only  seven  years  old;  he  worked 
out  for  four  dollars  a month;  he 
was  bound  out  to  learn  the  wagon 
maker’s  trade;  after  serving  his 
time,  he  married  Miss  Emma 
Woodward,  from  Taunton,  Mass., 
in  La  Salle  county,  Ills.,  November 
3,  1852;  they  came  to  Iowa  by 
wagon,  and  arrived  here  in  Oska- 
loosa;  in  May,  1855  engaged  in 
wagon  making  and  carpenter  bus- 
iness; in  1862  he  engaged  in  his 
present  business;  he  had  nothing 
when  he  began,  and  by  energy  and 


good 
ness  has 


management 


his 


grown, 


and 


in 


busi- 

tliis 


line  is  one  of  the  most  extensive 
in  the  State,  extending  over  this 
State,  and  beyond  it.  They  have 
four  children,  Lewis  H.,  Ella,  Lilly 
and  Charlie,  and  they  have  lost 
four  children. 

McCOY?  BEN?  attorney,  lirm  Bolton 
& McCoy,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Jef- 
ferson county  Indiana,  March  22, 
1846';  when  nine  years  of  age  he 
removed  with  his  parents  to  Mitch- 
ell county,  Iowa,  and  came  to  Ma- 
'liaska  county  in  March,  1856.  He 
received  his  education  in  this  State, 
entered  Cornell  college  at  Mt.  Ver- 
non,in  the  class  of  “ 68  ”;  he  stud- 
ied law  in  Seevers  & Cutts  of  this 
city,  and  wras  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
1871,  and  since  then  has  practiced 
his  profession  here;  he  enlisted  in 
Forty-seventh  .Regiment  of  Iowa 
Infantry,  company  C;  has  held  of- 
fice of  city  solicitor,  and  is  a 
member  of  the  school  board;  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  M.  Dixon,  from 
Ohio,  January  1,  1870;  they  have 
three  children,  Eva,  John  N.,  and 
Samuel  R. 

McCoy,  W.  F.,  grocer. 

McCarty,  Dennis,  laborer. 

McCarty,  Cornelius,  second-hand 
furniture. 

McCULLOUCH,  JAMES,  of  the 


firm  of  McMullin  & Co.,  livery 
and  boarding  stable;  born  in 
Holmes  county,  Ohio,  March  29, 
1836,  he  was  brought  up  and  liv- 
ed there  until  1864,  when  he  came 
to  Iowa,  and  located  in  the  county 
and  engaged  in  farming  and  stock 
raising;  he  was  also  engaged  ex- 
tensively in  buying  and  shipping 
stock.  He  owns  a farm  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres;  he  sold 
off  most  of  his  land  and  came  to 
Oskaloosa  and  associated  with 
Major  McMullin  in  his  present 
business;  he  has  held  office  of  city 
councilman;  he  married  Miss  Har- 
riet Devers,  from  Ohio,  in  Jan., 
1865;  they  have  two  children, 
Charlie  and  Yida. 

McCurdy  jonas  b.,  firm  of 

J.  R.  McCurdy  & Co.,  furniture 
dealers,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Frank- 
lin county,  Ohio,  August  4, 1843; 
he  lived  there  eleven  years,  and 
came  to  Iowa  in  1854;  lived  in 
Cedar  and  Poweshiek  counties; 
was  in  the  army;  enlisted  in  the 
28th  Regiment  Iowa  Inf’y,  Co.  C, 
August  14,  1862.  On  account  of 
ill-health  was  on  detached  service 
in  Y.  R.  C.;  was  discharged  July 
5,  1865;  after  the  war  he  came  to 
Oskaloosa  and  was  connected  with 
the  woolen  mill;  they  put  in  the 
first  woolen  machinery.  He  has 
been  engaged  in  the  furniture  and 
undertaking  business  for  the  past 
eight  years;  has  held  the  office  of 
city  councilman;  married  Miss 
Marcella  P.  Moore,  from  Morrow 
county,  Ohio,  in  September,  1872; 
they  have  two  children,  Lena  A., 
and  Ralph  B. 

McGee,  Thomas,  Sr.,  shoemaker. 

McGee,  Thomas,  Jr.,  shoemaker. 

McKamey,  Andrew,  occulist. 

McKee,  A.  W.,  carpenter. 

McKinley,  John,  clerk,  A.  M.  Abra- 
ham. 

McMillen,  B.  F.,  physician. 

McMikel,  Dan,  conductor  buss  line. 

McNalty,  Pat,  works  on  railroad. 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


583 


McNeilan,  J.  S.,  baker. 

McQuiston,  James,  undertaker. 
McMULLIN,  JA3IES  W.,  firm  of 
Mullin  & Co.,  livery,  sale  and 
boarding  stable;  born  in  Adams 
county,  Pennsylvania,  December 
29,  1827,  and  when  ten  years  of 
age  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Dark  county  Ohio;  lived 
there  and  in  Piqua,  Miami 
county,  until  1855,  when  he  came 
to  Oskaloosa;  he  went  in  the  army; 
enlisted  in  the  7th  Regiment  Iowa 
Infantry,  and  was  commissioned 
Captain  Co.  C;  was  in  the  battles 
of  Ft.  Donelson,  Pittsburg  Land- 
ing and  the  advance  on  Corinth, 
and  the  battles  of  Iuka,  Corinth, 
and  in  the  whole  advance  from 
Chattanooga  to  Atlanta,  and  oth- 
ers. He  wras  wounded  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Corinth,  and  lost  his  horse. 
He  was  promoted  and  commis- 
sioned Major  at  battle  of  Pitts- 
burg Landing.  After  the  war  he 
returned  here  and  has  been  en- 
gaged in  business  here  ever  since. 
He  married  Miss  Carrie  E.  Mun- 
sell,  from  Miami  Co.,  Ohio,  April 
24, 1855;  they  have  one  daughter, 
now  Mrs.  J.  R.  Noble,  of  Fort 
Madison. 

Mansfield,  Pat,  laborer. 

Martin,  Alexander,  carpenter. 

Mark,  Bannar,  minister. 

Martin,  John  N.,  foreman,  L.  L. 
Hull’s  harness  shop. 

Marks,  J.  G.,  retired. 

Martinstein,  A.  W.,  book-keeper. 

Mason,  Jacob,  well  digger. 

Mason,  John,  laborer. 

MATTISON,  JAMES,  flour  deal- 
er, Oskaloosa;  born  in  Westmore- 
land, England,  Nov.  19,  1838,  and 
came  to  America  in  1844,  and  lo- 
cated in  Stark  county,  Ohio;  after 
living  there  twelve  years,  he  came 
to  Cedar  county,  Iowa,  in  1856, 
and  lived  there  until  1865,  when 
he  came  to  Oskaloosa  and  engaged 
in  the  grocery  trade,  also,  in  the 
grain  and  produce  business.  For 


the  past  three  years  has  been  en- 
gaged in  dealing  in  flour.  He  en- 
listed in  the  47th  Regiment  Iowa 
Infantry,  Co.  G,  one  hundred 
day’s  service,  and  was  at  Helena 
Arkansas.  He  married  Martha 
Mendenhall,  from  Columbiana 
county,  Ohio,  November,  1873; 
they  have  two  children,  Charles 
Wesley  and  Eva  Meriam. 

Mattison,  William,  grocer. 

Mattox,  C.  M.,  clerk. 

MATTOX,  HENRY,  dealer  in 
groceries  and  provisions,  Oskaloo- 
sa; born  in  Logan  county,  Ohio, 
December  27,  1827 ; he  was 

brought  up  there  and  learned  the 
trade  of  brick  mason;  he  came  to 
Iowa,  and  arrived  in  this  county, 
at  Oskaloosa,  Saturday  evening, 
July  29,  1854;  he  began  work- 
ing at  his  trade  and  continued  in 
it  many  years.  He  has  lived  in 
this  county  over  twenty-four  years. 
He  has  been  engaged  in  the  gro- 
cery business  since  1873;  he  lias 
held  the  office  of  city  councilman. 
He  married  Miss  Letitia  A.  Mc- 
Betli,  from  Logan  county,  Ohio, 
March  18,  1852;  they  have  three 
children,  Laura  Alice,  Lucy  Ann, 
and  Mattie  J.;  and  have  lost  two 
children. 

Mays,  William  S.,  druggist. 
MENDENHALL,  MOSES,  re- 
tired, Oskaloosa;  born  in  Beaver 
county,  Pennsylvania,  in  1808, 
and  when  ten  years  of  age,  re- 
moved to  Columbus,  Ohio,  and 
was  brought  up  there.  He  was 
connected  with  iron  interests  in 
Belmont  county,  Ohio,  and  opera- 
ted the  first  iron  blast  furnace 
within  a section  of  one  hundred 
miles;  he  yet  retains  an  interest 
in  the  iron  works.  He  came  to 
Iowa  in  1871,  and  located  in  Os- 
kaloosa; he  owns  a farm  of  two 
hundred  and  forty  acres  in  Mar- 
shall county.  He  was  elected  to 
the  State  Legislature  in  Ohio,  in 
1855.  He  married  Sarah  John- 


584 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


son,  from  Fayette  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, in  1843;  they  have  five 
children,  and  have  lost  three. 

Mendenhall,  T.  W.,  farmer. 

Mendenhall,  Ezekiel,  carpenter. 

Mendenhall,  J.  C.,  farmer. 

Mendenhall,  E.,  house  mover. 
MERRILL,  JESSE  J.,  tonsorial 
parlors,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Harri- 
son county,  Ohio,  in  1848;  when 
seven  years  of  age  he  came  with  his 
parents  to  Iowa,  and  located  in  Jas- 
per county,  in  1855;  came  to  Os- 
kaloosa in  1871  and  engaged  in 
the  insurance  business  with  Cook 
& Hunt;  has  been  engaged  in  his 
present  business  for  the  past  five 
years.  He  married  Miss  Alta  L. 
Orvis,  from  Wisconsin,  June  10, 
1877 ; she  was  principal  of  the 
school  at  Beacon,  and  was  en- 
gaged in  teaching  for  a long  time. 

Merrill,  Thomas,  minister. 

Mershon,  G.,  grocer. 

Metier,  Wesley,  teamster. 
MILLER,  FENTON,  furniture 
dealer,  Oskaloosa.  Born  in  Lou- 
den county,  Ya.,  December  27, 
1826;  he  removed  at  an  early  age 
with  his  parents  to  Muskingum 
county,  Ohio,  and  was  brought  up 
there  and  at  Zanesville,  and  learn- 
ed the  chair  making  business;  he 
left  Zanesville,  Ohio,  March  20, 
1854,  and  arrived  in  Oskaloosa 
April  5,  1854,  and  has  lived  here 
almost  a quarter  of  a century;  en- 
gaged in  painting,  and  then  was 
clerk  in  store  for  three  years,  and 
then  went  to  work  at  his  trade; 
he  has  been  engaged  in  the  furni- 
ture business  for  himself  since 
1866  and  is  the  oldest  furniture 
house  here;  married  Cynthia  J. 
Yerian,  from  Muskingum  county, 
Ohio,  near  Zanesville,  December, 
1852;  they  have  three  children, 
Laura  J.,  Harry  and  Cora,  and 
have  lost  three  children,  two  sons 
and  one  daughter. 

Miller,  George,  blacksmith. 

Minnick,  David,  coal  man. 


Mitchell,  G.  B.,  teamster. 

Mitchell,  J.  M.,  cooper. 

Montgomery,  J.  C.,  carpenter. 

Montgomery,  John  C.,  carpenter. 

MOORE,  H.  C.,  dealer  in  lumber, 
Oskaloosa.  Born  in  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  October  23,  1831;  he  was 
brought  up  in  that  State  and 
lived  there  until  1856,  when  he 
came  to  Iowa  and  located  at  Wat- 
erloo; removed  to  Waverly  and 
was  elected  clerk  of  the  courts  of 
Bremer  county  and  held  that  of- 
fice for  six  years,  and  also  held 
town  and  school  offices;  he  came 
to  this  county  in  1868;  has  been 
engaged  in  the  lumber  business 
for  the  past  three  years;  married 
Miss  Elizabeth  L.  Parkhurst, 
from  Norwalk,  Ohio,  in  March, 
1858;  they  have  one  daughter, 
Ella  L. 

MOORE,  DAVID  R.,  clerk  of  the 
courts  of  Mahaska  county,  Oska- 
loosa. Born  in  Lawrence  county, 
Pennsylvania,  March  9,  1840;  he 
was  brought  up  and  received  his 
education  there  and  prepared  him- 
self for  teaching;  he  commenced 
teaching  when  seventeen  years  of 
age;  he  came  to  Iowa  in  1865  and 
located  in  this  county,  and  was 
engaged  in  teaching  for  some 
years;  he  was  elected  clerk  of  the 
courts  of  this  county  in  1874,  and 
re-elected  in  1876,  and  again  re- 
elected in  1878;  he  married  Miss 
Nora  King,  from  Washington 
county,  Ohio,  October  26, 1869. 

Moore,  John  M.,  carpenter. 

Moony,  D.,  clerk. 

MOGRAN,  PROF.  Win.  B.,  presi- 
dent Penn  College,  Oskaloosa. 
Born  in  Henry  county,  Indiana, 
December  2,1830;  he  was  brought 
up  there  receiving  the  advantages 
of  a common  school  education, 
and  then  attended  the  Friends’ 
Boarding  School,  now  Ehrlan  Col- 
lege, at  Richmond,  Ind.  He  af- 
terward entered  school  at  Haver- 
ford,  Pa.,  and  graduated  there  in 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


585 


1853;  after  graduating  there  lie 
was  engaged  in  teaching  at  West- 
town,  Pa.,  and  had  charge  of  the 
classical  department;  while  there 
he  became  acquainted  with  Miss 
Sarah  Henley,  from  North  Caro- 
lina, who  was  also  engaged  in 
teaching  there,  and  they  were 
married  October  10,  1855;  after 
teaching  in  Ehrlan  College  he  en- 
tered the  University  of  Michigan 
and  took  a course  in  engineering, 
and  graduated;  he  was  appointed 
professor  of  mathematics,  in 
Ehrlan  college,  and  continued  for 
some  years;  he  was  professor  of 
mathematics  and  engineering,  in 
Perdue  University,  at  Lafayette, 
and  was  afterward  appointed 
governor  of  Ehrlan  College;  he 
was  called  to  the  presidency  of 
Penn  College  in  the  fall  of  1876; 
he  has  taken  a high  position  as 
an  educator,  and  the  institution 
is  prospering  under  his  manage- 
ment; he  has  two  children,  Wil- 
liam Earl  and  Jesse  Henley. 
MORGAN,  Dr.  J.  W.,  druggist 
and  physician,  Oskaloosa.  Born 
in  East  Tennessee,  November  20, 
1836,  and  lived  there  unlil  twen- 
ty-four years  of  age,  when  he 
came  to  Oskaloosa,  November  27, 
1860.  Being  engaged  to  open 
Spring  Creek  Institute,  he  con- 
tinued in  the  management  of  the 
institution  for  eighteen  months, 
and  on  account  of  failing  health 
was  obliged  to  retire  and  removed 
to  Warren  county  and  went  on  a 
farm;  his  health  becoming  restor- 
ed he  studied  medicine  and  at- 
tended lectures  in  Cincinnati,  and 
after  graduatingpracticed  his  pro- 
fession in  Warren  county  until 
1876,  when  he  removed  to  this 
city  and  engaged  in  the  drug  bus- 
iness; he  married  Miss  LizzieCox, 
from  Indiana,  in  1862;  she  died 
in  1872;  he  married  Mrs.  Col. 
McCowan,  from  Illinois,  in  1876; 
she  has  one  daughter,  Anna. 


Morris,  Geo.  W.,  laborer. 

Munroe,  Charles,  carpenter. 

Murray,  Ed.,  laborer. 

Musgrove,  Sam.,  laborer. 

Myers,  J.  C.,  pump  manufacturer. 
N ACILMAN,  M.,  meat  market. 

Naegle,  John,  shoemaker. 

NASH,  WM,  agent  and  dealer  in 
agricultural  implements  and  farm 
machinery,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Green  county,  Ohio,  May  3,  1832, 
and  removed  in  infancy  to  Warren 
county,  Illinois,  and  was  brought 
up  and  lived  there  until  1867, 
when  he  came  to  Iowa  and  lo- 
cated in  Oskaloosa,  and  engaged 
in  his  present  business;  married 
Miss  Ann  E.  Boyd,  from  Colum- 
bus, Ohio,  in  1859;  they  have  6 
children,  Carrie,  Charles,  Eddie, 
Howard,  William,  and  little  son 
not  named. 

Needham,  David,  retired. 
NEEDHAM,  WM.  H.,  born  in 
Guernsey  county,  Ohio,  August 
22,  1840,  and  when  13  years  of 
age  came  with  his  parents  to 
Iowa;  they  came  by  wagon,  and 
were  21  days  on  the  way  and  ar- 
rived here  in  October,  1853;  he 
attended  school  here,  and  in  1857 
entered  the  Herald  office  and 
learned  the  printing  business; 
after  working  at  his  trade  here, 
and  at  Des  Moines,  and  Albia,  he 
enlisted  in  the  22d  Regiment. 
Iowa  Infantry,  Co.  D;  was  in  the 
battles  of  Port  Gibson,  Champion 
Hills,  Jackson,  Black  River 
Bridge,  and  in  the  charge  on 
Vicksburg,  May  2 2d,  1863,  and 
during  the  siege  of  Vicksburg; 
was  also  under  Sheridan  in  the 
Shenandoah  valley,  at  battle  of 
Fisher’s  Hill  and  Cedar  Creek;  he 
enlisted  as  private  and  was  pro- 
moted sergeant,  then  2d  Lieuten- 
ant, and  afterward  1st  Lieuten- 
ant Co.  D;  after  the  war  he  re- 
turned and  bought  an  interest  in 
the  Herald , and  was  connected 


586 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


witli  it  for  12  years;  he  held  the 
office  of  postmaster  for  6 years, 
from  February  1st,  1870,  to 
March  1st,  1876;  and  is  president 
of  the  Mahaska  county  blue  rib- 
bon club;  married  Miss  Olive  A. 
Knowlton,  from  Clinton  county, 
Ohio,  December  20,  1866;  they 
have  four  children,  Charles  K., 
John  R.,  Edna  Pauline,  and  a little 
girl ; lost  one  daughter,  AlicePearl. 

NEWBRANDT,  CHRISTIANA, 

MRS.,  of  the  firm  of  Blattner  & 
Newbrandt,  Oskaloosa;  was  born 
in  Germany,  and  when  17  years 
of  age  emigrated  to  this  country; 
in  1858  she  went  to  Ohio  and 
lived  there  5 years;  while  living 
there  she  married  David  New- 
brandt in  1858;  he  was  born  in 
Germany  in  1832,  and  emigrated 
to  America  in  1849;  he  lived  in 
Cincinnati,  and  in  Delaware,  O.; 
after  they  were  married  they  came 
to  Iowa  and  settled  in  Oskaloosa, 
May  7,  1858;  engaged  in  brewery 
business,  and  continued  in  the 
business  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  June  10, 1877,  leaving 
6 children,  Charles,  George,  Wil- 
lie, Christina,  David  and  Rosa; 
Mrs.  Newbrandt  still  retains  an 
interest  in  the  business. 

Newell,  Thomas,  stone  cutter. 
NICHOLS,  A.  S.,  retired,  farmer, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Highland 
county,  Ohio,  December  25,  1811; 
he  was  brought  up  in  that  State, 
and  learned  the  blacksmith  trade; 
in  1836  he  removed  to  Wolf 
Lake,  Indiana,  and  in  1837  he 
removed  to  Abingdon,  Knox 
county,  Illinois,  and  was  one  of 
the  early  settlers  there;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  Edgar,  July  10, 
1833,  in  Springfield;  she  was 
from  Highland  county,  Ohio; 
they  came  from  Illinois  in  their 
own  wagon,  started  April  22, 
1843,  and  arrived  at  the  boundary 
line  of  the  Indian  territory, 
April  29th  on  Friday,  and  came 


in  the  Indian  purchase  Sunday, 
May  1st;  after  staking  out  his 
claim,  the  following  Wednesday 
he  returned  to  the  boundary  line 
after  his  family;  he  bought  a 
claim  which  proved  to  be  in  four 
townships  and  in  two  counties; 
the  claim  he  first  made  was 
claimed  by  others,  and  he  would 
not  contest  for  it,  but  gave  it  up, 
and  did  much  better  by  not  do- 
ing so;  he  started  the  first  black- 
smith shop  in  this  county,  and 
the  first  one  west  of  Agency  City; 
he  has  had  persons  come  50  miles 
to  have  a plough  sharpened,  which 
cost  $25;  in  the  following  Sep- 
tember he  sold  out  down  in  Har- 
rison township  and  came  here  to 
the  county  seat  at  Oskaloosa,  and 
bought  the  claim  where  he  now 
lives,  and  engaged  in  blacksmith- 
ing,  which  he  continued  un- 
til 1856;  he  planted  the  first 
apple  and  cherry  trees,  and  dug 
the  first  well  in  Mahaska  county; 
he  went  80  miles  to  Bonaparte  to 
mill;  he  used  to  do  work  in  his 
shop  here  for  customers  50  miles 
above  Des  Moines,  making  the 
distance  over  100  miles;  he  was 
one  of  the  commissioners  on  the 
first  board  of  commissioners 
elected  in  this  county;  he  was 
again  elected  county  commissioner 
but  did  not  serve;  he  was  elected 
assessor,  but  as  a rule  he  has 
steadily  avoided  office.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Nichols  are  old  and  honored 
settlers  of  this  city  and  county; 
they  have  brought  up  four  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  are  married 
except  one,  who  is  now  living  at 
home  with  them. 

Nichol,  Thomas,  retired. 

Nidiver,  G.  M.,  plasterer. 

Ninde,  H.  P.,  insurance. 

NOE,  J.  B.,  proprietor  Oskaloosa 
Hotel  and  Marble  Works,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Licking  county, 
Ohio,  January  10,  1832;  when 
five  years  of  age  he  removed  to 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


587 


Noble  county,  Indiana,  and  lived 
there  until  1856,  when  he  came  to 
Knoxville,  Iowa,  and  to  Os- 
kaloosa  in  1859;  was  engaged  in 
preaching  for  several  years,  was 
laboring  in  the  interests  of  the 
college,  and  was  a director  in  that 
institution;  has  been  actively 
identified  with  temperance  inter- 
ests; has  been  engaged  in  marble 
business  for  the  past  twelve  years; 
married  Miss  Sarah  Balantine,  at 
Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  July  4, 
1854;  she  was  from  Franklin  Co., 
Ohio;  they  have  six  children,  one 
son  and  five  daughters. 

Norris,  R.  W.,  teacher. 

Nugent,  Dr.  W.  R.  druggist. 

Nowles,  Moses,  farmer. 

QBERFELL,  JOSEPH,  cooper. 


O’Hara,  Ralph,  insurance. 

O’Hara,  George  E.,  clerk. 

Oldham,  William,  bridge  builder. 
OWEN,  HENRY  B.,  carpenter  and 
builder,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Mus- 
kingum county,  Ohio,  December 
25,  1884;  when  about  ten  years 
of  age  came  with  his  parents  in 
covered  wagon  to  Iowa;  they  ar- 
rived in  this  town  in  May,  1844, 
and  were  among  the  first  settlers 
here;  he  learned  trade  of  carpen- 
ter and  joiner,  and  is  the  oldest 
builder  and  mechanic  here;  mar- 
ried Miss  P.  A.  Barton,  from 
Wayne  county,  Indiana,  March  1, 
1855;  they  have  six  children, 
Chester  T.,  Eva  M.,  Lucinda  A., 
Mabel,  Barton,  Bessie,  and  have 
lost  two  children,  Frank  and 
Myrtle. 

OWEN,  Dr.  C.  G.,  physician;  born 
in  Derby,  Orleans  county,  Ver- 
mont, August  9,  1806;  when 
seven  years  of  age  removed  to 
York  state,  and  from  there  to 
Monroe  county,  Michigan,  near 
where  the  battle  of  French  town 
was  fought;  he  studied  medicine 
in  Ohio;  came  to  Iowa  and  ar- 
rived in  Oskaloosa  May  13,  1845, 


and  located  on  the  corner  of  Jef- 
ferson and  High  streets,  and  lived 
there  in  that  location  thirty-two 
years;  he  is  one  of  the  old  settlers, 
and  has  practiced  his  profession 
here  for  thirty-two  years,  longer 
than  any  other  physician  here;  he 
has  been  married  three  times;  his 
first  wife  was  Mariam  Roup,  from 
Pennsylvania,  married  September 
11,  1828;  she  died  in  1841,  leav- 
ing two  children,  Eliza  M.  and 
Henry  B.;  married  Electa  C. 
Frederick,  from  Cumberland  Co., 
Ohio,  in  1843;  she  died  in  1858; 
in  1860  he  married  Mrs.  Cynthia 
Kyle,  from  Ohio. 

Paine,  A.  A.,  laborer. 

Pardun,  Vincent,  magnetic  healer. 
PARKHURST,  A.  J.,  proprietor 
Parkhurst  Washing  Machine,  Os- 
kaloosa; born  in  Plattsburg,  Clin- 
ton county,  New  York,  October 
24,  1833;  was  removed  to  Ohio  in 
infancy,  and  came  to  Bremer  Co., 
Iowa,  in  1852,  lived  there  sixteen 
years,  and  came  here  in  1868;  he 
patented  the  Parkhurst  Washing 
Machine,  and  in  1877  he  engaged 
in  manufacturing  them;  married 
Lucinda  Sherwood,  from  Bethel, 
Connecticut,  in  1858;  they  have 
one  son,  Elmer. 

Parker,  Richard,  farmer. 

Parsons,  George  W.,  clerk. 

Patterson,  John,  car  repairer. 

Patton,  William  N.,  clerk. 
PERDUE,  B.  R.,  blacksmith,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Columbiana  Co., 
Ohio,  July  15,  1820;  he  was 
brought  up  and  learned  his  trade 
there;  he  lived  there  and  in  Ill- 
inois until  1849,  when  he  came 
to  Iowa  by  wagon ; they  were 
twenty-eight  days  on  the  way, 
and  during  their  journey  only 
crossed  the  track  of  one  railroad; 
they  arrived  here  October  28, 
1849;  he  engaged  in  blacksmith  - 
ing,  and  has  carried  on  the  busi- 
ness longer  than  any  blacksmith 
here,  and  is  one  of  the  early  set- 


588 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


tiers;  he  was  a volunteer  in  the 
three-month  service  during  the 
war,  but  was  not  accepted;  he  has 
held  office  of  city  councilman  for 
four  years,  and  is  a member  of  the 
masonic  order,  thirty-second  de- 
gree; he  married  Miss  Catharine 
Shriver,  from  Stark  county,  Ohio, 
April  7,  1844;  they  have  seven 
children,  four  sons  and  three 
daughters. 

Perdue,  David  S.,  painter. 

Perdue,  Pierce,  printer. 

Perdue,  C.  A.,  retired.  * 

Perkins,  George,  coal  miner. 

Perkins,  John,  butcher. 
PHILLIPS,  T.  G.,  retired,  Oskaloo- 
sa;  born  in  Scott  county,  Kentucky, 
February  18,  1823,  and  when  nine 
years  old  removed  to  Morgan 
county,  Illinois,  and  lived  there 
until  twenty-one  years  of  age, 
when,  with  liis  parents,  he  started 
for  Iowa  by  ox  team;  he  drove 
four  yoke  of  cattle  to  one  wagon ; 
they  were  about  twenty  days  on 
the  way,  and  arrived  here  in  Os- 
kaloosa  April  22,  1844;  they 
brought  provisions  with  them,  and 
the  settlers  being  aware  of  it  be- 
fore they  had  unloaded  their  goods, 
people  came  with  pails,  pans  and 
dishes  to  borrow  flour,  and,  though 
they  were  all  strangers,  every  one 
was  helped  and  no  questions  asked ; 
there  was  only  one  log  cabin  in 
the  town,  and  a new  double  log 
house,  not  completed,  for  a hotel; 
his  father  had  bought  five  hun- 
dred acres  the  previous  year,  and 
they  built  a cabin  and  moved  into 
it  without  any  floor;  he  was  en- 
gaged in  farming  for  twenty-five 
years;  all  the  land  they  took  up 
when  they  came  is  now  in  the  city; 
he  has  held  the  offices  of  justice 
of  the  peace,  assessor,  and  was 
acting  sheriff  and  member  of  the 
board  of  supervisors;  he  married 
Miss  Semira  A.  Hobbs,  from  In- 
diana, January,  1846;  she  taught 
the  first  school  in  Mahaska  coun- 


ty; they  have  two  children,  O.  C. 
G.,  lawyer,  and  O.  Q.,  living  at 
home. 

PHILLIPS,  0.  C.  G.,  attorney,  Os- 
kaloosa;  born  in  Oskaloosa,  Au- 
gust 31, 1848,  and  was  brought  up 
here;  he  received  his  education  at 
the  Ohio  Wesleyan  University, 
at  Delaware,  Ohio,  and  then  stud- 
ied law  with  Judge  Crookham, 
and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
October,  1872;  since  then  he  has 
practiced  his  profession;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Sallie  J.  Hewhall,  from 
Delaware,  Ohio,  in  September, 
1873;  they  have  three  children, 
Dot,  Jack,  and  Anna  Lee. 

Pickerell,  William,  retired 

Pike,  Robert  G.,  carpenter. 
PILGRIM,  WILLIAM  H.,  dealer 
in  stoves  and  house  furnishing 
goods,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  White- 
side  county,  Illinois,  August  29, 
1839,  and  when  three  years  of  age 
came  with  his  uncle  to  this  coun- 
ty, in  1842,  before  the  Indians 
left,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers  here,  there  being  very  few 
now  living  that  were  here  then; 
he  was  brought  up  here;  he  went 
west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  Cal- 
ifornia and  Oregon;  he  was  in  the 
army,  in  the  First  Regiment  Col- 
orado Infantry,  Company  H;  the 
regiment  was  afterward  mounted; 
he  was  in  many  severe  skirmishes; 
was  in  service  two  years,  then  re- 
turned, and  has  been  engaged  in 
business  for  the  past  seven  years; 
married  Miss  Jennie  Ayres,  from 
Marion  county,  in  1871 ; they  have 
four  children,  Medora,  Charles  A., 
William  A.,  and  a little  girl  not 
named. 

PILLSBURY,  REV.  W.  H.  H., 

pastor  First  M.E.  Church,  Oskaloo- 
sa; born  in  York  county,  Maine, 
July  14, 1840,  and  was  brought  up 
and  received  his  education  there, 
until  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebel- 
lion; he  was  preparing  for  the  min- 
istry, and  had  completed  his  sopho- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


589 


more  year  when  he  enlisted  in  the 
Seventeenth  Regiment  Maine  In- 
fantry, Company  I;  he  was  in  the 
battles  of  the  army  of  the  Poto- 
mac; among  them  was  the  second 
battle  of  Bull  Run,  Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville,  Gettys- 
burg, and  others;  he  was  dis- 
charged on  account  of  sickness, 
after  serving  two  years;  he  re- 
turned and  resumed  his  studies, 
and  graduated  at  the  Boston  Uni- 
versity and  in  the  school  of  theol- 
ogy, and  began  preaching  in  1868; 
in  1870  he  was  transferred  wrest, 
and  had  charge  of  Division  Street 
church,  in  Burlington,  Iowa,  for 
three  years,  and  at  Keokuk  for 
two  years,  and  came  to  his  pres- 
ent large  and  growing  church  in 
1876,  and  has,  at  the  conference 
just  closed,  been  appointed  here 
for  another  year,  at  the  unanimous 
request  of  his  people;  he  married 
Miss  Eliza  C.  Bowers,  from  Ken- 
nebec county,  Maine,  August  3, 
1870;  they  have  four  children, 
Walter  B.,  Willie  H.  H.,  Sue,  and 
Edward  A. 

Pool,  Simeon,  retired. 

PORTER,  NELSON  D.,  publisher 
and  proprietor  of  the  Oskaloosa 
Standard.  Born  in  Brown  ville, 
Pa.,  January  23,  1838;  he  was 
brought  up  and  regularly  edu- 
cated and  studied  for  the  minis- 
try; preached  in  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, for  six  years;  then  remov- 
ed to  Ohio  and  preached  in  Union 
Presbyterian  and  Congregational 
Churches;  since  then  has  preach- 
ed in  the  Congregational  Church ; 
he  came  to  Iowa  in  1870,  and 
came  here  in  1875,  assuming 
the  management  of  the  Oskaloosa 
Standard.  He  married  Miss 
Sallie  A.  Bennett,  from  Brown- 
ville,  Pa.,  June  2,  1864;  she  died 
in  Chicago,  December  22,  1867; 
he  married  Anna  P.  Grover, 
from  Cleveland,  in  August,  1869; 


he  has  four  children,  Harry  S., 
Chris.  C.,  Fred  N.,  and  Ada  M. 
Mr.  Porter  was  chaplain  of  the 
58th  Regiment  Pennsylvania  Vol- 
unteer Infantry  during  the  war. 
PRICE,  HENRY,  dealer  in  watch- 
es, clocks  and  jewelry,  Oskaloosa; 
Born  in  Franklin  county,  Indiana, 
July  21,  1831;  he  was  brought 
up  and  lived  there  until  twenty- 
one  years  of  age;  then  removed  to 
Illinois.  He  was  in  the  army; 
enlisted  in  1862,  in  the  119th 
Regiment  Illinois  Infantry,  Co. 
C;  he  was  in  a number  of  bat- 
tles and  skirmishes,  was  mus- 
tered out  in  1865,  came  to 
Oskaloosa  in  1867,  and  since  then 
has  been  engaged  in  his  present 
business.  Married  Miss  M.  J. 
Gardner,  from  Cincinnati,  in 
April,  1867 ; they  have  two  chil- 
dren, George  L.  and  Edgar  S. 

Priestly,  James,  cook. 

Prine,  M.  K.,  farmer  and  fine  stock. 

Priestly,  William,  laborer. 

QUICK,  D.  C.,  clerk  Proudfit  & 

j_^AYNES,  L.  B.,  retired. 

Ream,  John,  teamster. 

Reser,  David,  shoemaker. 
RH1NEHART,  JAMES,  retired. 
Born  in  Greene  county,  Pa.,  Aug- 
ust 22,  1802;  he  was  brought  up 
and  received  his  education  there; 
then  studied  law  and  was  admit- 
ted to. the  bar;  he  lived  in  Penn- 
sylvania thirty  years,  and  removed 
to  Guernsey  county,  Ohio,  and 
practiced  law  there;  held  the  of- 
fice of  justice  of  the  peace  there 
for  nine  years.  He  came  to  this 
county  in  May,  1854,  and  located 
on  a large  farm,  but  after  one 
year  he  came  to  Oskaloosa  and  en- 
gaged in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession. He  was  elected  judge  of 
Mahaska  county,  and  held  that 
position  for  eight  years,  transact- 
ing all  of  his  business  without  a 
clerk;  he  held  the  office  of  mayor 


590 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


of  this  city  for  three  years.  Mar- 
ried Miss  Delila  Eagon,  from 
Waynesburg,  Greene  county,  Pa., 
December  26,  1826.  They  have 
three  children,  Mrs.  Eliza  J. 
Johnson,  Mrs.  Minerva  McKin- 
ley, and  Mrs.  Lubitia  Smith;  they 
have  lost  one  son. 

RICE,  JAS.  A.,  attorney,  Oska- 
loosa.  Son  of  the  late  Gen.  S.  A. 
Rice;  was  born  in  Oskaloosa, 
September  30,  1855;  after  at- 
tending school  here  he  took  his 
college  course  at  Jefferson  college, 
class  of  1875,  and  then  entered 
the  law  department  of  the  Iowa 
State  University,  and  graduated 
in  1877;  since  then  he  has  prac- 
ticed his  profession  here.  He 
holds  the  office  of  mayor  of  this 
city;  was  elected  March  4,  1878. 

Rice,  Milo  M.,  county  recorder. 

Rickey,  J.  B.,  traveling  salesman. 

Rinard,  Henry,  teamster. 

Rinker,  W.  A.,  grocer. 

Robb,  William,  spinner. 

Roberts,  J.  W.,  carpenter. 

Roberts,  J.  L.,  farmer. 

Robertson,  David,  carpenter. 

Rogers,  Ezekiel,  carpenter. 

Rogers,  Frank,  laborer. 

Rogers,  Charles,  teamster. 

Rosenberger,  Henry  D.,  miller. 

ROSS,  GEO.  A.,  county  auditor, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Harrison 
county,  Ohio,  March  19,  1840; 
his  father  was  professor  of  Beth- 
any College,  Virginia,  for  seven- 
teen years,  and  was  professor  and 
acting  President  of  Oskaloosa 
College,  and  was  President  of 
Franklin  College,  Ohio,  until  his 
death  wffiich  occurred  in  February, 
1876.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
received  his  education  at  Bethany, 
Virginia,  and  then  attended  West 
Liberty  Academy,  Virginia,  now 
the  State  Normal  school,  for  two 
years;  he  engaged  in  teaching  at 
Lexington,  Kentucky,  and  at 
Hickman,  and  then  to  Wheeling; 
at  Wheeling  he  held  the  office  of 


assistant  assessor  of  Internal 
Revenue  until  1865;  he  came  to 
this  county  in  1867;  he  was 
elected  county  Auditor  in  1873, 
and  was  re-elected  in  1875,  and 
again  re-elected  in  1877;  married 
Miss  Emma  Yarrall  from  Wheel- 
ing, Virginia,  in  fall  of  1861; 
he  has  7 children,  6 sons  and  one 
daughter. 

Rounds,  L.  D.,  dentist. 

Ruple,  J.  R.,  miller. 

Rvan,  Pat,  gardner 

(g^COTT,  W.  R.,  carpenter. 

Scott,  David  E.,  physician  and  sur- 
geon. 

Scruggs,  J.  E.,  retired. 

SEARLE,  CHAS.  P..  attorney, 
land  and  loan  agency,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Chester,  Hampden  county, 
Massachusetts,  April  16,  1831 ; 
he  was  brought  up  and  received 
his  education  there,  and  in  1850 
moved  to  Trumbull  county,  Ohio; 
he  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in 
this  county  in  May  1854,  and  went 
in  a store,  and  afterwards  engaged 
in  mercantile  business  until  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  when  he 
enlisted  in  1861  in  the  8th  Regi- 
ment Iowa  Infantry,  Co.  H;  he 
was  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh  and 
was  taken  prisoner  there  April  6, 
1862;  he  was  taken  to  Montgom- 
ery, and  then  to  Macon,  and 
Madison,  Georgia,  and  to  Libby 
prison;  he  was  a prisoner  6 
months,  and  was  exchanged  Octo- 
ber 19th,  1862;  he  joined  his 
regiment  in  St.  Louis,  and  was  in 
the  siege  of  Vicksburg  and  in 
the  two  battles  of  Jackson;  at 
Brandon  he  was  promoted  from 
Sergeant  major  of  the  regiment 
to  1st  Lieutenant,  and  was  promot- 
ed to,  and  commissioned  Captain 
of  the  company;  during  Forrest’s 
raid  on  Memphis  when  the 
Union  forces  were  surprised, 
Captain  Searle  and  his  command 
were  taken  prisoners;  though  he 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


591 


was  severely  wounded  lie  was  de- 
termined not  to  again  partake  of 
the  hospitality  of  Libby  prison; 
he  had  narrow  escapes  from 
death  several  times,  but  his  life 
was  saved  by  his  courage  and 
presence  of  mind;  he  still  suffers 
from  the  wounds  he  received;  he 
was  discharged  in  January  1865, 
on  account  of  disability;  after 
the  war  he  was  elected  clerk  of 
the  courts  in  1866,  and  held 
that  office  for  8 years;  during 
this  time  he  studied  law  and  was 
admitted  to  the  bar;  he  was 
cashier  of  the  National  State 
Bank,  and  afterward  purchased 
the  abstract  books  and  engaged 
in  his  present  business;  married 
Miss  Martha  E.  Turner,  daughter 
of  Rev.  Asa  Turner,  April  12th, 
1859;  they  have  3 daughters, 
Dora  E.,  Alice  M.,  and  Hattie  L. 
SEERLEY,  PROF.  HOMER  H., 

superintendent  of  schools  of  the 
Independent  District  of  Oskaloo- 
sa;  born  in  Indianapolis,  Indiana, 
August  13,  1848;  when  three 
years  of  age  his  parents  removed 
to  Stark  county,  Illinois,  and  he 
came  with  them  to  Iowa,  in  1854, 
and  located  in  Keokuk  county. 
He  attended  the  common  schools 
in  that  county,  and  in  April,  1866, 
entered  the  preparatory  depart- 
ment of  the  Iowa  State  Univer- 
sity ; remained  there  for  one  year, 
and  then  engaged  in  teaching  un- 
til 1869,  when  he  returned  to  the 
Iowa  University  and  entered  the 
freshman  class  and  graduated  in 
the  academical  department,  in 
1873.  He  came  here  the  follow- 
ing September  and  engaged  in 
teaching  as  assistant  in  the  High 
Sccliool,  and  teacher  of  German ; 
the  following  year  he  was  chosen 
principal  of  the  High  school,  and 
in  April,  1875,  he  was  elected  to 
his  present  position  as  superin- 
tendent of  schools;  this  action 
was  entirely  unexpected  on  his 


part,  and  was  done  without  his 
knowledge.  He  has  been  elected 
to  the  same  position  every  year 
since.  Prof.  Seerley  labors  inde- 
fatigably  for  the  interests  of  the 
schools,  and  during  the  three 
years  that  he  has  occupied  his 
present  position,  there  has  not 
been  an  appeal  to  the  school 
board.  He  married  Miss  Clara  E. 
Twaddle,  of  this  city,  July  9, 
1878. 

SEEVERS,  MRS.  MARY,  whose 
maiden  name  was  Miss  Mary  Col- 
lins, was  born  in  Fountain  county, 
Indiana,  and  lived  there  until  fif- 
teen years  of  age,  and  then  came 
with  her  parents  to  Marion  county, 
Iowa,  and  came  to  Mahaska  coun- 
ty, in  early  part  of  1854.  She 
married  James  A.  Seevers,  in  May, 
1855.  He  was  born  in  Jefferson 
Co.,  Ya.,  March  6, 1832;  when  ten 
years  of  age  he  came  with  his 
father  to  Iowa.  His  father  left  hi m 
in  school  at  Burlington,  but  he  did 
not  have  a very  good  opinion  of 
the  teacher,  so  he  left  and  started 
on  foot  and  walked  to  Oskaloosa. 
He  received  his  education  in  this 
State,  and  studied  law  with  his 
brother,  J udge  Seevers,  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  in  1853,  and  en- 
gaged in  practice  of  law.  Upon  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  he,  with 
one  or  two  others,  raised  a company, 
and  enlisted  in  October,  1861; 
was  elected  and  commissioned  cap- 
tain of  Company  C,  15th  Regi- 
ment, Iowa  Infantry.  He  was  in 
the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Iuka,  Boli- 
var, Corinth,  and  received  injuries 
on  the  march  from  Corinth  to 
Grand  Junction,  and  was  obliged 
to  resign.  After  his  return,  he 
practiced  law  here  until  his  death, 
November  5,  1865,  leaving  three 
children,  Charles  A.,  James  E. 
and  Eva. 

SEEVERS,  BYRON  V.,  attorney, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Coshocton 
county,  Ohio,  March  3,  1847,  and 


592 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


when  six  years  of  age,  came  with 
his  parents  to  Iowa,  arriving  in 
this  county  in  1853;  he  attended 
school  here,  and  completed  his 
education  in  Ohio.  After  gradu- 
ating there,  he  returned  and  stud- 
ied law,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  1871,  and  since  then  he  has 
practiced  his  profession  here;  he 
is  a member  of  the  school  board. 
He  married  Miss  Laura  M.  Smith, 
daughter  of  Wm.  T.  Smith,  Esq., 
January  1,  1874;  they  have  two 
children,  Ada  L.  and  Mildred  Pau- 
line. 

Seevers,  Thomas,  Oskaloosa,  foun- 
dry. 

SETZER,  D.  H.,  Oskaloosa  City 
Flouring  Mills;  born  in  Shenan- 
doah county,  Virginia,  September 
21,  1833;  when  between  two  and 
three  years  of  age,  he  removed 
with  his  parents  to  Licking  coun- 
ty, Ohio;  he  learned  his  business 
in  that  state,  and  lived  there 
about  twenty  years;  came  to 
Iowa,  in  1857,  and  located  in  this 
county;  engaged  in  the  mill- 
ing business,  and  has  been  en- 
gaged in  it  since  then,  twenty-one 
years,  and  longer  than  anyone  here 
in  the  same  business.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Ann  E.  Colwell,  from 
Licking  county,  Ohio,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1860;  they  have  three  child- 
ren, Martin  V.,  Emily  M.  and 
David  J. ; and  they  have  lost  two 
children. 

SHANNON,  JOHN  A.,  dealer  in 
dry  goods  and  groceries,  Oskaloo- 
sa; born  in  Warren  county,  New 
Jersey,  November  25,1839;  when 
sixteen  years  of  age,  he  came  with 
his  parents  to  Iowa,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1856,  and  located  in  Mahaska 
county,  at  New  Sharon,  and  en- 
gaged in  farming;  went  in  the 
army;  enlisted  August,  1862,  in 
the  33d  Regiment  Iowa  Infantry, 
Co.  D ; was  in  the  siege  of  Mobile, 
and  Red  River  expedition,  and 
others;  was  in  the  service  three 


years.  After  the  war  he  was  in 
the  engineering  department  of  the 
Central  Railroad  of  Iowa,  for  five 
years,  and  engaged  in  his  present 
business  in  1872.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  city  council.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Katie  C.  White,  from 
Chillicothe,  Ohio,  February  14, 
1871. 

Shannon,  Jabez,  butcher. 

SHAW,  WILLIAM  H.,  firm  of 
Shaw  & Loring,  grocery  and  pro- 
vision dealers,  Oskoloosa;  born  in 
Mifflin  county,  Pennsylvania,  Oc- 
tober 2,  1840;  when  eight  years 
of  age,  removed  to  Ohio  and  lived 
there  nine  years,  and  came  with 
his  parents  to  Iowa,  in  1858,  and 
located  in  this  county,  near  Fre- 
mont, on  a farm;  he  was  also  en- 
gaged in  teaching.  He  was  in  the 
army;  enlisted  August  12,  1862, 
in  the  33d  Regiment  Iowa  Infan- 
try, Co.  K;  was  orderly  sergeant 
of  the  company;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Helena,  siege  of  Spanish  Fort, 
and  others,  and  in  many  skir- 
mishes and  raids;  was  discharged 
August  8, 1865.  After  his  return 
from  the  service,  he  engaged  in 
teaching,  and  afterward  engaged 
in  business,  and  has  continued  for 
the  past  twelve  years.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  S.  M.  McWilliams,  from 
Ohio,  October  25, 1868;  they  have 
two  children,  Ella  C.  and  Ernest 
H. 

Shaw,  Thomas  E.,  Prof.  Penn  Col- 
lege. 

Shaw,  John,  constable. 

Sharp,  R.  A.,  carpenter. 

Shearer,  James,  minister. 
SEEVERS, JUDGE  W.H.  While 
in  this  land  of  democratic  princi- 
ples and  sudden  changes,  which 
sometimes  lift  the  cobbler’s  ap- 
prentice to  the  foremost  legislative 
honors,  or  drop  the  son  of  a world’s 
idol  into  the  gutter  and  bury  him 
in  an  unknown  grave,  there  is  not 
much  attention  given  to  family 
rank  and  ancestral  deeds;  yet  it 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


593 


is  sometimes  with  a pardonable 
pride  that  the  friends  of  a man 
who  has  emulated  the  good  name 
of  his  forefathers,  point  to  the 
record  of  his  family  and  read  with 
pleasure  the  life  work  of  his  kins- 
man. Judge  Seevers  is  of  one  of 
the  proud  old  Virginia  families; 
his  father,  James  Seevers,  who 
still  lives  with  him,  is  one  of  the 
heroes  of  1812,  who  has  lived  to 
receive  the  morning  smiles  of  the 
last  quarter  of  a century  whose 
first  quarter  had  seen  him  a re- 
tired volunteer  from  his  country’s 
service,  a sharer  in  the  battle  of  Bal- 
timore. James  Seevers  married 
Rebecca  Wilkins,  of  Virginia,  in 
August,  1819,  and  of  their  chil- 
dren the  subject  of  this  sketch  is 
the  oldest  survivor.  Mr.  Seevers 
family  was  a large  one,  being 
composed  of  eight  sons  and  two 
daughters,  of  whom  those  living 
besides  Judge  Seevers  are  Mrs. 
M.  T.  Williams  and  Tlios.  L. 
Seevers,  of  Marshalltown.  The 
family  came  to  Mahaska  in  1843, 
arriving  in  June;  the  journey 
was  made  across  the  prairies  by 
means  of  a four-horse  team  and 
one  horse  barouche.  The  father 
made  a claim  of  a quarter  section 
about  one  mile  southeast  of  Oska- 
loosa.  Three  sons  were  in  the 
war;  John  H.  as  sergeant,  James 
A.  as  captain,  and  Theodorick  as 
second  lieutenant.  The  venerable 
father  of  this  family,  of  whom  it 
is  our  pleasure  to  speak  thus  fully, 
is  now  (1878)  eighty-six  years  of 
age,  and  is  one  of  Mahaska’s  most 
respected  pioneers;  he  bears  well 
and  heartily  the  honors  of  a ripe 
old  age.  Judge  Seevers  did  not 
come  to  Iowa  until  the  year  fol- 
lowing the  immigration  of  his  pa- 
rents; he  arrived  in  June,  1844, 
finding  at  that  date  the  glory  of 
Oskaloosa  wrapt  in  the  embryo  of 
a boarding  shanty  and  a corner 
grocery.  Mr.  Seevers  chose  the 


law  as  his  profession,  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  in  1846,  at  which 
time  he  began  practice;  he  is  the 
only  attorney  yet  living  in  Oska- 
loosa who  was  engaged  in  practice 
at  that  time;  he  was  elected  pros- 
ecuting attorney  in  1848  (?)  and 
served  two  years,  and  from  1852 
to  1856  filled  with  credit  the  office 
of  district  judge;  two  terms  in 
the  legislature,  during  the  years 
1848  and  1874,  brought  to  the 
judge  a state  reputation,  and  in 
1876,  having  been  temporarily 
appointed  judge  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Iowa,  he  was  elected  to 
that  position  by  the  votes  of  the 
people  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year; 
lie  still  holds  that  high  place  of 
honor.  February,  1849,  Mr.  Seev- 
ers married  Miss  Caroline  M.  Lee; 
their  children  are  Mrs.  Jennie 
Briggs,  Mrs.  Carrie  Fletcher, 
Harry  W.,  Grace,  Hellie  and  Wm. 
H;  death  plucked  one  blossom,  a 
daughter,  Alice.  Judge  Seevers  is 
a standard  man;  it  were  well  for 
our  nation  had  she  more  such  on 
the  bench;  reliable,  true  as  steel, 
himself  a close  reasoner,  Judge 
Seevers,  early  in  his  judicial  career, 
became  a favorite  of  the  bar,  and 
the  terror  of  “shysters,”  a class 
whose  friendship  is  easily  spared. 

Shearer,  W.  J.,  minister. 

SHEAR,  J.  H.,  firm  Sheak  & 
Shirra,  elevator,  buying  and  ship- 
ping grain,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Duchess  county,  Hew  York,  and 
at  an  early  age  removed  to  Bing- 
ham pton,  where  he  was  brought 
up;  he  was  engaged  in  business 
for  some  years  in  Hew  York  City 
and  Philadelphia;  came  to  Oska- 
loosa in  1873,  and  engaged  in 
grain  and  elevator  business;  they 
ship  grain  to  Chicago,  Milwaukee, 
St.  Louis  and  eastern  markets;  he 
married  Miss  Lizzie  Martin,  from 
Pennsylvania,  in  September,  1867; 
they  have  had  one  son,  David  W., 
who  died  in  infancy. 


594 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Shoemake,  M.  L.,  pump  business. 

Shoe  make,  Isaac,  farmer. 
SHR1VER,  L.  R,  firm  Whitaker  & 
Shriver ; born  in  Columbiana  Co., 
Ohio,  in  1832,  and  lived  there 
until  1850,  when  he  came  with 
his  parents  by  wagon  to  Iowa; 
they  were  twenty-eight  days  on 
the  way,  and  only  crossed  one 
railroad  track  during  the  entire 
journey;  they  came  to  this  county 
April  1,  1851,  and  located  in  Har- 
rison township;  they  were  early 
settlers,  only  few  being  there  at 
that  time;  he  engaged  in  farming 
and  stock  raising,  and  continued 
it  for  many  years;  engaged  in  his 
present  business  in  1877 ; he  has 
held  office  of  township  clerk,  and 
served  on  the  board  of  supervisors 
for  three  years. 

Shriver,  David,  gunsmith. 

Sims,  John,  barber. 

Simmons,  P.  J.,  painter. 

Simmons,  A.,  painter. 

Sinclair,  Samuel,  laborer. 

Smith,  John  C.,  stone  mason. 

Smith,  Al,  stone  cutter. 

SMITH, WILLIAM  T.,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch  is  recognized  at 
once  as  among  the  foremost  citi- 
zens, and  superior  business  men 
of  Mahaska  county;  he  is,  and 
has  been  known  in  many  parts  of 
the  State,  as  one  of  Oskaloosa’s 
staunchest  capitalists;  Mr.  Smith 
sprang  from  the  middle  ranks  of 
life,  whence  the  majority  of  suc- 
cessful men  can  trace  their  line- 
age; he  was  born  May  23,  1824, 
in  Fayette  county,  Pennsylvania, 
his.  parents  removing  thence  to 
Ohio  while  he  was  yet  a lad,  first 
to  Dayton,  and  thence  to  Xenia; 
his  parents  had  been  in  fair  cir- 
cumstances, but  lost  heavily  in 
assisting  others;  during  his  boy- 
hood young  Smith  attended  the 
select  school  of  Thomas  Steele  in 
Xenia  several  seasons,  working  in 
the  summer  on  a farm  or  in 
town;  at  the  age  of  sixteen  he 


commenced  teaching  district 
school,  and  continued  teaching, 
mostly  in  winter,  and  attending 
school  or  reading  law  in  summer, 
until  July  31,  1847,  when  on  ex- 
amination by  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Ohio,  at  Defiance,  he  was  reg- 
ularly admitted  to  practice  as  at- 
torney and  counselor  at  law  in 
any  of  the  courts  of  the  State  of 
Ohio.  On  the  18th  day  of  Sep- 
tember 1847,  with  but  $35  in  his 
pocket,  and  light  baggage,  not 
supposing  he  knew  a single  indi- 
vidual in  Iowa,  he  started  for  the 
far  western  Hawk-eye  State  to 
seek  his  fortune  on  the  frontier; 
descending  the  Ohio,  thence  up 
the  Mississippi  to  Burlington;  he 
was  there  on  October  18,  1847, 
admitted  to  the  Iowa  bar,  on 
motion  of  J.  C.  Hall  of  that 
place;  Judge  Williams  was  at 
that  time  on  the  Bench  of  this 
district;  having  taught  school 
one  winter  near  Fairheld,  Mr* 
Smith  on  his  coming  into  Oska- 
loosa,  brought  with  him  three 
dollars  in  money  and  quite  a 
scanty  wardrobe;  soon  after  his 
arrival,  (March  10,  1848),  he  en- 
tered into  a law  partnership  with 
W.  H.  Seevers,  and  as  neither  of 
the  “young  limbs”  had  law 
books  or  money,  Mr.  Smith  went 
to  Burlington  and  purchased  one 
hundred  dollars  worth  of  books 
from  J.  Fox  Abrams,  “on  time,” 
after  making  a plain  statement  of 
his  financial  condition,  prospects, 
etc.;  he  was  forced  in  the  same 
way  to  secure  credit  for  his  board 
bill;  but  brighter  days  were 
ahead;  at  the  annual  election 
held  in  1848,  Mr.  Smith  having 
received  the  almost  unanimous 
nomination  of  the  Democratic 
county  convention,  was  elected 
Prosecuting  Attorney  for  the 
county,  which  office  he  held  dur- 
ing two  years;  re-visiting  Ohio 
in  the  summer  of  1849,  he  mar- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


595 


ried  Miss  Magdalene  Shannon,  of 
Green  county,  in  that  State; 
upon  dissolution  of  partnership 
with  Judge  Seevers,  May  17, 
1852,  he  associated  with  Judge 
Loughridge  in  legal  practice; 
this  partnership  closed  within  the 
tirst  year,  and  September  1,  1854 
he  became  a member  of  the  firm 
of  Smith  & Williams,  Mr.  M.  T. 
Williams  being  his  partner; 
these  gentlemen,  as  elsewhere 
mentioned,  opened  the  first 
bank  in  Oskaloosa,  March  1, 
1855;  they  continued  in  partner- 
ship until  January  1st,  1857, 
when  Mr.  Smith  became  sole  pro- 
prietor of  the  bank,  under  the 
style  of  Wm.  T.  Smith  & Co.; 
from  this  time,  for  some  ten 
ears,  Mr.  Smith  was  foremost  in 
anking  interests  at  the  county 
seat,  of  which  full  particulars  are 
given  in  a previous  chapter  on 
“ banking  in  Oskaloosa,’’  where 
the  reader  can  see  more  clearly 
the  prominence  of  Mr.  Smith  in 
this  business,  than  could  be  set 
forth  in  a personal  sketch.  Mr. 
Smith  while  an  attorney,  had  ac- 
quired quite  a reputation  in  the 
line  of  mercantile  collections, 
then  a very  considerable  and 
profitable  business  in  Iowa;  to 
avoid  the  throwing  away  of  bus- 
iness of  this  kind,  which  fre- 
quently offered  itself,  and  which 
Mr.  S.  had  no  time  to  attend  to, 
he  became  a beneficiary,  but  not 
a working  partner  in  the  firm  of 
Smith,  liice  & Myers,  in  1857; 
this  firm  was  dissolved  April  1, 
1859;  as  president  of  the  school 
board  during  several  terms,  and 
also  as  member  of  the  board  of 
directors,  Mr.  Smith  rendered 
active  and  valuable  service  to  the 
cause  of  public  education;  many 
improvements  in  buildings  and 
methods,  were  made  at  his  sug- 
gestions or  with  his  aid;  he  was  a 
large  subscriber  to  Oskaloosa  Col- 


lege, and  in  the  contest  made  for  se- 
curing its  location  at  Oskaloosa 
by  the  church  controlling  it,  took 
an  active  part,  and  was  the  author 
of  the  proposition  made  in  the 
convention  securing  such  location. 
As  a land  owner,  agriculturist 
and  citizen,  Mr.  Smith  has  taken 
great  interest  in  Mahaska  county 
fairs,  having  been  intimately 
connected  with  every  association 
of  the  kind,  from  his  inception 
until  the  present  time,  more  or 
less,  as  exhibitor,  contributor, 
stockholder,  director  and  presi- 
dent; lie  was  also  a member  of 
the  finance  committe,  on  the  part 
of  the  State  Agricultural  Society 
for  some  years,  and  by  his  wise 
financiering  and  counsels,  con- 
tributed to  its  welfare.  The  list 
of  city  officers  in  Oskaloosa 
shows  Mr.  Smith  to  have  been 
its  first  Mayor,  elected  in  1853; 
and  that  he  afterward  filled  that 
office  in  1856,  1857,  and  again  in 
1872;  these  facts  are  the  more 
complimentary  when  it  is  consid- 
ered that  he  was  a member  of  the 
minority  party  in  the  city,  and 
evinces  alike  the  gratitude  of  Os- 
kaloosa citizens  for  his  public 
work  and  enterprise,  as  well  as 
executive  force,  and  his  impartial 
and  strict  enforcement  of  the 
laws.  Mr.  Smith  was  president 
of  the  “ Iowa  Insurance  Com- 
pany ” during  the  time  of  its  ex- 
istence; this  company  as  will  be 
seen  elsewhere  on  these  pages, 
was  an  institution  of  excellent 
record;  Mr.  Smith’s  presidency 
of  the  Iowa  Central  road  during 
two  years  of  the  most  trying  time 
of  its  construction,  and  his 
praiseworthy  efforts  in  carrying 
forward  this  enterprise,  are  given 
in  connection  with  the  history  of 
the  Central  road  in  the  previous 
part  of  this  work.  Mr.  Smith 
has  likewise  been  interested  in 
every  railroad  project  in  Mahaska 


596 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


county,  sometimes  to  his  consid- 
erable cost,  and  repaid  even  by  a 
doubtful  gratitude  for  some  of  his 
sacrifices.  Though  not  a politi- 
cian Mr.  Smith  was  raised,  and 
ever  has  been,  a Democrat,  and  be- 
lieves it  to  be  the  duty  of  every 
citizen  to  watch  and  participate 
in  an  intelligent  way  in  the  polit- 
ical movements  of  the  nation. 
At  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion, 
Mr.  Smith,  believing  the  South 
should  seek  redress  and  assert  its 
rights  under  the  Constitution 
and  in  the  Union,  was  among  the 
firsLat  a public  meeting  held  at 
Union  Hall,  in  Oskaloosa,  to  an- 
nounce himself  in  favor  of  coer- 
cion and  was  active  in  all  move- 
ments in  his  neighborhood,  gotten 
up  on  the  side  of  the  Union. 
That  Mr.  Smith  did  as  much,  and 
perhaps  more,  for  his  country 
than  any  other  Mahaskan  who  re- 
mained at  home,  is  evident  from 
Mr.  Kirkwood’s  letter,  which  we 
give  below.  In  1S70,  Mr.  Smith, 
by  a unanimous  and  unexpected 
nomination  of  the  Democracy  of 
what  was  then  the  fourth  district, 
became  an  unwilling  candidate 
for  United  States  Representative. 
This  district  at  that  time  contain- 
tained  a greater  population  than 
any  other  in  the  United  States, 
and  the  battle-field  in  which  Mr. 
Smith  was  to  contest  with  his  op- 
ponenent,  Hon.  Madison  M.  Wal- 
den, then  Lieutenant-Governor  of 
the  State,  was  a wide  one  in 
which,  in  point  of  members,  Mr. 
Smith’s  party  was  ordinarily  in  a 
a very  considerable  minority.  By 
arrangement,  the  candidates  made 
a joint  canvass,  speaking  in  most 
of  the  important  places  in  each  of 
the  twelve  counties  in  the  district. 
That  being  a day  in  which  a man’s 
war  record  was  an  important  mat- 
ter, that  Mr.  Smith’s  position 
might  be  indisputably  shown,  the 


following  letter  was  put  in  circu- 
lation: 


Ex-Governor  Kirkwood's  Letter 
to  Hon.  Wm.  T.  Smith , Demo- 
cratic Candidate  for  Repre- 
sentative in  Congress  from 
Iowa , Fourth  Congressional 
District. 

Iowa  City,  Aug.  27,  1870. 
Wm.  T.  Smith,  Esq.,  Oskaloosa, 
Iowa.  Dear  Sir: — Your  letter  of 
the  25th  inst.,  asking  me  for  a 
statement  relative  to  your  course 
during  the  late  war  between  the 
United  States  and  the  so-called 
Southern  Confederacy,,  so  far  as 
the  same  came  under  my  observa- 
tion, during  my  term  of  office  as 
Governor,  has  just  been  received, 
and  I very  cheerfully  comply 
with  your  request. 

It  is  well  known  to  some,  but 
may  not  be  known  to  all  the  peo- 
ple of  our  State,  that  those  who 
were  charged  with  the  duty  of 
placing  in  the  field  the  troops 
called  for  from  this  State,  labored 
under  very  serious  embarrass- 
ments during  the  first  few  months 
of  the  war.  There  was  not  any 
difficulty  in  raising  the  men. 
They  came  by  thousands  when 
hundreds  only  were  called  for. 
The  difficulty  was  in  raising  mon- 
ey to  organize  them  and  put 
them  in  the  field.  The  United 
States  could  not  then  furnish  the 
money,  and  there  was  not  any 
money  in  the  State  Treasury.  At 
the  extra  session  (May,  1861)  our 
State  Legislature  authorized  the 
issuance  and  sale  of  the  bonds  of 
the  State.  At  that  time  three 
regiments  had  already  been  or- 
ganized without  any  money  from 
the  State,  and  several  weeks  must 
necessarily  elapse  before  the  bonds 
could  be  prepared  and  offered  for 
sale  in  the  way  provided  by  law. 
In  the  meantime  more  troops 


t 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


599 


were  called  for  and  more  money 
was  needed  for  their  organization. 
The  validity  of  the  bonds  of  the 
State  was  attacked,  both  in  our 
State  and  in  New  York,  on  the 
ground  that  the  Legislature  had 
not  the  power  to  authorize  their 
issue,  thus  injuring  their  credit 
and  of  course  lessening  the  chance 
of  their  salg. 

In  this  emergency  an  appeal  was 
made  to  certain  citizens  of  the 
State  who  had  or  who  could  con- 
trol money — amongst  others  to 
you.  That  appeal  was  promptly 
responded  to  by  you  and  by  oth- 
ers. You  at  once  took  my  per- 
sonal drafts  for  about  five  thousand 
dollars  and  advanced  me  the 
money.  You  also,  at  my  sugges- 
tion, advanced  about  two  thousand 
dollars  to  other  persons  to  meet 
the  expense  of  organizing  certain 
troops,  and  afterwards  took  about 
thirteen  thousand  dollars  of  our 
State  bonds  at  the  highest  price 
at  which  any  of  them  were  sold, 
and  when  they  were  wholly  un- 
salable in  New  York.  In  short, 
you  was  one  of  a few  men  through 
whose  liberality  and  patriotism 
the  State  was  enabled,  in  the  early 
part  of  the  war,  to  achieve  for 
itself  at  home  its  reputation  of 
“always  ready  ” which  through- 
out the  war  it  so  well  maintained 
at  home  and  in  the  field,  and  dur- 
ing my  term  of  office  I believed 
and  acted  upon  my  belief,  that 
you  steadily  maintained  through- 
out the  war  the  stand  you  took  at 
its  commencement. 

You  and  I belong  to  different 
political  parties,  but  I must  whol- 
ly lose  my  self-respect  before  I 
can,  for  political  or  any  other 
consideration,  refuse  to  do  justice 
to  one  who  encouraged  and  aided 
me,  at  a time  of  public  peril, 

36 


when  I so  much  needed  encour- 
agement and  aid. 

Yery  respectfully, 

S.  J.  Kirkwood. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  Judge 
Loughridge  had  been  elected  over 
John  P.  Irish,  two  years  previous- 
ly, by  a majority  of  some  7,300, 
Mr.  Walden’s  majority  was  re- 
duced to  4,122,  as  shown  from  the 
following  extract  from  official  rec- 
ords: 


COUNTIES. 

Madison  M.  Walden. 

William  T.  Smith. 

Appanoose 

1249 

1153 

Benton 

2172 

1114 

Iowa 

1261 

1115 

Jasper 

2026 

1063 

Johnson 

1838 

1812 

Keokuk 

1581 

1457 

Mahaska , 

1705 

1461 

Marion 

2026 

2029 

Monroe 

997 

596 

Poweshiek 

1252 

875 

Tama 

1610 

608 

Wapello  

1288 

1600 

Total 

19205 

14883 

Mr.  Smith  is  now  engaged  in 
farming,  owning  about  1200  acres 
in  Mahaska  county.  He  has  given 
special  attention  to  stock  raising, 
and  his  Short-horns,  Jersey  cattle 
and  other  fine  stock,  are  known 
throughout  the  State  among  stock 
men.  His  hospitable  and  pleasant 
home,  in  the  suburbs  of  Oskaloosa, 
known  as  “ Ridge  Farm,”  draws 
many  a visit  from  business  men  of 
different  parts  of  the  State  and 
elsewhere,  who  may  frequent  Os- 
kaloosa, and  find  it  pleasant  to 
talk  over  early  enterprises  in 


600 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


which  Mr.  Smith  had  a mutual  in- 
terest. Mr.  Smith  and  wife  have 
lost  five  children  in  early  infancy, 
and  have  three  living,  viz:  Laura 
M , wife  of  Byron  V.  See  vers, 
Esq.,  Omer  0.  and  Lua  L.,  all 
highly  respected  for  their  intelli- 
gence, industry  and  promise  of 
future  usefulness.  At  the  time  of 
our  present  writing,  Mr.  Smith,  in 
view  of  selling  “ Ridge  Farm,”  to 
a coal  company,  for  mining  pur- 
poses, proposes  to  remove  to 
his  farm  of  nine  hundred  and 
sixty  acres,  known  as  “ High- 
land Farm,”  in  the  center  of  Ad- 
ams township,  and  six  miles  north- 
east of  Oskaloosa,  which  has  the 
reputation  of  being  one  of  the 
very  best  large  farms  in  the  State, 
where  he  expects  to  gratify  his 
taste  for  fine  stock  to  a greater 
extent  than  heretofore,  and  engage 
more  extensively  in  general  farm- 
ing. Mr.  Smith  has  a sanguine 
temperament,  is  strong  in  his 
prejudices,  warm  in  his  friend- 
ships, a good  conversationalist, 
and  a gentleman  whom  one  meets 
only  to  Mush  for  a more  extended 
and  intimate  acquaintance.  We 
are  convinced  that  to  him  Mahas- 
ka county  is  much  indebted;  that 
he  deserves  his  success,  his  for- 
tune and  his  friends. 

SMITH,  N.  J.,  firm  N.  J.  Smith  & 
Co.,  dealers  in  hardware,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Erie  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, December  23,  1814,  and 
at  an  early  age  removed  to  Ash- 
tabula county,  Ohio;  he  married 
Miss  Sarah  A.  Crandell,  from  Es- 
sex county,  Hew  York,  March  4, 
1834;  they  came  to  Morgan  coun- 
ty, Illinois,  in  1837,  and  in  1840 
they  came  to  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa, 
and  lived  there  five  years;  he  was 
here  in  1843,  when  there  was  not 
# a house  here  completed — they  were 
building  a log  grocery;  in  1845 
he  came  here  to  locate,  but  it  was 
so  wild  and  unsettled  that  he 


gave  it  up,  and,  with  his  family, 
Mrent  to  Michigan;  in  1853  they 
again  came  here,  and  located  in 
Oskaloosa,  and  he  engaged  as  clerk 
in  a store;  he  has  been  connected 
with  mercantile  business  here  for 
twenty -five  years;  he  has  held 
toMTn  and  school  offices;  they  have 
two  children,  Mrs.  Francis  J. 
Carleton,  living  here,  and  James 
Edward,  in  Colorado;  they  lost 
three  children  in  infancy. 

Smith,  Omer,  farmer. 

Smith,  D.  C.,  minister. 

Smith,  T.  K.,  jeweler. 

Smith,  C.  M.,  farmer  and  stock  dealer. 

Smith,  S.  E.,  stone  mason. 

Smith,  Henry,  tinner. 

Snowden,  James  E.,  pastor  Congre- 
gationalist  church. 

Snyder,  Henry,  retired. 

Sonderegger,  Henry,  m alter. 

Southwick,  P.  W.,  laborer. 

Southwick,  James,  laborer. 
SPENCER,  HARRY  L.,  firm  of. 
Wright  & Spencer,  wholesale  gro- 
cers, Oskaloosa;  born  at  Spencer 
Station,  Guernsey  county,  Ohio, 
December  30,  1842;  he  was 
brought  up  and  received  his  edu- 
cation there;  during  the  war  he 
enlisted  in  the  Hinth  Ohio  Cav- 
alry, Company  B,  February  9, 
1864;  was  appointed  First  Ser- 
geant June  8,  1S65;  was  at  head- 
quarters, and  in  the  quarter-mas- 
ter’s department;  was  discharged 
at  Lexington,  Hortli  Carolina, 
July  20,  1865;  after  the  war  he 
was  at  Zanesville  two  years,  and 
came  to  Oskaloosa  in  November, 
1867,  and  engaged  in  business,  the 
firm  being  Terry  & Spencer  for 
one  year;  then  Mr.  Wright  be- 
came connected  with  the  firm;  af- 
ter a short  time  they  bought  Mr. 
Terry’s  interest;  associated  with 
Mr.  Wright,  they  carried  on  the 
business  until  the  death  of  Mr. 
Wright,  in  1875;  since  then  Mr. 
Spencer  has  conducted  the  busi- 
ness; the  house  does  a large  and 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


601 


strictly  wholesale  trade;  Mr.  Spen- 
cer married  Miss  Mary  E.  Paine, 
from  Pawtucket,  Rhode  Island, 
October  20,  1869;  they  have  two 
children,  Anna  E.  and  Ida  Ger- 
trude. 

Squires,  Charles,  laborer. 
STAFFORD,  DR.  ELAM,  physi- 
cian and  surgeon,  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Wayne  county,  Indiana,  Feb- 
ruary 1,  1826;  he  lived  there  and 
in  Tippecanoe  county  for  seven- 
teen years,  and  came  with  his 
father’s  family  to  Iowa  by  wagon, 
and  arrived  here  in  this  county  in 
June,  1843;  the  principal  thing 
here  then  was  a po'le  stuck  up  to 
designate  the  spot  supposed  to  be 
the  center  of  the  county;  he  was 
one  of  the  earliest  settlers  here; 
he  sat  *on  a log  and  wrote  tickets 
on  election  day;  the  election  was 
held  one  mile  north  of  town,  in 
the  edge  of  the  timber;  he  stud- 
ied medicine,  and  graduated  in 
Cincinnati  in  1852,  and  began  the 
practice  of  his  profession,  and 
is  one  of  the  oldest  physicians 
here;  he  was  connected  with  the 
drug  trade  here  for  eleven  years; 
married  Miss  Sarah  Stanley,  from 
Illinois,  in  June,  1852;  they  have 
one  daughter,  Emma  F.,  and  have 
lost  one  son,  Charles  W.,  and  one 
daughter,  Katie. 

Stafford,  Henry,  teamster. 

Stanley,  John,  farmer. 

Stanley,  William  P.,  constable. 

Stanley,  E.  T.,  life  insurance  agent. 

Stanley,  Jesse,  retired. 

Stanton,  W.  R.,  stock  buyer. 

Sternes,  William,  horse  trainer. 

Sterling,  George  F.,  blacksmith. 

Stoner,  Milton,  farmer. 

Strong,  Joseph,  cooper. 

Strong,  Joseph  P.,  horticulturist. 
STREET,  WM.  B.,  retired,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Shawneetown,  111., 
July  12,  1819;  his  father  was 
Gen.  J.  M.  Street,  the  humane 
and  Christian  Indian  agent;  he 
studied  law  with  Henry  Clay,  and 


afterward  practiced  law  with 
Andrew  Jackson;  he  was  appoint- 
ed Indian  agent  by  President 
Adams,  in  1827,  and  was  twice 
appointed  by  Andrew  Jackson, 
and  also  by  Martin  Van  Buren, 
and  after  his  death  President  Van 
Buren,  on  account  of  his  services 
and  great  usefulness  to  the  gov- 
ernment, offered  to  appoint  as  his 
successor  either  of  his  sons  whom 
his  widow  might  select.  General 
Street  married  a daughter  of 
Major  General  Thomas  Posey,  of 
Revolutionary  fame;  he  was  with 
Morgan’s  Rifleman  under  “ Mad 
Anthony  Wayne”;  he  was  the 
second  man  in  scaling  the  fort  in 
the  capture  of  Stony  Point.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch,  when  eight 
years  of  age  removed  to  Prairie 
du  Chien,  Wisconsin,  in  1828,  and 
came  to  Iowa  in  1834,  and  was 
constantly  among  the  Indians 
until  1843,  much  of  the  time  at  or 
near  what  is  now  known  as  Agency 
City;  his  father  being  Indian 
agent  under  the  Sac  and  Fox 
tribes,  he  remained  there  until  the 
treaty  was  made  with  the  Indians; 
there  is  perhaps  no  person  in  the 
State  of  Iowa  who  has  so  intimate 
and  correct  a knowledge  of  Indian 
affairs  as  Mr.  Street;  he  came  to 
Oskaloosa  in  1844;  one  of  the 
earliest  settlers,  he  built  the  first 
frame  store  building  within  the 
city  limits,  and  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business,  buying  his 
goods  in  St.  Louis,  and  hauling 
them  from  Keokuk,  and  taking  ten 
days  to  make  the  trip;  he  contin- 
ued in  business  until  1857;  he  has 
held  town  and  city  offices;  lie 
married  Miss  P.  M.  Cobb,  daugh- 
ter of  William  Cobb,  of  Rutland, 
Vermont,  in  July,  1854;  she  was 
great-grand-daughter  of  Samuel 
Allen,  brother  of  General  Ethan 
Allen,  of  Revolutionary  fame. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Street  have  one 
daughter,  Miss  Ida  Maria,  who  is 


602 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COTJNTY. 


now  attending  Vassar  College, 
and  graduates  in  the  class  of  1879. 

Stuart,  W.  B.,  grocer. 

STUMPS,  PETER,  dealer  in  gro- 
ceries and  provisions,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Prussia,  February  10, 
1827,  and  was  brought  up  there; 
served  in  the  Prussian  army,  and 
was  discharged  in  September,  1853, 
and  emigrated  to  America  in  1854; 
he  came  to  Iowa  in  1855,  and  lo- 
cated in  Oskaloosa,  and  did  not 
have  a dollar,  and  could  not  speak 
a word  of  English;  he  engaged  in 
the  mercantile  business  in  1864, 
and  has  continued  it  since  then; 
he  married  Mary  Steffens,  from 
Prussia,  in  November,  1855;  they 
have  two  children,  Mary,  born 
September  7,  1856,  Joseph,  born 
September  14, 1858;  they  lost  one 
son,  Peter. 

Swage,  John,  retired. 

SWEARINGEN,  LEMUEL  A., 

meat  market,  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
this  county,  one  and  one-half 
miles  west  of  Oskaloosa,  July  8, 
1845,  and  was  brought  up  here, 
and  has  lived  in  this  county  33 
years,  except  two  years  he  spent 
in  California;  his  parents  were 
among  the  earliest  settlers  in  the 
county,  and  are  now  living  here; 
for  the  past  five  years  he  has  been 
engaged  in  his  present  business; 
he  married  Miss  Lizzie  Holt,  from 
Pennsylvania,  May  10,1873;  they 
have  two  children,  Cora  and  Fred. 

Swearingen,  Winfield,  stock  buyer. 

Swearingen,  John  H.,  painter. 

Taylor,  Henry,  marble  cutter. 

Seibel,  John,  president  farmers5  and 
traders’  bank. 

TENNANT,  W.,  sewing  machine 
agent. 

Terrell,  M.  J.,  farmer. 

Terrell,  G.  J.,  agricultural  agent. 
Terrell,  William,  laborer. 

Terpin,  George,  restaurant. 

Thomas,  W.  H.,  wagon  maker. 
Thomas,  Jesse,  grocer. 

Thompson,  Francis,  carpenter. 


Thompson,  J.  G.,  minister. 
THOMPSON,  THOMAS,  retired, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Philadelphia, 
May  24,  1828 ; he  was  brought  up 
there  and  attended  school  until 
fifteen  years  of  age,  then  removed 
to  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  and 
lived  there  for  eight  years,  and 
then  went  to  California;  he  re- 
turned, and  came  to  Iowa  and  lo- 
cated in  Oskaloosa  in  1854,  and 
engaged  in  the  furniture  business, 
the  firm  being  Hamilton  & Thomp- 
son, and  they  did  a large  whole- 
sale business;  he  improved  a farm 
of  270  acres  in  this  county,  and 
about  1,000  acres  in  Poweshiek 
county;  he  owns  two  farms  of 
400  acres;  when  he  first  entered 
land  in  Prairie  township  there 
were  only  two  voters  in  the  town- 
ship; he  has  lived  here  over  twen- 
ty-lonr  years;  he  has  one  brother 
in  Colorado;  his  father  is  eighty- 
four  years  of  age,  and  is  living 
here. 

THOMPSON,  SAMUEL,  county 
surveyor,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Clin- 
ton county,  Ohio,  July  13,  1821; 
he  was  brought  up  in  Ohio,  and 
studied  surveying  and  engineer- 
ing; in  1846  he  was  deputy  coun- 
ty surveyor  of  Mercer  county, 
Ohio;  he  was  appointed  to  help 
survey  the  tract  of  3,200  acres  of 
land  there,  bought  by  John  Ran- 
dolph, of  Virginia,  who  gave  free- 
dom to  four  hundred  of  his  slaves, 
and  settled  them  there,  but  on  the 
4th  of  July,  1846,  the  Germans 
arose  in  their  wrath  and  drove  the 
negroes  away;  Mr.  Thompson 
came  to  Iowa  and  located  in  Os- 
kaloosa July  9,  1855;  he  settled 
on  a farm,  and  engaged  in  survey- 
ing; he  was  elected  county  sur- 
veyor in  August,  1857,  and  served 
until  1863;  he  was  elected  county 
judge  in  1863  and  served  until 
1869,  when  the  office  was  merged 
into  that  of  county  auditor;  in 
1873  he  was  again  elected  county 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


603 


surveyor,  and  since  then  has  held 
that  position;  he  has  held  the  of- 
fice of  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
other  township  and  school  oftices; 
he  married  Anna  Murray,  from 
Vermont,  October  10,  1850;  they 
have  four  children,  Julia,  Emma, 
Mary  and  George. 

TICE,  HARDIN,  retired  stock  deal- 
er; born  in  Montgomery  county, 
Virginia,  October  27, 1829;  when 
only  two  years  of  age  his  parents 
emigrated  to  Sangamon  county, 
Illinois,  and  he  was  brought  up 
and  lived  there  until  he  was  twen- 
ty-three years  of  age,  when  he 
started  for  Iowa  on  horseback, 
with  all  of  his  worldly  effects  in 
a portmanteau,  and  he  arrived  in 
this  county  March  20,  1852;  he 
bought  a piece  of  land  on  credit, 
and  went  to  farming;  after  two 
years,  on  account  of  an  affection 
of  his  head,  lie  engaged  in  buying 
and  shipping  stock,  which  busi- 
ness he  carried  on  extensively  for 
many  years  until  1876,  when  he 
rented  his  farm  and  retired  from 
active  business  upon  a competen- 
cy, and  took  up  his  residence  here 
in  the  city;  though  he  is  still  in- 
terested in  feeding  stock,  he  gives 
it  but  little  personal  attention. 
What  is  a rare  and  unusual  fact, 
is  that  in  all  of  his  transactions  in 
shipping  and  selling  stock  he 
never  lost  but  one  hundred  dol- 
lars, and  that  was  at  one  time  and 
on  one  lot  of  stock,  while  he  was 
a member  of  the  state  legislature, 
and  was  at  the  state  capitol;  he 
still  owns  a farm  of  170  acres;  he 
has  held  all  the  township  offices  in 
the  gift  of  the  people,  and  was 
elected  to  the  general  assembly  of 
the  State  in  1875;  he  married 
Miss  Mary  J.  Wilson,  from  Indi- 
ana, November  2,  1853;  she  came 
here  in  1851;  they  have  five  chil- 
dren, all  daughters,  Clara,  Emma, 
Lilly,  Zora  and  Della. 

Tiffin,  Wm.,  plasterer. 


Toura,  John,  laborer. 

Tracy,  Charles  W.,  civil  engineer. 

Tucker,  E.  E.,  grain  buyer. 

Tuthill,  George,  farmer. 

Turner,  H.  S.  D , blacksmith. 

Turpin,  James,  laborer. 

Twaddle,  George  L.,  clerk. 

■^TANCE,  JOHN,  carpenter. 

VERNON,  W.  E .,  restaurant,  con- 
fectionery and  Fruits,  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  England  in  1842,  and 
came  with  his  parents  to  America 
when  quite  young,  and  located  in 
Newark,  New  Jersey;  in  1854  he 
returned  to  England,  was  there 
two  years,  then  came  again  to 
America;  lived  in  Newark  and 
New  York  until  1860,  and  then 
came  to  Illinois  on  a visit;  when 
the  war  first  broke  out  he  enlisted 
April  22,  1861,  in  the  twentieth 
Regiment  111.  Infantry,  Co.  F; 
he  was  in  the  battles  of  Fort  Don- 
nelson,  Shiloh,  siege  of  Corinth, 
Brittan’s  Lane,  Jackson,  Burnt 
Bridge,  and  down  on  the  Oxford 
Campaign;  he  was  discharged 
July  4,  1864;  after  the  war  he 
came  to  Iowa;  went  out  to  Mon- 
tana Territory  with  team  and  was 
six  months  and  thirteen  days  oil 
the  way;  returned  in  1869  and  lo- 
cated here  and  engaged  in  busi- 
ness; married  Miss  Lydia  A. 
Fisher,  from  Ohio,  in  June,  1870; 
they  have  two  children,  William 
and  Cyrus,  and  have  lost  one  lit- 
tle girl. 

Vicroy,  L.  F.,  carpenter. 

Votaw,  Isaac,  retired. 

A A WAGGONER,  JOHN,  eon- 
V V tractor  and  builder  and 
manufacturer  sash  and  blinds; 
born  in  Coshocton  county,  Ohio, 
June  16,  1824;  he  was  brought 
up  there  and  learned  the  trade  of 
cabinet  making;  he  came  to  Iowa 
and  arrived  here  March  28,  1851, 
and  was  one  of  the  early  settlers 
here;  there  are  only  a few  in  bus- 
iness here  now  that  were  here 


604 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


when  he  came;  he  engaged  in 
cabinet  making;  he  was  in 
the  mercantile  business  from 
1852  to  1855,  and  was  in  the  chair 
business  for  six  years,  and  then 
engaged  in  contracting  and  build- 
ing; he  has  built  some  of  the  best 
buildings  in  the  city;  he  also  has 
a planing  mill  in  connection  with 
his  business,  and  is  engaged  in 
manufacturing  sash,  blinds  and 
doors;  he  married  Miss  Ilettie  F. 
Coe,  from  Illinois,  September  8, 
1855;  she  died  August  12,  1865; 
they  have  two  children,  David  C. 
and  Sarah  Eveline. 

Wagoner,  Wm.,  carpenter. 

Walling,  James,  brick  mason. 

Walling,  Henry,  mason. 
WALTON,  D.  M.,  retired,  Oska- 
loosa;  born  in  Washington  county, 
Pa.,  in  1874;  was  brought  up 
there  and  was  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, milling,  and  merchandizing 
in  Washington  and  Greene  coun- 
ties for  many  years;  he  came  to 
this  county,  to  Oskaloosa,  in  Oc- 
tober, 1868,  and  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business  here  for  three 
years;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Drake,  from  Green  county,  Pa., 
in  October,  1834;  she  died  in 
July,  1859,  leaving  four  children, 
John  W.,  Samuel,  Daniel,  and 
Edward;  they  lost  six  children; 
(one  of  his  sons  James  was  in  the 
the  army;  enlisted  in  first  Regi- 
ment West  Virginia  Cavalry,  Co. 
P,  in  August,  1861;  he  was  in 
thirty-seven  engagements,  among 
them  was  Bull  Run,  Antietain, 
Gettysburg,  Fredericksburg;  he 
died  in  April,  1870);  in  Novem- 
ber, 1877,  Mr.  Walton  married 
Harriet  Alexander,  from  Penn- 
sylvania. 

Waters,  Mat,  teamster. 

Waterford,  Jefferson,  laborer. 

Waters,  J.  G.,  gardener. 

Watts,  P.  A.,  clerk  Huber  & Co. 

Watts,  William  M.,  tinner. 

Warrington,  A.  W.,  photographer. 


Warren,  Robert,  laborer. 

Weeks,  George  W.,  clerk. 

Weint,  Jacob,  coal  miner. 

Welch,  Porte  C.,  journalist. 

Wells,  W.  M.,  physician  and  special- 
ist. 

Wells.  Charles,  tinner. 

Wells,  Frank,  laborer. 

Wells,  George  A.,  stoves  and  tin- 
ware. 

WHITE,  JOHN,  deceased,  Oskaloo- 
sa; born  in  Peperell,  Massachu- 
setts, November  23,  1813;  when 
quite  a small  boy  he  removed 
with  his  parents  to  Venice,  on  the 
Big  Miami  river,  Ohio;  he  learned 
the  cooper  trade,  and  at  the  age  of 
eighteen,  removed  to  Hamilton 
county,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  the 
coopering  business.  He  married 
Miss  Martha  J.  Cloud,  April  2, 
1837,  in  Dearborn  county,  Indi- 
ana; they  came  to  Iowa  and  loca- 
ted in  Van  Buren,  count}7,  in  1843. 
Mr.  White  came  to  this  county  tne 
same  year  and  located  the  land 
where  Mrs.  White  now  lives.  In 
the  following  year,  in  April,  1844, 
he  brought  his  family  here.  He 
engaged  in  farming  and  carried  it 
on  extensively  for  some  years;  he 
was  afterward  engaged  in  bank- 
ing business.  Mr.  White  was  one 
of  the  most  sagacious  of  business 
men;  he  was  largely  interested  in 
railroads,  and  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  December 
24,  1870,  he  was  one  of  the  weal- 
thiest men  in  the  State.  He  left 
one  daughter,  Mrs.  Ernest  II. 
Gibbs.  Mrs.  White  still  resides 
on  the  homestead  adjoining  the 
city  of  Oskaloosa. 

White,  M.  W.,  plasterer. 

Whitaker,  R.,  stationer. 

WILSON,  REZIN,  dealer  in  leather 
and  saddlery  hard  ware,  and  trunks, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Ohio,  October 
1st.,  1830;  he  was  brought  up  and 
learned  his  trade,  and  engaged  in 
business  in  Marion,  Ohio.  He 
came  to  Iowa  and  arrived  in  Oska- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


605 


loosa,  August  12,  1854,  and 

worked  at  liis  trade  for  eighteen 
months,  then  engaged  in  business 
with  J.  B.  Dixon,  and  they  con- 
tinued together  until  the  death  of 
Mr.  Dixon,  in  1876.  Mr.  Wilson 
and  D.  W.  Loring  are  the  oldest 
merchants  that  have  been  in  busi- 
ness without  change,  and  Mr. 
Wilson  has  been  in  the  leather  and 
saddlery  hardware  business  longer 
than  any  one  in  the  State.  He 
married  Miss  Amelia  S.  Baer,  from 
Crawfordsville,  Indiana,  October 
13, 1858;  she  is  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers,  and  has  been  here  thirty- 
five  ybars;  there  were  only  three 
cabins  here  when.she  came;  they 
have  two  children,  George  W.  and 
Stella  Maud;  and  they  lost  one 
son,  Harry. 

WILSON,  MITCHEL,  dealer  in 
dry  goods,  clothing,  hats  and  caps, 
Oskaloosa;  born  in  Clinton  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  June  30,  1833;  he  was 
brought  up  there  until  ninteen 
years  of  age;  then  came  to  Iowa, 
by  wagon,  being  about  thirty  days 
on  the  way,  and  arrived  here  about 
Nov.  1,  1852,  a few  days  before 
the  election  of  President  Pierce. 
He  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business  for  several  years.  He 
entered  the  Oskaloosa  Branch  of 
the  State  Bank  of  Iowa,  and  be- 
came cashier  of  that  institution, 
and  was  also  cashier  of  the  Na- 
tional State  Bank,  which  succeeded 
it,  for  some  years;  held  office  of 
city  treasurer  two  years,  and  city 
councilman.  He  married  Miss 
Ella  Crawford,  from  Indiana,  in 
the  spring  of  1863;  they  have 
three  children,  Cora  A.,  Lena  A. 
and  Walter  Guy. 

Wilson,  Isaac,  farmer. 

Wilson,  Samuel,  salesman. 

Williams,  W.  B.,  boot  and  shoema- 
ker. 

Williams,  J.  C.,  county  superintend- 
ent. 

WILLARD,  CHAS.  T.,  firm  of 


C.  T.  Willard  & Co.,  dealers  in 
dry  goods;  born  in  Galesburg, 
Knox  county,  Illinois,  February 
18,  1848;  he  was  brought  up  and 
received  his  education  there.  He 
came  to  Oskaloosa  in  1869  and  en- 
gaged in  the  dry  goods  business 
He  married  Florence  A.  Reece, 
from  Abington,  Knox  Co,  Illinois, 
October  26,1870;  they  have  two 
children,  Warren  Reece  and  Hel- 
en C. 

WILEY,  JNO.  H.,  physician,  Os- 
kaloosa; born  in  Westmoreland 
county,  Pennsylvania,  in  1821,  and 
was  brought  up  and  lived  there 
until  1846,  and  then  removed  to 
Indiana.  He  studied  medicine 
and  attended  lectures  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  and  also  attended 
a second  course  of  lectures  in  Cin- 
cinnati. He  practiced  his  profes- 
sion in  Indiana,  until  1865,  and 
then  came  to  Iowa,  and  located  in 
Mount  Pleasant,  practicing  his 
profession  there,  and  in  Ottumwa, 
until  coming  here,  in  1872.  He 
married  Angel ine  Antrobus,  from 
Decatur  county,  Indiana,  Decem- 
ber 6,  1846;  they  have  four  child- 
ren, Isabella  J.,  Elizabeth,  Alice 
A.,  Carrie  Maud,  and  they  have 
lost  one  son,  Harry. 

WILLIAMS,  M.  T.,  this  gentle- 
man’s name  has  occured  quite  fre- 
quently in  the  body  of  this  work. 
It  should  be  so.  No  name  is  more 
intimately  connected  with  the  ear- 
ly history  of  Mahaska,  than  that 
of  M.  T.  Williams.  Mr.  Williams 
is  an  Ohioan.  He  was  horn  in 
Butler  county,  in  the  old  Buckeye 
State,  May  29,  1820.  During  his 
early  boyhood  his  father  removed 
to  Indiana,  and  settled  near  Terre 
Haute.  Here  young  Williams 
enjoyed  the  benefits  of  a common 
school  education  until  he  was  six- 
teen years  of  age,  when  he  attend- 
ed Wabash  college,  at  Crawfords- 
ville,  during  two  years.  After 
leaving  school  he  engaged  in  en- 


606 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


gineering  in  Hoosierdom,  in  em- 
ploy of  the  State  of  Indiana,  for  a 
few  months,  when  the  internal  im- 
provement work  on  which  he  was 
engaged  was  suspended.  While 
yet  eighteen  years  of  age,  young 
Williams  returned  to  Ohio  and 
studied  law  in  Cincinnati  with 
Judge  O.  M.  Spencer,  and  after- 
ward graduated  at  the  Ohio  law 
school;  he  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  April,  1842.  Believing  that 
the  best  place  for  a young  man 
was  on  the  frontier,  ou  the  second 
day  of  the  following  month  Mr. 
Williams  started  for  Iowa,  coming 
across  Illinois  in  a wagon.  Ar- 
riving at  Mt.  Pteasant,  he  formed 
a partnership  with  G.  W.  Teas,  a 
somewhat  noted  character  in  that 
day,  a partnership  which  lasted 
about  one  year.  He  first  came  to 
Mahaska  county  in  December, 
1843,  and  shortly  afterward  went 
to  Iowa  City,  where  he  spent  the 
winter,  and  in  the  following  spring, 
as  has  been  elsewhere  related,  he 
became  organizing  clerk  of  the 
county,  with  Win.  Edmundson  as 
first  sheriff*.  He  continued  to 
fill  the  office  of  clerk  of  court  un- 
til 1854,  when  at  the  August 
election  of  that  year,  he  refused  to 
become  a further  candidate.  Dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  this  service 
he  was  also  clerk  under  John  A. 
L.  Crookham,  county  judge,  and 
in  accordance  with  the  law,  in  the 
absence  of  the  latter,  was  acting 
county  judge.  At  this  time,  and 
in  this  way,  he  acquired  the  title 
of  Judge  Williams,  by  which  he 
is  currently  known.  In  the  fall  of 
1854,  Mr.  Williams  was  elected  to 
the  state  legislature,  where  he  re- 
presented his  count}'  during  the 
succeeding  term.  September  1st, 
of  this  same  year  he  engaged  in 
the  practice  of  law  in  Oskaloosa, 
with  Wm.  T.  Smith  as  partner. 
March  1,  1855,  these  gentlemen 
opened  the  first  banking  house  in 
Mahaska  county,  and  continued  to 


do  a general  banking  and  land 
business,  for  two  years  and  a half, 
when  Mr.  Williams  withdrew  from 
the  firm.  In  1858  a partnership 
was  formed  with  Judge  Seevers, 
which  partnership  continued  for 
ten  years.  During  five  of  these 
years,  from  1863  to  1868,  these 
gentlemen,  in  connection  with  H. 
P.  Kinde,  had  a land  agency  which 
had  the  personal  attention  of  Mr. 
Williams.  The  latter  continued 
with  Mr.  Ninde  in  the  land 
agency  until  1873,  practic- 
ing law  in  the  meantime; 
in  the  last  named  year  Mr. 
Williams  associated  in  law  bus- 
iness with  Piston  McMillen,  a 
young  man  from  Ohio,  with 
whom  he  is  still  in  partnership; 
Judge  Williams  was  elected  to  a 
second  term  of  the  Legislature  in 
1861;  for  the  past  15  years  he 
has  been  U.  S.  Commissioner;  as 
elsewhere  mentioned,  he  served 
with  great  credit  six  years  as 
trustee  of  the  Iowa  Asylum  for 
the  Insane,  at  Mount  Pleasant 
from  1868  to  1874;  he  was  also 
locating  commissioner  in  1846,  of 
the  county  seat  of  Polk  county; 
in  1850  he  became  a member  of 
the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  is 
now  a prominent  Sir  Knight  in 
that  order  in  Oskaloosa;  during 
quite  a number  of  years  he  was, 
and  now  is,  a member  of  the  ves- 
try of  St.  James  Episcopal 
church.  Judge  Williams  has 
lived  a life  which  has  ever  been 
one  of  quiet  usefulness;  he  holds 
an  honored  place  in  the  com- 
munity; his  record  shows  no  en- 
tries of  wrong  doing;  he  ranks 
high  in  the  esteem  of  his  fellow 
citizens,  and  is  especially  loved 
by  the  younger  people;  “Caje” 
Williams  is  a general  favorite; 
he  has  a pleasant  home  in  the 
town  of  his  choice;  during  the 
summer  of  1845  he  built  with 
his  own  hands,  a house  just  north 
of  the  public  square,  and  in  Sep- 


OSKALOOSA  CITY. 


607 


tember  of  that  year  brought  to  it 
as  his  bride,  Miss  Virginia  Re- 
becca Seevers;  this  lady  was  born 
near  Winchester,  Virginia,  and  is 
a daughter  of  James  Seevers 
(who  came  to  Mahaska  in  1844, 
and  is  now  86  years  of  age);  the 
first  home  of  the  young  couple 
has  long  since  been' abandoned 
for  a more  comfortable  and  ele- 
gant residence,  where  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Williams  with  their  two 
daughters,  Alice  Eugenia,  and 
Beulah  J.,  extend  a hospitality  to 
their  friends  such  as  few  are  able 
to  bestow,  and  there  enjoy  the  re- 
ward, to  which  years  of  frontier 
life  and  hardships  have  justly  en- 
titled them. 

[A  further  sketch  of  Mr.  Williams  occurs 
under  the  chapter  on  “First  Court.*’] 

WOODY,  JOHN  W.,  firm  Woody 
& Hellings,  abstracts  and  loans; 
born  in  North  Carolina,  March  17, 
1841,  and  was  brought  up  and  re- 
ceived his  education  there,  and  in 
Indiana  and  Ohio;  he  removed  to 
Indiana  in  1860,  and  attended 
school  and  engaged  in  teaching 
until  1868,  when  he  came  to  Iowa 
and  was  president  and  principal 
of  Whittier  College,  at  Salem;  he 
resigned  in  1872,  and  read  law; 
he  was  principal  of  the  high 
school  for  one  year,  and  then  was 
called  to  the  presidency  of  Penn 
College,  and  remained  here  for 
five  years ; during  the  present  year 
he  associated  with  Mr.  W.  P.  Hel- 
lings, and  engaged  in  the  abstract 
and  loan  business;  he  is  also  pres- 
ident of  the  Central  Iowa  Loan 
and  Trust  Company;  he  married 
Miss  Mary  Chawner,  of  Indiana, 
April  1,  1868;  they  have  one  son, 
Horace  H. 

Woods,  E.  M.,  farmer. 

WRAY,  WILLIAM  H.,  firm  of 
Mattison  & Wray,  grocery  and  pro- 
vision dealers;  born  in  Shelby 
county,  Indiana,  April  29,  1837; 
when  seventeen  years  of  age  he 
came  with  his  parents  by  wagon 


to  Iowa;  they  were  twenty-eight 
days  on  the  way,  and  arrived  in 
this  county,  five  miles  east  of  Os- 
kaloosa,  April  19,  1854;  he  was 
on  the  farm  for  about  ten  years, 
then  came  to  this  city  and  engaged 
in  the  lumber  business  in  1866, 
and  continued  for  twelve  years, 
until  1877,  when  he  sold  out  and 
engaged  in  his  present  business; 
he  has  held  the  office  of  city  aider- 
man;  married  Miss  Francis  Mont- 
gomery, from  Shelby  county,  In- 
diana, October  5,  1858;  they  have 
three  children,  Walter,  Joseph 
and  Nellie,  and  have  lost  two  chil- 
dren, Eddie  and  Cooper. 

Wray,  W.,  lumber  dealer. 
WRIGHT,  MRS.  EMILY  J.,  for- 
merly Miss  Emily  J.  Ellis;  was 
born  in  Warren  county,  Ohio,  and 
removed,  with  her  parents,  in  in- 
fancy to  Fountain  county,  Indi- 
ana; they  came  to  Mahaska  coun- 
ty in  1855,  and  located  in  Oska- 
loosa;  she  married  Thomas  T. 
Wright,  September  10,  1861;  he 
was  born  in  Highland  county, 
Ohio,  March  6,  1833;  he  was 
brought  up  and  received  his  edu- 
cation there,  and  came  to  Iowa  and 
located  in  Oskaloosa  in  1854;  he 
was  engaged  in  the  grocery  and 
drug  business  for  some  years,  and 
afterward  engaged  with  Terry  & 
Spencer  in  the  wholesale  grocery 
trade;  they  bought  Mr.  Terry’s 
interest  and  he  retired;  associated 
with  Mr.  Spencer  they  continued 
the  business  until  the  death  of 
Mr.  Wright,  February  19,  1875; 
Mrs.  Wright  still  retains  her  in- 
terest in  the  business  of  the  pres- 
ent firm  of  Wright  & Spencer; 
she  has  one  son,  Samuel  B.,  born 
March  29,  1862,  and  has  lost  one 
son,  Benjamin  F.,  born  December 
13, 1863,  and  died  August  9, 1864. 

Wright,  Dillon,  blacksmith. 

Wroughton,  Job  H.,  lightning  rods, 
pumps,  etc. 

YATES>  eeIaS,  barber. 


608 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


TTvTEST  OSKALOOSA  TO’TT^IbTSiHIIIE3. 


ACTON,  WILLIAM,  Farmer, 
Sec.  84;  P.  O.  Beacon. 

Acton,  Matthew  A.,  Farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O,  Beacon. 

AYEY,  G.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Washington 
Co.,  Md.,  in  1830 ; when  six  years  of 
age  removed  with  his  parents  to 
Fairfield  Co.,  O.,  and  was  brought 
np  there.  Married  Mary  E.  Fox, 
from  Prtisssia,  in  May,  1856;  they 
came  to  this  county  in  Oct.,  1865, 
and  located  where  they  now  live; 
owns  farm  of  70  acres,  and  has 
held  office  of  school  director.  He 
was  in  the  army;  enlisted  in  the 
114th  Regiment  Ohio  Yol.,  and 
was  commissioned  Lieut.  Co.  H; 
was  in  battles  Yicksburg,  Arkan- 
sas Post,  Port  Gibson,  Raymond, 
Champion  Hills,  and  many  others. 
They  have  eight  children : Oliver 
LI.,  Dora  E.,  Mary  A.,  John  L., 
Emily  I„  Clara,  Georgie,  and  Het- 
tie  M. 


Bartlett,  william,  far- 
mer, Sec.  10;  P.  O.  Oska- 
loosa. 

Barline,  Michael,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Barrow,  William  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

BARTLETT,  WILLIAM,  farmer, 
Sec.  10;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Harrison  Co.,  Ohio,  Nov.  29, 1839, 
and  was  brought  up  there  and  in 
West  Ya.,  and  came  to  Iowa  and 
located  in  Oskaloosa  in  1861.  He 
was  in  the  army;  enlisted  in  Feb., 
1862,  in  the  4th  Reg.  Iowa  Cav. 
Co.  F;  wTas  in  battle  of  Yicksburg 
and  in  a great  many  fights  and 
skirmishes,  and  was  in  the  service 
three  years  and  three  months ; af- 
ter the  war  returned  here  and  en- 
gaged in  farming;  owns  120  acres 
of  land.  Married  Miss  Mary  C. 
Prine,  from  Indiana,  daughter  of 
H.  H.  Prine,  in  1867;  they  have 


four  children:  Fred,  Edwin,  Clyde, 
and  Hoyt. 

Beach,  Thomas  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

BEARDSLEY, WILLIAM,  drug- 
gist, Beacon;  born  in  England 
Oct.  15th,  1850,  and  wTas  brought 
up  and  learned  his  business  there; 
came  to  the  LTnited  States  in 
1870;  lived  in  Columbiana  Co., 
Ohio,  three  months,  and  in  Wash- 
ington Co.,  Illsnois,  four  months, 
and  then  spent  ten  months  in  Kan- 
sas, Missouri,  and  the  western  Ter- 
ritories, and  came  to  Iowa  Sept. 
3d,  1871, 'and  has  been  engaged  in 
business  at  Beacon  for  the  past 
two  years.  He  has  depended  en- 
tirely upon  himself  since  he  was 
ten  years  of  age.  Married  Miss 
Mary  Ann  Evans,  from  Wales, 
Jan.'  5,  1872. 

Beede,  Cyrus,  farmer  Sfec.  12;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

BOWEN,  JOHN  W.,  P.  M.  at 

Beacon;  born  in  Wales  in  April, 
1844,  and  came  to  this  country  in 
infancy,  and  was  brought  up  in 
Pittsburg,  Pa.  He  came  to  Iow^a 
in  1855  and  located  in  Yan  Buren 
Co. ; lived  there  until  the  war,  and 
enlisted  in  the  15th  Reg.  Iowa  Inf., 
Co.  E,  in  June,  1862;  was  in  bat- 
tles Black  River,  Yicksburg  and 
siege  of  Atlanta;  was  wounded 
there  July  21st;  came  home  on 
furlough;  again  joined  his  regi- 
ment; was  in  siege  of  Savannah, 
and  went  with  Sherman  to  Wash- 
ington, and  was  in  the  grand  re- 
view; after  the  war  was  in  Colo- 
rado two  years,  and  then  came 
here;  held  office  of  P.  M.  in  1873, 
and  was  again  appointed  in  Octo- 
ber, 1877.  Married  Eleanor  Bur- 
dess,  from  England,  1870;  they 
have  four  children : Albert,  Harry, 
Willie  and  Cora. 

BRIGGS,  JOB,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


609 


O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Jefferson 
Co.,  Ohio,  January  17,  1803;  he 
was  brought  up  there  and  learned 
millwright  and  carpenter  trade; 
studied  surveying  and  followed 
that  for  several  years.  He  married 
Ann  Romans,  from  Chester  Co., 
Pa.,  June  30,  1830;  they  came  to 
Iowa  by  wagon,  and  were  thirty- 
one  days  on  the  road,  and  arrived 
here  October  14,  1854,  and  loca- 
cated  where  they  now  live,  and 
engaged  in  farming;  they  were 
early  settlers;  own  a farm  of  70 
acres.  They  have  four  children: 
Lydia,  Maria,  Amos,  and  Harriet; 
they  have  lost  nine  children. 
Briggs,  Amos,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Brown,  James  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Burdess,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Burdess,  Joseph,  P.  O.  Beacon. 

CAPPER,  Mrs.  LUCINDA,  for- 
merly Miss  Lucinda  Odell, 
Sec.  7;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  was  born 
in  Park  county,  Ind.,  and  was 
brought  up  there;  she  married 
John  Capper  June  27,  1854;  he 
was  born  in  Ohio  February  13, 
1825;  they  came  by  wagon  to 
Iowa  and  arrived  in  this  county 
October  20,  1857,  located  where 
they  now  live,  and  made  their 
farm;  there  were  only  a few, here 
when  they  came;  he  died  Septem- 
ber 27,  1867,  leaving  an  estate  of 
140  acres;  they  have  six  children 
living,  Rose  A.,  Oscar  S.,  Flora 
E.,  Harvey  M.,  John  C.,  and  Dan- 
iel W.,  and  have  lost  two  children. 
Howard  M.  Capper,  brother  of 
Mr.  Capper,  lived  with  them;  he 
was  in  the  army,  enlisted  in  the 
thirty-third  Regiment  Iowa  In- 
fantry, Co.  E. 

Coomes,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Cowan,  James  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 


Crosson,  A.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crosson,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crosson,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  Benjamin,  farmer,  Sec.  1; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Curry,  James  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 

P.  O.  Beacon. 

Cummings,  William  M.,  Sr.,  farmer, 
Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Dane,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec. 

36;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Davis,  David  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

DEAVER,  GEORGE  W.,  farmer. 
Sec.  27;  P.  O.  Beacon;  born  in 
Hampshire  county,  Ya.,  Decem- 
ber 5,  1812,  and  was  raised  there 
until  fifteen  years  of  age;  then 
removed  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and 
lived  in  that  State  seventeen 
years ; then  came  to  Iowa  by  wag- 
on and  arrived  in  this  county  in 
October,  1844,  and  settled  on  Six- 
mile  prairie;  he  was  one  of  the 
earliest  settlers  and  there  are  only 
a few  here  now  that  were  here 
when  he  came;  he  engaged  in 
making  brick,  and  furnished 
some  of  the  first  brick  that  were 
used  in  Oskaloosa;  he  engaged  in 
farming  and  has  lived  on  his 
present  place  twenty-seven  years; 
his  farm  contains  100  acres;  he 
married  Mary  Ann  Wilson,  from 
Hampshire  county,  Ya.,  in  1848; 
they  have  eight  children,  five  sons 
and  three  daughters,  and  have 
lost  two  children. 

DeLong,  Ed.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Dillon,  T.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

DIXON,  J.  N.,  farmer  and  orchard- 
ist,  Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Fayette  county,  Pa.,  February 
20,  1821,  and  when  quite  young 


610 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


came  witli  liis  parents  to  Ohio; 
having  a taste  for  fruit  culture 
when  only  twenty-two  years  of 
age,  in  1844,  he  set  out  an  orchard 
of  1,100  apple  trees,  having  plan- 
ted  the  seed,  and  when  they  were 
large  enough  grafted  them;  it 
was  a large  orchard  in  that  early 
day;  his  father  not  sharing  the 
confidence  of  his  son  in  the  result 
of  the  enterprise,  he  disposed  of 
the  orchard;  that  was  thirty-four 
years  ago,  and  the  orchard  is  still 
in  vigorous  bearing;  Mr.  Dixon 
came  to  Iowa  in  1855  and  located 
in  Mahaska  county;  he  came,  ex- 
pecting to  give  his  attention  to 
orcharding,  and  set  out  some 
trees,  but  the  winter  killed  them; 
he  started  his  present  orchard  in 
1868  and  1869;  it  consists  of  115 
acres  and  is  one  of  the  largest  in 
the  country;  his  mercantile  or- 
chard consists  of  eight  varieties, 
but  he  has  some  forty  or  fifty 
different  varieties;  his  fruit  com- 
mands a good  price  and  he  has  de- 
mand for  it  as  far  west  as  Virgin- 
ia City,  Nevada;  Mr.  Dixon  has 
been  prominently  connected  with 
the  State  Horticultural  Soci- 
ety and  is  one  of  its  most  active 
members. 

Doron,  Gabriel  D.,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Downs,  Daniel  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

Dusenberry,  John  B.,  farmer,  Sec. 
20;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Dusenberry,  Randolph  H.,  farmer, 
Sec.  IT ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Dusenberry,  George  W.,  farmer, 
Sec.  IT;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

EISENH  ART,  JACOB  S.,prop. 
Fishville  coal  mine;  P.  O. 
Leighton;  born  in  Clark  county, 
Pa.,  in  1834,  and  was  brought  up 
there;  came  to  Iowa  in  1856  and 
located  in  Cedar  county;  lived 
there  until  the  war  and  enlisted 
October  3,  1862,  in  the  2Tth  Reg- 
iment Iowa  Infantry,  Co.  F ; was 


aid-de-camp  for  James  I.  Gilbert 
for  two  years,  and  was  in  fourteen 
hard  fought  battles;  was  in  the 
service  three  years  to  a day;  mus- 
tered out  October  3,  1865;  after 
the  war  was  in  the  coal  business 
at  Boonsboro  and  Des  Moines; 
came  here  in  18T0  and  opened 
this  mine;  he  ships  500  to  600 
cars  yearly;  married  Miss  Ella  C. 
Smith,  from  Pennsylvania,  Octo- 
ber 14,  1858;  they  have  three 
children,  Dessie  R.,  George  G., 
and  Ernie  W. 

ELLIOTT,  NATHAN,  farmer, 
Sec.  8;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Pasquotauk  county.  North  Caro- 
lina, August  22, 181T ; was  brought 
up  and  lived  there  until  1854,  and 
removed  to  Indiana,  and  came  to 
Iowa  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year, 
and  located  in  this  county;  lived 
in  Oskaloosa  for  twelve  years,  and 
came  to  his  present  location  and 
engaged  in  farming;  owns  ninety- 
four  acres  of  land;  has  held  office 
of  the  president  of  the  school  board 
and  road  officer;  married  Mary 
Ann  Pritchard,  from  Pasquotauk 
county,  North  Carolina,  in  April, 
183T;  they  have  seven  children, 
Abbie,  Lurania,  Joseph  J.  G., 
William  P.,  James  W.,  Margaret 
S.,  and  Emma  F.,  and  have  lost 
four  children. 

Evans,  David  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 


Fickle,  Washington,  far- 
mer, Sec.  IT ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Foster,  Stephen  E.,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Frantz,  Francis  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

GAP,  ORAN,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

Gibbons,  Benjamin,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

GRIFFEE,  ABRAHAM,  farmer, 
Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Shenandoah  county,  Va.,  in  April, 
1815,  and  was  left  an  orphan  at 
an  early  age;  he  only  went  to 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


611 


school  a few  weeks.  He  learned 
the  cabinet  maker’s  trade,  and  re- 
moved to  Ohio  in  1833,  and  came 
to  Washington  county,  Iowa,  in 
1841;  after  eighteen  months  re- 
turned to  Ohio.  He  came  to  Iowa 
with  his  family  in  April,  1856, 
and  located  on  the  farm  where  he 
now  lives;  at  that  time  timber 
land  was  thought  to  be  the  most 
valuable;  and  lie  bought  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  acres  timber,  and 
paid  thirty  dollars  an  acre;  he  sold 
part  of  it  for  fifteen  dollars  an 
acre,  and  would  be  glad  to  sell  the 
balance  of  it  at  ten  dollars,  and  he 
has  never  cut  a stick  of  timber. 
He  had  nothing  when  he  com- 
menced in  life,  and  though  he  lost 
by  his  partner  in  business,  $6,000, 
he  yet  owns  a good  farm  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  with  fine 
improvements.  He  has  held  of- 
4 fice  of  school  director;  marri- 
ed Haney  Hickenbotham,  from 
Ohio  in  1855;  they  have  six  chil- 
dren, Catharine,  JVJinerva,  Nancy, 
Stephen  A.,  Abraham  D.,  and 
Charlie. 

HANSON,  SAMUEL,  farmer, 
Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Harbour,  R.  R.,  farmer  and  mason, 
Sec.  27 ; P.  O.  Beacon. 

Hatfield,  Owen,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

HARRIS,  ROBERT  C.,  farmer  and 
stock  raiser,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Augusta  county,  Ya., 
June  20,  1840,  and  when  four 
years  of  age,  removed  with  his 
parents  to  Park  county,  Indiana, 
and  lived  there  seven  years,  when 
they  came  to  Iowa  by  wagon,  and 
were  about  four  weeks  on  the  way; 
arrived  in  this  county  near  Oska- 
loosa, November  1,  1855,  and  he 
was  brought  up  here,  and  engaged 
in  farming  and  stock  raising.  He 
owns  a farm  of  two  hundred  and 
twenty-five  acres;  married  Miss 
Abbie  Elliott,  from  Oskaloosa, 
December  29,  1864;  they  have 


five  children,  Francis  L.,  Nola  L., 
Lycurgus  L.,  Licus,  and  Baby; 
they  have  lost  two  children. 

Hiatt,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

HIVLE  Y,  PAUL,  farmer,  Sec.  2 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Licking 
county,  Ohio,  Aug.  30, 1834;  when 
three  years  of  age  he  removed 
with  his  parents  to  Indiana,  and 
came  to  this  county  in  1860;  mar- 
ried Frances  Perry,  from  Ohio,  in 
September,  1858;  they  have  five 
children,  Mary  Jane,  Emma  G., 
Willie,  Cora,  and  Nellie  B. 

Hook,  James  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hook,  M.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  28 ; P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Huber,  John  M.,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Hull,  Aholiab,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hull,  Obadiah,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Beacon;  born  in  Mercer  coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania,  December  11, 
1799,  and  was  brought  up  and 
lived  there  until  1857;  came  to 
this  county  in  1858,  and  settled 
where  he  now  lives;  owns  a farm 
of  40  acres;  married  Mary  Ann 
Morford  from  Ohio,  August, 

1825,  who  died ; he  married 

Elizabeth  Horner,  from  Ohio;  he 
has  5 sons  and  4 daughters. 

Hunt,  Harvey,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hussey,  Nathan  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 

12;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

TENKINS,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
<J  33;  P.  O.  Beacon. 

Jones,  Thomas  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Jones,  John  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 

O.  Beacon. 

Jones,  Samuel  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 

P.  O.  Beacon. 

Johnson,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec  2;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Kent,  Robert  a.,  farmer, 

Sec.  28;  P.  O.  Beacon. 


612 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Ketner,  Eli,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

KISSICK,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Beacon;  born  in  Mercer 
count}7,  Pennsylvania,  January, 
27,  1841,  and  was  brought  up 
there  until  18  years  of  age,  and 
came  to  Iowa,  arriving  here 
April  7th,  1859;  was  in  the  army, 
enlisted  October  27,  1862,  in  16th 
Iowa  Infantry,  Co.  C,  was  in  bat- 
tles of  Shiloh,  Iuka,  Corinth, 
siege  of  Yicksburg,  and  in  bat- 
tle of  Atlanta,  July  22,  1864; 
was  taken  prisoner  and  taken  to 
Andersonvilie  and  was  confined 
60  days,  and  exchanged;  he  re- 
enlisted in  the  same  regiment, 
January  4,  1864,  and  served  until 
the  end  of  the  war;  he  was  pro- 
moted to  2d  Lieutenant  and  then 
to  1st  Lieutenant  and  was  pro- 
moted and  commissioned  Captain 
Co.  C,  when  mustered  out;  after 
his  return  engaged  in  grocery 
trade,  then  in  farming;  owns  110 
acres  of  land;  has  held  school 
offices,  and  is  now  president  of 
school  board;  married  Miss  Mary 
E.  Hook,  from  Ohio,  August  9, 
1865;  they  have  3 children,  Cora 
M.,  Alice  Lulu,  and  little  baby 
son. 

LLOYD,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec. 

20;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Louge,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Lytle,  Andrew  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

McCOED,  ROBERT,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

McGlasson,  Joseph  F.,  farmer,  Sec. 

36;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

McGlasson,  Charles  A.,  farmer,  Sec. 

36;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

McMillen,  Wooster,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

MCWILLIAMS,  W.  N.,  farmer, Sec. 
32;  P.  O.  Beacon;  born  in  High- 
land county,  Ohio,  July  1,  1821; 
he  was  brought  up  and  lived  there 
until  he  came  to  Iowa  and  located 


in  this  county,  in  1856;  after  one 
year  he  located  where  he  now  lives, 
and  engaged  in  farming  and  stock 
raising;  he  owns  a farm  of  one 
hundred  acres;  he  has  held  school 
offices  most  of  the  time  since  he 
came;  he  married  Miss  E.  J. 
Broad  well,  from  Clermont  county, 
Ohio,  in  March,  1846;  they  are 
connected  with  the  Presbyterian 
church  of  Oskaloosa,  though  they 
attend  the  Union  church  because 
of  its  convenience;  they  have 
eight  children,  E.  John,  Ellen  J., 
Charles  L.,  Tirzah  S.,  Phillip  A., 
Albertiss,  Ada,  and  Reece  H. 

Madison,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Magin,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 

O.  Beacon. 

Marks,  Nelson  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Marks,  Benjamin  E.,  farmer,  Sec. 

18;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

MARKS, N.  WHEELER,  farmer, 
Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Hardin  county,  Ohio,  August  11, 
1845;  when  seven  years  old  came 
to  Iowa  by  wagon  with  parents; 
located  in  Washington  county,  in 
1853;  lived  there  four  or  five 
years,  and  came  to  this  county; 
lie  enlisted  in  the  Eighth  Reg- 
iment Iowa  Infantry,  Company 
H,  in  August,  1861;  was  in  the 
battles  of  Shiloh  and  Yicksburg, 
both  battles  of  Jackson,  Spanish 
Fort,  and  many  other  fights  and 
skirmishes;  was  slightly  wounded 
in  the  head  at  Yicksburg;  he  was 
in  the  service  four  years  and  nine 
months,  until  May,  1866;  after  the 
war  he  returned  and  engaged  in 
farming;  married  Miss  Cynthia  In- 
gales, from  this  county,  in  Octo- 
ber, 1873;  they  have  two  children, 
Ada  and  Ernest,  and  have  lost 
one  daughter. 

Martin,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 

O.  Beacon. 

Mieir,  William  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


613 


Mieir,  Frank  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  21 ; P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Mitchell,  Sandy,  Sec.  23;  P.  O.  Bea- 
con. 

Minnick,  John  W.,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Minnick,  William  H.,  Sec.  22;  P. 

0.  Beacon. 

MOREHOUSE, CHARLES,  farm- 
er, Sec.  5;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  Onondagua  county,  New  York, 
October  1,  1825,  and  was  brought 
up  in  that  State,  and  came  to  Chi- 
cago, and  from  there  came  to  Iowa 
by  wagon,  and  arrived  in  this  city 
October  26, 1851;  located  in  Black 
Oak  township,  and  engaged  in 
farming  and  stock  raising;  he 
moved  on  his  present  farm  March 

1,  1866;  he  owns  a farm  of  115 
acres;  has  held  the  office  of  jus- 
tice of  the  peace;  married  Miss 
Charlotte  Adams,  from  Onondagua 
county,  New  York,  September  9, 
1817;  they  have  five  children, 
Charles  W.,  Belle  K.,  Bennett  S. 
A.,  Cora  F.,  Anna  E. ; they  have 
lost  two  daughters  and  one  son. 

Morgan,  Richard,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Morgan,  Shadrick,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Moore,  John  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 

O. ,  Oskaloosa. 

Morris,  Zack,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Moorman,  John  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  1; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Murray,  Jeremiah,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

NEWTON,  HENRY,  farmer, 
Sec.  36;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Newhouse,  John  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Nowles,  Moses,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

OGDEN,  MAR  I A II,  farmer, 
Sec.  15;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

PARCELL,  RICHARD,  farmer, 
Sec.  21;  P.  O.  Beacon. 
Parker,  Richard,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 


Petitt,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  0. 
Oskaloosa. 

PETITT,  SAM.  R.,  farmer,  Sec. 
2;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Bed- 
ford county,  Pennsylvania,  April 
11,  1812,  and  was  brought  up 
there:  removed  to  Crawford  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  in  1838.  and  lived  there 
until  1861,  when  he  came  to  Iowa, 
and  located  where  he  now  lives,  in 
April,  1865;  owns  a farm  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty-two  acres,  and 
has  given  much  attention  to  rais- 
ing fine  hogs.  He  married  Mar- 
tha E.  Caldwell,  from  Adams 
county,  Pennsylvania,  in  1838; 
they  have  seven  children,  Mary  A., 
Samuel,  Sarah,  Clara  E.,  David  R., 
Willis  and  Minnie  M. ; they  have 
lost  three  sons  and  one  daughter. 

Perry,  Thomas  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

PHILLIPS,  J.J.,  firm  of  Phillips  & 
Foster,  general  merchants,  Bea- 
con; born  in  Wales,  June  26, 
1811,  and  emigrated  to  America, 
in  1851,  and  went  to  Galia  county, 
Ohio,  and  was  brought  up  in  that 
state.  When  the  war  broke  out  he 
enlisted  in  1861  in  the  three-month 
service,  and  afterward  enlisted  in 
the  71st  Regiment  Ohio  Infantry, 
Co.  D.  He  was  quarter-master 
sergeant,  and  was  detailed  as  chief 
clerk  in  the  Quarter-master’s  de- 
partment. He  was  in  the  battles 
of  Columbus,  Shiloh,  Franklin, 
Nashville,  and  others,  and  was  in 
the  service  four  years.  After  the 
war  he  returned  to  Ohio  and  lived 
there  until  1875,  when  he  came  to 
Beacon  and  engaged  in  business. 
IJ  is  father  died  when  he  was 
young,  and  he  began  life  without 
anything.  He  has  held  office  of 
justice  of  the  peace  in  Ohio,  for 
seven  years;  also,  town  clerk  and 
notary  public,  and  was  elected 
justice  of  the  peace  here  in  1878. 
He  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Murlin, 
from  Ohio,  March  5,  1865;  they 
have  six  children,  Laura,  John  D., 


614 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Josephine,  Mahala,  Mary  C.,  Har- 
riet. 

Pickrell,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Pilgrim,  W.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 

O.  Beacon. 

Pilgrim,  John  B.,  farmer,  Sec  33; 

P.  O.  Beacon. 

PITTMAN,  HARRY  A.,  manager 
of  the  store  and  business  of  the 
Iowa  Coal  Co.,  at  Beacon;  born  in 
Keokuk,  Iowa,  in  1855,  and  is  a 
son  of  George  W.  Pittman,  one  of 
the  early  settlers.  He  was  brought 
up  and  received  his  education 
there,  and  graduated  at  the  High 
School.  He  was  engaged  in 
keeping  books  for  three  years,  and 
came  here  the  present  year  and 
assumed  charge  of  the  business  of 
the  Iowa  Coal  Co. 

Moorehouse,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 
Pomeroy,  Stephen  L.,  farmer,  Sec. 

3;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Price,  Joshua,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 

O.  Beacon. 

Price,  Watkin  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 

P.  O.  Beacon. 

Prine,  Henry  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Prine,  Miles  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Prine,  M.  Ellis,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Prine,  Daniel  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Pugh,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

REILLY,  EDWARD  O.,  farmer, 
Sec.  16;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Remington,  Ezekiel  S.,  farmer,  Sec. 
29 ; P.  O.  Beacon. 

Remington,  Thompson,  farmer,  Sec. 
28;  P.  O.  Beacon. 

Robertson,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

ROGERS,  A.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Ohio 
county,  Virginia,  November  17, 
1819;  when  only  two  years  of  age 
removed  with  his  parents  to 
Wayne  county,  Ohio,  and  was 


brought  up  in  that  State;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Martha  Flanegan,  from 
Ohio,  in  April,  1841;  they  came 
to  Iowa  by  wagon,  and  were  four 
weeks  on  the  way,  and  arrived  in 
Oskaloosa  in  May,  1855;  engaged 
in  butchering  business  three  years, 
and  then  in  grocery  business  six 
years,  and  came  on  his  farm  in 
1865;  he  owns  ninety  acres  of 
land;  has  held  town  and  school 
offices;  they  have  five  children, 
Amanda,  William  F.,  John  D., 
Charlie  and  Louie  E.,  and  have 
lost  two  children. 

Rouse,  George  A.,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Rouse,  Mannasess,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

RUBY,  SAMUEL,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Beacon;  born  in  Virginia, 
March  26,  1816;  he  removed  to 
Indiana  at  a very  early  age,  and 
was  raised  in  Ripley  county;  he 
married  Miss  Sarah  Levi,  in  Jan., 
1837 ; she  was  born  in  Ohio,  and 
raised  in  Indiana;  they  emigrated 
to  Wisconsin  in  1842,  and  lived 
there  until  coming  to  this  county 
in  May,  1849;  he  engaged  in 
farming  and  stock  raising;  they 
are  among  the  early  settlers,  have 
lived  here  over  thirty  years;  he 
has  held  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  other  town  and  school 
offices;  he  owns  a farm  of  160 
acres;  they  have  six  children, 
Mourton,  Medora,  Allene,  Frank, 
Estella  E.,  Banks,  and  have  one 
adopted  son,  Charlie  Ruby;  they 
have  lost  three  children. 

RUBY,  MOURTON  C agent 
of  the  Keokuk  & Des  Moines 
R.  R.  at  Beacon,  P.  O.  Beacon; 
born  in  Rock  county,  Wisconsin, 
March  4,  1844;  when  five  years 
of  age  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Iowa,  and  came  to  this  county 
in  1849,  and  he  was  brought  up 
here;  was  in  the  army,  enlisted  in 
the  33d  Regiment  Iowa  Infantry 
Co.  E;  was  in  battles  of  Helena, 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


615 


Jenkirrs  Ferry,  Siege  of  Mobile, 
and  in  many  others;  was  in  ser- 
vice over  three  years;  after  the 
war  was  in  Chicago  two  years, 
then  came  here;  was  appointed  to 
his  present  position  in  January, 
1868;  he  holds  office  of  mayor  of 
the  town,  and  is  serving  his  fourth 
term;  married  Miss  Ella  Downs, 
from  Ohio,  in  November,  1866; 
they  have  three  children,  Luella 
May,  Clara  Belle  and  Guy  Ray- 
mond. 

SALES,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

Schultz,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Scott,  Laughlin,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 

fl  I ictu  Iahoq 

SERVERS,  ROBERT,  farmer,  Sec. 
24,  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  St. 
Clairsville,  Belmont  county,  Ohio, 
December  9, 1807 ; he  was  brought 
up  in  Ohio,  living  in  Jefferson 
and  Coshocton  counties  until 
coming  to  Iowa;  he  came  by  wag- 
on, and  was  three  weeks  on  the 
way,  and  arrived  here  June  1, 
1853,  and  located  on  the  place 
where  he  now  lives,  and  has  lived 
here  over  a quarter  of  a century; 
he  has  given  much  attention  to 
the  cultivation  of  fruit,  and  has 
sixty  to  seventy  varieties  of  ap- 
ples; he  has  held  office  of  presi- 
dent of  the  State  Agricultural  So- 
ciety for  two  years,  and  director 
of  the  same  for  ten  years;  also 
president  of  the  Mahaska  County 
Agricultural  Society  for  many 
years,  and  president  of  the  Horti- 
cultural Society;  he  married  Ellen 
Bryan,  from  Coshocton  county, 
Ohio;  they  have  three  sons, 
George  W.,  of  Indianola,  Byron 
V.,  attorneys  at  law,  Oskaloosa, 
William  A.,  merchant,  Oskaloosa. 
Shaw,  Augustus  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

SHAW,  Mrs.  HIGHTLY,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Beacon;  born  in  Maryland 
in  1814,  and  was  brought  up  and 


37 


lived  there  until  she  was  married 
to  Joseph  Shaw,  June  30,  1839; 
he  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1818; 
they  came  to  Iowa  in  1840,  located 
in  Washington  county  until  the 
treaty  was  made  with  the  Indians ; 
he  came  to  this  county  and  se- 
lected land  and  made  a claim,  and 
then  went  after  his  family  and 
brought  them  here  and  engaged  in 
farming;  they  were  among  the 
early  settlers.  He  died  Jan.,  1860, 
leaving  an  estate  of  360  acres. 
They  had  ten  children:  Sidney  O., 
Harriet  A.,  Columbus,  Americus, 
Augustus  A.,  Lawson  I.,  Naomi 
C.,  Susan  S.,  Esther  J.,  and  Jo- 
seph; they  lost  one  son  in  infancy. 
Mrs.  Shaw  owns  a farm  of  107 
acres,  which  is  carried  on  by  her 
son  Joseph. 

Shaw,  Americus,  farmer,  Sec.  34 ; P. 

O.  Beacon. 

Shaw,  Joel,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Shaw,  Columbus,  farmer,  Sec.  32 ; 

P.  O.  Beacon. 

Smith,  David  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  33 ; P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Smith,  Jacob  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Stalker,  Dillen,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Stanton,  Andrew  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  3 ; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

STEVENS,  JOSHUA,  farmer,  Sec. 
9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Guernsey  Co.,  Ohio,  in  October, 
1821,  and  was  brought  up  there. 
Married  Miss  Sarah  Thomas,  from 
Pennsylvania,  in  1843;  they  lived 
there  until  coming  to  Iowa,  lo- 
cating in  this  county,  in  April, 
1865  ; engaged  in  farming  and 
stock  raising;  owns  a farm  of  160 
acres.  They  have  five  children: 
Ilezekiah  W.,  Abagail  Matilda, 
James  M.,  Aimer  T.,  Sarah  B.; 
lost  two  children,  Daniel  and  Ru- 
hami.  Daniel  was  in  the  army;  en- 
enlisted  in  the  98th  Reg.  Ohio 
Inf.,  and  died  at  Nashville. 


616 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Stout  Thomas  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Stout,  Simon,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

STOKER,  JACOB,  farmer,  Sec.  30 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Ohio,  May  18,  1811, 
and  was  brought  up  there,  and 
came  to  Iowa  in  1844,  and  came  to 
Mahaska  county  in  May,  1845,  and 
bought  a claim  where  he  now  lives, 
and  on  the  4th  of  July,  1846,  he 
entered  80  acres  of  his  farm  from 
govern  meut;  he  was  one  of  the 
early  settlers;  engaged  in  farming 
and  stock  raising,  and  now  owns 
244  acres  land.  Married  to  Miss 
Sarah  F.  Stannus,  July  12,  1846; 
She  was  from  Guernsey  Co.,  Ohio, 
and  came  in  1846,  and  was  en- 
gaged in  teaching  school  here. 
There  are  only  a few  here  now  that 
were  here  when  they  came.  They 
have  six  children:  Jennie,  (now 
Mrs.  Martin)  J.  M.,  ¥m.  J.,  James 
F.,  Carrie  and  Addie,  twins. 

TANDY,  HENRY,  farmer,  Sec. 

31 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

TANDY,  CALVIN,  farmer  and 
stock  raiser,  Sec.  29;  P.  O.  Bea- 
con; born  in  Kentucky  Dec.  15  th 
1819;  when  11  years  of  age  he  re- 
moved to  Indiana  with  his  parents 
and  lived  there  for  seven  years;  in 
1837  he  moved  to  Ills.,  and  he 
came  to  Burlington,  Iowa,  in  1838 ; 
the  following  year  he  located  in 
Keokuk  county;  lived  there  eight 
years;  in  Appanoose  county  four 
years,  and  came  to  this  county  in 
1852,  and  engaged  in  farming  and 
stock  raising ; he  is  one  of  the  early 
settlers,  and  there  are  few  persons 
now  living  here  that  have  been  in 
the  State  as  long  as  he  has.  He 
married  Miss  Annie  Webb,  in  July, 
1842;  she  was  born  in  Tennessee 
and  brought  up  in  Illinois,  her 
father  being  one  of  the  earliest  set- 
tlers in  Sangamon  Co.;  he  came 
there  before  the  Black  Hawk  war. 
They  have  nine  children:  Eliza- 


beth J.,  William  T.,  Henry,  El- 
mira, Frances  E.,  Mary  M.,  Calvin 
S.,  Ambrose  and  Annie  M.  They 
have  lost  three  children. 

Terrell,  Mathew,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Terrell,  Clark  M.,  Farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Terrell,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Thorp,  Nicholas  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

THOMAS,  Mrs.  JANE,  Sec.  17;  P. 

O. Oskaloosa ; was  born  in  Guernsey 
county,  Ohio,  and  was  brought  up 
there ; she  married  Wm.T.  Thomas 
May  30,  1843;  he  was  born  in 
Belmont  county,  Ohio,  J anuary 
22,  1818;  when  five  years  of  age 
was  removed  to  Guernsey  county. 
They  came  here  in  1867,  and 
engaged  in  farming  and  stock 
raising;  he  died  September  12, 
1869,  leaving  an  estate  of  240 
acres.  They  had  six  children, 
Daniel  L.,  Nancy  A.,  Jonathan 
D.,  Robert  H.,  Mary  E.,  William 
S.;  they  lost  one  son  in  infancy; 
Jonathan  enlisted  and  served  in 
the  army. 

Thrash,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Torrence,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 

P.  O.  Beacon. 

TREDICK,  AVm.  S.,  farmer,  Sec. 
21;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Phil- 
adelphia, Pa.,  June  19,  1836,  and 
when  only  three  or  four  years  of 
age  was  removed  to  Portsmouth,  N. 
H.,  and  was  brought  up  there; 
removed  to  Michigan  in  1855; 
lived  there  five  years  and  came  to 
Iowa  in  1860  and  located  in  this 
county,  where  he  now  lives,  and 
engaged  in  farming;  owns  a farm 
of  100  acres ; has  held  school 
offices;  married  Miss  M.  Batter- 
ton,  from  Indiana,  in  1861;  she 
died  February,  1876,  leaving  four 
children,  Anna  May,  Hattie, 
Charles,  and  Wilford;  married 
Mrs.  Marietta  Moore,  from  Ohio, 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


617 


in  February,  1817 ; she  has  two 
children,  Edwin  and  Luella. 

Troy,  Charles  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

VERNON,  JACOB,  farmer,  Sec. 

11;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

T A 7 ELLS,  HORACE  M.,  farm- 
V V er,  Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Oska- 
loosa. 

"West,  Charles  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

West,  Frank  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Wharton,  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Wharton,  Stephen,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

White,  Dennis  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 

' P.  O.  Oskaloosa 

White,  Marion  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  34 ; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

Winkleman,  Thomas  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 

1;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Winkleman,  Frank  B.,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Winkleman,  John,  Jr.,  farmer,  Sec. 

1;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Williamson,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Wilson,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

WILSON,  MRS . E . A .,  Sec.  32 ; P. 
O.  Beacon;  born  in  Mineral  coun- 
ty, West  Ya.,and  lived  thereuntil 


she  was  married  to  Thomas  Wil- 
son, February  22,  1839.  He  was 
born  in  Maryland,  December  25, 
1803.  After  they  were  married 
they  started  for  Iowa  and  located 
in  Washington  county,  April  1, 
1839;  Mrs.  Wilson  rode  on  horse- 
back from  Burlington;  they  lived 
there  until  the  treaty  was  made 
with  the  Indians,  and  they  then 
left  and  came  to  this  county; 
arrived  here  May  20,  1843;  they 
were  the  earliest  settlers  in  this 
section;  he  made  a claim  and  put 
up  his  cabin ; he  was  gone  to  mill 
at  one  time  over  three  weeks,, and 
Mrs.  Wilson  had  no  bread  for  her- 
self and  children  while  he  was 
gone.  The  first  visit  Mrs.  Wilson 
made  in  Iowa  was  on  Sunday;  they 
had  corn  bread  and  corn  coffee 
made  of  meal  and  slippery-elm. 
Mr.  Wilson  ploughed  the  first 
furrow  on  Six-mile  prairie.  They 
had  nothing  when  they  came  to 
Iowa,  but  by  hard  work  and  good 
management  at  the  time  of  his 
death  he  owned  from  800  to  1000 
acres,  good  land;  they  have  seven 
children,  and  have  lost  five  sons; 
Lizzie,  Myra,  Milo,  Jennie,  Mar- 
garet, Charlie  and  Thomas,  living. 

Wolcott,  Lucien  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


EAST  OSKALOOSA  TOTTvTbTSIHIIiE3. 


Anderson,  Elijah,  farmer, 

Sec.  27 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Ball,  Roderick  m.,  farmer, 

Sec.  33,  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
BARROWMAN,  W.,  farmer  and 
miner,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Scotland,  in  1823;  came 
to  the  United  States  in  1848  and 
to  this  county  in  1867 ; owns  68 
acres  of  land;  he  has  a valuable 
coal  bank  on  his  land  containing 
a vein  of  coal  five  feet  in  thick- 
ness, and  is  noted  for  its  purity; 
it  meets  with  ready  sale  as  fast  as 
mined;  he  has  held  the  office  of 


school  director;  he  married  Miss 
Agnes  Kinnon  in  1846;  she  was 
born  in  Scotland;  they  have  seven 
children,  William,  Agnes,  Jane, 
Mary,  James,  Richard  and  Eliza- 
beth. 

Baxter,  Richard  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Beaman,  Alonzo,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

BILLICK,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Washing- 
ton county,  Pa.,  in  1828;  came  to 
this  county  May  29,  1868;  owns 
280  acres  of  land;  he  married 


618 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Miss  Mary  Former  in  1850;  she 
was  born  in  Greene  county,  Pa.; 
they  have  five  children,  Martin  L., 
William  J.,  James  L.,  Elmer  E., 
and  Mary  L. 

Boswell,  Jason  EL,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

BRADBURY,  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Fayette 
county,  Pa.,  in  1846;  came  to  this 
county  in  1872;  owns  100  acres 
of  land;  has  served  as  treasurer 
of  the  district  in  which  he  resides; 
he  married  Miss  Mary  L.  Conner 
December  31,  1877. 

BROERMAN,  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Hano- 
ver, Germany,  in  1813;  came  to 
the  United  States  in  1834,  and  for 
many  years  worked  at  the  trade  of 
carpenter  in  various  parts  of  the 
middle  and  southern  states;  he 
came  to  this  county  in  1857;  he 
owns  220  acres  of  land;  married 
Mary  H.  Miller  in  1842;’ she  was 
born  in  Prussia;  they  have  five 
children,  Charles,  Siegel,  Lizzie, 
Lena  and  Sophia. 

Bryson,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Byers,  Benj.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
0.  Oskaloosa. 

CAMPBELL,  WILLIAM,  farm- 
er, Sec.  22;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Pope  county,  111.,  in  1821 ; 
came  to  this  county  in  1843;  owns 
200  acres  of  land ; has  held  office 
of  township  trustee  and  school  di- 
rector; he  married  Sarah  L.  Dun- 
bar in  1847 ; she  was  born  in  In- 
diana; has  five  children,  Charles 
V.,  Walter,  Minnie,  Velma,  Wil- 
liam L. 

Campbell,  W.  Barrett,  farmer,  Sec. 

27 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Casto,  Thomas  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Chick,  Charles  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Clay  worth,  E.  IE.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


Clay  worth,  John  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Colville,  D.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Comstock,  A.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

COMSTOCK,  A,  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 
32;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  But- 
ler county,  Ohio,  in  1828;  came  to 
this  county  in  1844;  owns  210 
acres  of  land.  In  August,  1848, 
he  enlisted  in  the  Mexican  War, 
and  was  assigned  to  a Tennesee 
regiment,  and  his  term  of  service 
was  to  be  ten  years  or  during  the 
war.  He  was  the  only  man  that 
enlisted  in  the  war  in  Mahaska 
county.  He  also  enlisted  in  the 
33rd  Iowa  Infantry,  in  the  late 
war  and  was  commissioned  captain 
in  April,  1864;  he  was  taken 
prisoner,  and  the  following  au- 
tumn was  paroled.  He  married 
Miss  A.  Binns,  in  1851;  she  was 
born  in  England;  has  five  chil- 
dren, James  T.,  Alfred,  Andrew 
J.,  Victoria  and  Ella  M. 
CONNOR,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Butler 
county,  Ohio,  in  1827;  came  to 
this  county  in  1848;  owns  120 
acres  of  land;  has  held  office  of 
school  director;  he  enlisted  in  the 
Mexican  war.  He  married  Edith 
Stanley  in  1850;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio;  has  four  children,  Mary  L., 
Emma  E.,  Frank  H.,  and  Elmer. 

Coonrod,  Albert  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  30 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Coulson,  David,  dentist,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Cox,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Cox,  Newton,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Critchett,  Ephriam,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crookham,  Milton,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


619 


Crozier,  Mathew  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 

34;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Cubbison,  Hugh,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

DICKEY,  LORENZO,  farmer, 
Sec.  3;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Dickey,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

EDRIS,  EDWARD,  farmer,  Sec. 
17 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Berks  county,  Pa.,  August  5, 1828, 
and  was  brought  up  there;  in 
1848  he  removed  to  Ohio  and 
lived  there  and  in  Indiana 
for  six  years;  he  then  came  to 
Iowa  and  located  in  Oskaloos  in 
December,  1854,  and  engaged  in 
the  coopering  business  until  1866, 
then  engaged  in  farming;  owns  a 
farm  of  60  acres ; has  held  school 
offices;  married  Miss  Mary  M. 
Imus,  from  Ohio,  in  1855;  they 
have  four  sons,  Charles  II.,  Perry 
F.,  Edward  A.,  and  Frank  M. 
ELLIS,  LEVI,  farmer  and  min- 
er, Section  5;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  North  Carolina  in  1810; 
came  to  this  State  in  1852,  and  to 
this  county  in  1853;  owns  70 
acres,  and  10  acres  in  Sec.  9;  he 
has  opened  a valuable  coal  bank 
and  as  far  as  worked,  the  vein 
shows  a thickness  of  6-|  feet,  and 
of  unusual  quality;  he  married 
Sarah  Frazier  in  1830;  she  was 
born*’  in  North  Carolina;  they 
have  10  children,  Daniel,  Mary, 
Angeline,  Jesse,  Abagail,  Eliza- 
beth, Linza,  Louisa,  Sarah  A., 
Clarkson. 

Emmons,  Josiah,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

FINLEY,  JAMES  W.,  farmer, 
Sec  29;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Finley,  Thomas  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Fitch,  Benjamin,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Fleck,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Forsyth,  Thompson,  farmer,  Sec. 
19;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


Furnald,  Ira,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

GEGNER,  GEORGE,  P.  O.  Os- 
kaloosa. 

Gegner,  Conrad,  farmer  and  mer- 
chant, Sec.  17;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
GILCHRIST,  GEO.,  farmer,  Sec. 
17;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1826;  came  to 
this  county  in  April,  1857 ; owns 
73  acres  of  land;  has  held  office 
of  school  director;  he  enlisted  in 
the  33d  Iowa  Infantry  and  was 
commissioned  1st  Lieutenant  Co. 
K;  he  married  Miss  Nancy  Lutz 
in  1851;  she  was  born  in  Penn- 
sylvania. 

Grier,  David  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Guthrie,  James  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hartman,  Jonathan  M.,  farmer, 
Sec.  31 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Harrison,  William  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 

25;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Heacock,  Amos  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hiatt,  Wilson,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

H1LLEARY,  L.,  farmer  and  stock 
raiser,  Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa; 
born  in  Kentucky,  1825,  came  to 
this  State  in  1834,  and  to  this 
county  in  1844;  owns  six  hun- 
dred and  fifty -five  acres  of  land; 
has  held  the  office  of  school  direc- 
tor; he  married  Miss  Delila  Bond 
in  1859,  she  was  born  in  this 
county;  has  five  children,  Clara, 
George,  Ransom  Savilla,  Verla. 
HOOVER,  W.  N.,  farmer  and  mil- 
ler, Sec.  8;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born 
in  this  State  in  1842,  came  to  this 
county  in  1847,  owns  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  of  land;  he  also 
owns  the  mills  known  as  Hoover’s 
Mills.  These  mills  were  erected 
in  1871,  and  contain  three  run  of 
stone,  and  do  both  custom  and 
merchant  work.  There  is  in  con- 
nection a saw  mill  and  distillery. 
He  married  Miss  M.  Whitaker  in 


620 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


1864;  she  was  born  in  this  State; 
has  two  children;  Heman  H.  and 
Charlie. 

Hoover,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hoover,  James  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hoover,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hull,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

HUNTER,  Will.  A.,  farmer  and 
raiser  ot  thoroughbred  stock,  Sec. 
9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Jef- 
ferson county,  Ohio,  March  20, 
1815;  came  to  this  county  Ju- 
ly 6,  1865;  owns  177  acres 

of  land;  he  married  Miss 
Nancy  Day,  November  5,  1833; 
she  was  born  in  Jefferson  county, 
Ohio;  has  six  children,  John  D., 
editor  of  the  Hamilton  Freeman , 
this  State,  Samuel  S.,  Joseph  R. 
C.,  William  A,  Sumner  Chase,  and 
Almira,  a wife  of  C.  P.  Scott,  Esq., 
residing  at  Council  Bluffs.  Mr. 
Hunter  was  selected  and  commis- 
sioned, by  President  Lincoln,  a 
quartermaster  with  the  rank  of 
captain  in  the  late  war;  one  of  his 
sons  was  commissioned  a captain, 
and  all  were  in  the  employ  of  the 
government;  Mrs.  Hunter  acting 
as  a matron  of  a hospital.  After 
coming  to  this  State  he  was  for 
some  years  connected  with  the 
Oskaloosa  Herald. 

Hutchinson,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec. 

32;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hyde,  Thomas  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

TACKSON,  WILLIAM  B.,  farm- 
cJ  er,  Sec.  24;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Jamison,  John  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Jenkins,  Jesse  IL,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Jewell,  Andrew  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Kenwotjiy,  henry  a., 

farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Oska- 
loosa. 


Kindley,  Joseph  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Kirkpatrick,  Samuel,  Sr.,  farmer, 
Sec.  31 ; P.  O.  Beacon 
Kirk,  John  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Knight,  John  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

KNOWLTON,  S.,  farmer,  Oska- 
loosa; born  in  Maine,  in  1822; 
came  to  this  State  in  1865;  owns 
760  acres  of  land,  but  resides  in 
Oskaloosa;  has  held  the  offices 
of  school  director  and  county 
supervisor,  and  at  the  present 
time  is  chairman  of  the  board; 
he  married  Julia  A.  Hadley,  of 
Clinton  county,  Ohio,  in  1845; 
has  ten  children,  Olive  A.,  Simon, 
Mary,  Charles,  Edwin,  Annie, 
Rosa,  Ella,  Minnie  and  Cora;  lost 
one  daughter,  Emma. 

Knight,  Wil  iam,  farmer,  Sec.  27; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Koogler,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

T AWSON,  HAMILTON,  farm- 
J— i er,  Sec.  11;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Larrance,  Jesse,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Lathrop,  James  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Landes,  Eelix,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Lemon,  Henry  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Likes,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Lind  ley,  Benjamin  E.,  farmer,  Sec. 
31;  P.  O.  Beacon. 

Livingston,  Oscar,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

LOUGHRIDGE,  JAMES,  farmer 

and  stock  raiser,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa;  he  is  also  connected 
with  the  Beacon  Mills,  in  this 
township;  he  was  born  in  Ohio, 
and,  while  young,  came  to  this 
county  with  his  parents,  they  being 
among  the  earliest  settlers  in  the 
county,  and  his  father  is  credited 
with  building  the  first  house  in 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


621 


this  section  of  the  county;  owns 
145  acres  of  land;  he  enlisted  in 
the  33d  Iowa  Infantry  in  the  late 
war  and  served  three  years,  and, 
with  one  exception,  was  in  all  the 
battles  in  which  the  regiment  was 
engaged. 

McBURNEY, WILLI  AM,  farm- 
er, Sec.  24;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
McCulley,  James  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

McDonald,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

McDonald,  Thomas  E.,  farmer,  Sec. 

10 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

McKanna,  William  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 

21;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
McKINLEY, WM.,  farmer.  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Alle- 
ghany county,  Pa.,  in  1826;  came 
to  this  county  in  1851,  his  father 
having  purchased  the  land  on 
which  he  now  resides;  he  has  held 
the  office  of  school  director;  he 
married  Miss  Mary  Yankirk  in 
1852;  she  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania; has  five  children,  Ada  N., 
Mary  B.,  Samuel  W..  William  E., 
and  Charles  N. 

McPherson,  William  P.,  farmer,  Sec. 

16;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

McBoberts,  Aaron,  farmer,  Sec.  9 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Martin,  Hugh  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Martin,  William  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

MITCHELL,  JOHN  B.,  farmer, 
Sec.  15;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Ohio  in  1847 ; came  to  this  county 
in  1848 ; his  parents  were  among  the 
earliest  settlers  of  the  county,  and 
entered  the  land  on  which  he  now 
resides  as  soon  as  it  came  in  mar- 
ket; he  owns  120  acres;  has  held 
office  of  school  director;  he  married 
Miss  Lizzie  Broerman  December 
1,  1869;  she  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania; has  three  children,  Flora, 
Etta,  and  Howard. 

MITCHELL,  C.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Iowa  in 


1852;  owns  143  acres  of  land;  he 
married  Miss  Belle  Stevenson  in 
February,  1878. 

MONTGOMERY,  JOHN,  farmer, 
Sec.  13;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Madison  county,  Ohio,  in  1818; 
came  to  this  State  in  1838,  and 
in  1841  while  the  Indians  occupied 
the  country,  he  came  to  what  is 
now  Mahaska  county,  and  staked 
out  a claim  on  the  Des  Moines  river 
and  another  on  the  site  of  where 
Oskaloosa  now  stands,  April  15tli, 
1843;  he  came  to  the  county  to 
reside  permanently,  and  found  the 
site  selected  on  the  Des  Moines, 
occupied  and  entered  the  one  se- 
lected where  Oskaloosa  now  stands 
as  soon  as  he k was  permitted  to; 
he  owrns  460  acres  of  land;  he 
married  Mary  E.  Jack,  in  1853; 
she  was  born  in  Illinois,  and  died 
in  1857.  He  afterward  married 
Frances  A.  Jack,  in  1858;  she  was 
born  in  Illinois;  has  six  children, 
Laura  F.,  William  J.,  Franklin  P., 
Kittie,  John  and  Jessie. 

Moore,  Arch  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Myers,  Thomas  IT.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Myers,  George  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

NARVER,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 

29;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Nelson,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 

• I ( IQi/’QIAnCQ 

NELSON,  DANIEL,  farmer,  Sec. 
5;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Butler 
county,  Ohio,  in  1812;  came  to 
this  State  in  1841,  settling  in 
Jefferson  county  in  1853;  he  owns 
310  acres  of  land;  has  held  the 
office  of  school  director;  he  mar- 
ried Margaret  Carden  in  1840; 
she  was  born  in  Hamilton  county, 
Ohio;  has  six  children,  William, 
Barbary,  James,  John,  Martha  J., 
Sarah. 

Nelson,  George  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

NICHOLSON,  B.  C.,  farmer,  Sec. 


622 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


15 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Jeffer- 
son county,  Ohio,  in  September, 
1838;  came  to  this  county  in  1861; 
owns  140  acres  of  land;  has  held 
the  office  of  school  director;  he 
married  Rachel  Ann  James  in 
1858;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has 
live  children,  Harvey  0.,  Leslie  J., 
Walter  S.,  Emma  Virda. 

Nordyke,  Lewis,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

OGLE,  ABSALOM,  farmer,  Sec. 

4,  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Osborn,  Barton,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

PIM,  GEORGE,  farmer,  Sec. 

22;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Price,  Henry,  jeweler,  Oskaloosa, 
residence,  Sec.  19. 

REDBURN,  JOSEPH  B.,  farm- 
er, Sec.  32;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Reeves,  William  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 

33;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Reeves,  Eli,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Rice,  William  H.  IL,  farmer,  Sec. 

25;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

ROBERTS,  J.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  IT; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  North 
Carolina,  December  7,  1814; 

came  to  this  county  in  1847; 
owns  471  acres  of  land ; has  held  the 
office  of  school  director  and  jus- 
tice of  the  peace;  he  mar- 
ried Rebecca  Coulson  in  1837; 
she  was  born  in  Kentucky;  has 
eight  children,  Jonathan,  J.  Wil- 
liam, Joseph  C.,  Charles  A.,  John, 
Amanda  J.,  Nancy  A.,  Ann  E., 
lost  three,  Mary  A.,  Ephraim  W., 
Thomas  A. 

Rogers,  Abram  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Roberts,  James  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Rogers,  James  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Rozell,  Warren,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

SHIPLEY,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
26;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
West  Tennessee  in  1812;  came 


to  this  county  in  1850,  previous 
to  his  removal  to  this  county,  he 
lived  16  years  in  Indiana;  owns 
91  acres  of  land;  he  married  Ann 
Tungit  in  1839;  she  was  born  in 
Virginia;  have  six  children,  Tal- 
bert, Andrew  L.,  Archibald  G., 
Howard,  Elanor  J.,  Caroline. 
Schultz,  Carl,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Schultz,  Fredrick,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Sloan,  Harvey,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Sopher,  William  K.,  farmer,  Sec. 

8;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Sopher,  William  P.,  farmer,  Sec. 

33;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Smith,  Carp.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Smith,  Rezin,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Spencer,  Elwood,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Spencer,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

STARLIN,  JOHN,  Farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Hamil- 
ton Co.,  Ohio,  Jan.  26, 1814;  came 
to  this  county  in  1853;  owns  fifty 
acres  of  land.  Lie  married  Bar- 
bary Poe,  in  1838;  she  was  born 
in  Ohio;  has  six  children:  Peter, 
Margaret,  Mary,  Catharine,  Susan 
and  John. 

STAFFORD,  WILLIAM,  farmer, 
Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in 
Indiana  in  1823;  came  to  this 
county  in  1843;  owns  110  acres  of 
land;  has  served  as  a member  of 
the  school  board.  He  married 
Eliza  Stanley,  in  1845  ; she  was 
born  in  Ohio,  and  died  in  1853. 
He  married  for  his  second  wife, 
Amanda  McClure,  who  was  born 
in  Pennsylvania;  has  three  child- 
ren by  his  first  marriage:  John  M., 
Eliza  P.,  Henry  B.;  and  two  by 
his  second  marriage:  James  W. 
and  Bell.e 

STARLIN.  M.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Hamil- 


OSKALOOSA  TOWNSHIP. 


623 


ton  Co.,  Ohio,  Jan.,  1822;  came 
to  this  State  September  7th,  1847, 
and  has  lived  in  the  same  house 
since  that  time;  owns  116  acres  of 
land.  Married  Eunice  M.  Beck, 
in  1849;  she  was  born  in  Butler 
Co.,  Ohio;  has  two  children:  Sa- 
rah A.,  and  Carlton. 

Starlin,  John  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 

| I I IcVq!  AACQ 

STANLEY,  JOHN,  farmer, Sec.16; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  North 
Carolina  March  29th,  1803;  came 
to  this  county  in  1843 ; owns  90 
acres  of  land.  He  has  been  mar- 
ried three  times:  1st,  Agnes  Stan- 
ley; 2d,  Mary  Chamberlain;  third 
wife  was  Mary  Springer,  whose 
maiden  name  was  Miller;  has  four 
children:  Edith,  Ann,  Sarah,  and 
Jesse  J. 

Stafford,  Byron,  Farmer,  Sec  4;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Starlin,  Peter  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa.  ' 

Stewart,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Stearns,  Phillip,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Stephenson,  James  M.,  farmer,  Sec. 

10;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Summerville,  William  H.,  farmer; 
Sec.  17 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


Swazey,  Phillip,  farmer,  Sec..  21;  P. 


.20;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Thatcher,  Franklin,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Thatcher,  David,  farmer,  sec  20;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 


THORNBURGH,  J.  F.,  farmer  and 
dairyman,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Oskaloo- 
sa; born  in  Greene  county,  Ohio 
in  1850;  came  to  this  county  in 
1863;  owns  75  acres  of  land,  and 
is  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
cheese,  for  which  he  has  obtained 
an  enviable  reputation,  finding 
a ready  market  for  all  he  can 
manufacture;  he  married  Eliza- 
beth Boswell  in  1872;  she  wTas 
born  in  Iowa;  have  2 children, 
Grace  E.,  and  Carlton  G. 

Todd,  Benjamin  F.,  farmer,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Threlkeld,  Merritt,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Towns,  Levi,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

VARLEY,  MARTIN,  farmer, 
Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Yermilyea,  William,  farmer,  Sec. 
8;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

ALKER,  WILLIAM,  M., 
V V farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Warren,  John  H.,  miller,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Wassom,  Samuel  B.,  farmer,  Sec. 

24;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Wells,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

West,  Eleazer,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

White,  David  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

White,  Eli,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

White,  Thad  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

White,  T.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

I WHITE,  T.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Ohio,  in 
1 1845,  came  to  this  State  in  1847, 

1 and  to  this  county  in  1856;  owns 
forty-four  acres  of  land.  He  has 
served  as  school  director,  and  for 
twelve  years  as  secretary  of  the 
school  board.  Lie  married  Miss 
Dora  Hiatt,  in  1876;  she  was  born 


624 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


in  Ohio;  has  one  child,  Wilfred 
W. 

Williams,  John  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Williams,  William  E.,  farmer,  Sec. 

18;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Williams,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Wilson,  Joseph  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

WILLIAMS,  J.  Co  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Grayson 
county,  Virginia,  in  1812;  came 


to  this  county  in  1850;  owns  80 
acres  of  land.  He  has  held  office  of 
township  trustee  and  school  direc- 
tor. He  married  Lydia  A.  Pier- 
son, in  1840;  she  was  born  in  Lo- 
gan county,  Ohio;  has  seven 
children,  Enoch  P.,  Cyrus  T.,  Wil- 
liam P.,  Calvin  W.,  Marion,  John 
H.  and  Lydia  B. 

Wing,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Woodward,  William  F.,  farmer,  Sec. 
23;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


ADAMS,  17.  P.,  laborer,  New 
Sharon. 

Adams,  W.  P.,  painter,  New  Sharon. 
Airy,  L.  J.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
Allen,  Phebe,  widow,  New  Sharon. 
Atwood,  Moses,  patent  medicine, 
New  Sharon. 

Awtry,  G.  S.,  Central  Hotel,  New 
Sharon. 

BATES,  G.  F.,  harness  maker, 
New  Sharon. 

Banks,  John,  laborer.  New  Sharon. 
Baitman,  J.  W.,  laborer. 
BOWDLE,  J.  W.,  carpenter  and 
builder,  of  the  firm  of  Bowdle 
Brothers,  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Madison  county,  Ohio,  in  1837 ; 
came  to  this  couuty  in  April,  1865 ; 
has  worked  at  his  trade  twenty- 
one  years,  and  was  the  first  car- 
penter in  the  town  of  New  Sharon. 
He  owns,  with  his  brother,  one 
hundred  acres  of  land ; has  served 
as  member  of  the  city  council  and 
town  clerk.  He  married  Miss 
Nancy  J.  Leslie,  in  1868;  she  was 
born  in  Lawrence  county,  Penn- 
sylvania. 

BOWDLE,  ISAIAH,  of  the  firm  of 
Bowdle  Brothers,  carpenters  and 
builders,  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Madison  county,  Ohio,  in  1840t 
came  to  this  county  in  1866;  owns 
jointly  with  his  brother  one  hun- 
dred acres  of  land.  He  enlisted 


in  the  50th  Ohio  Infantry,  in  the 
late  war,  and  was  discharged  on 
account  of  disability.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Adaline  Vickers,  in 
1869;  she  was  born  in  Washing- 
ton county,  Ohio;  has  two  child- 
ren, Gertrude  and  Ollie. 

BOWEN,  C.  T.,  dealer  in  drugs, 
medicines,  paints,  oils,  books,  sta- 
tionery and  druggists’  sundries, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Pennsylva- 
nia, in  1855;  came  to  this  State  in 
1857,  to  this  county  in  1864,  and 
to  this  town,  July  10,  1877. 

BURNET,  W.  I).,  grocer,  New 
Sharon;  born  in  Henry  county, 
Indiana,  in  1848;  came  to  this 
county  in  1854.  He  owns  two 


^capi- 
talist, New  Sharon. 

Car,  J.  W.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
CARSON,  GEORGE,  dealer  in 
drugs,  books,  stationery  and  drug- 
gists’ sundries,  New  Sharon;  born 
in  Hancock  county,  West  Virginia^ 


PRAIRIE  TOWNSHIP. 


625 


1843;  came  to  this  State  in  1856, 
and  to  this  county  in  December, 
1874;  is  at  present  a member  of 
the  city  council;  he  enlisted  in 
the  28th  Iowa  Infantry  in  the 
late  war,  and  served  until  dis- 
charged on  account  of  disability; 
he  married  Miss  L.  Anderson,  in 
1871;  she  was  born  in  Ohio,  and 
died  July  1,  1872;  he  afterward 
married  Miss  Sadie  Wright,  June 
20,  1878;  she  was  born  in  Ohio; 
has  two  children  by  first  marriage, 
George  A.  and  Laurani  M. 
CARRELL,  GEORGE  W.,  of  the 
firm  Hueston  & Carrell,  New 
Sharon;  born  in  Ohio,  in  1845, 
came  to  this  State  in  1865,  and  to 
this  county  March  1,  1876;  he 
married  Miss  S.  Dutton  in  1871; 
she  was  born  in  Illinois;  has  one 
child,  Myrtle. 

Champion,  J.  J.,  laborer,  New 
Sharon. 

Cobb,  H.  P.,  farmer,  New  Sharon. 

Coffman,  Mary,  widow,  New  Sharon. 

Cole,  Chet,  New  Sharon. 

COLLINS,  J.  M.,  of  the  firm  of 
Warrens  & Collins,  furniture  deal- 
ers and  undertakers,  New  Sharon; 
born  in  Miami  county,  Ohio,  in 
1844;  came  to  this  county  in 
November,  1868;  he  enlisted  in 
the  44th  Ohio  Infantry,  and  served 
seven  months,  and  in  the  12th 
Ohio  Cavalry  nearly  two  and  one- 
half  years;  lie  married  Jennettie 
Smith  in  1870;  she  was  born  in 
Scotland;  has  four  children,  Ella 
May,  Wm.  H.,  Flora  B.  and  Mag- 
gie. 

Cook,  Wm.  H.,  shirt  maker,  New 
Sharon. 

Cornell,  J.  R.,  clergyman,  New 
Sharon. 

CORK , JAMES  F.,  attorney  at  law, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Penn.,  in 
1832;  came  to  this  State  first  in 
March,  1856;  he  afterward  re- 
turned to  Penn.,  and  enlisted  in 
the  100th  Pennsylvania  Infantry, 
known  as  “ round  heads,”  and 


served  two  years ; he  then  removed 
to  Lucas  county,  Iowa,  coming  to 
this  county  in  1872;  he  owns  50 
acres  of  land  in  Lucas  county;  he 
married  Miss  Catharine  Isabel 
Eastlick,  December  25,  1855;  has 
two  children,  Wm.  IL.  and  Mary 
Agnes. 

Craver,  Joseph,  carpenter,  New 
Sharon. 

CRAWFORD,  0.  P.,  merchant, 
dealer  in  general  merchandise, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  1850,  re- 
moved to  Minnesota  when  five 
years  of  age;  came  to  this  county 
in  1867 ; has  been  engaged  in  sell- 
ing goods  ten  years,  and  four  years 
in  business  for  himself;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Ida  H.  Vickers,  in  Nov., 
1874;  she  was  born  in  Iowa. 

Cramer,  Wm.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
CRITTENDEN,  Rev.  O.  L.,  re- 
tired clergyman,  New  Sharon; 
born  in  Chenango  county,  N.  Y., 
in  1815;  was  educated  at  Hamil- 
ton, Madison  county,  N.  Y.; 
licensed  to  preach  in  1840,  and 
ordained  a few  years  later;  he 
came  to  this  State  in  1863,  and 
was  for  many  years  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  Pella,  Marion 
county;  he  came  to  this  county  in 
1874,  and  has  been  largely  instru- 
mental in  the  formation  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  this  place;  he 
is  connected  with  the  firm  of  V er- 
steeg  & Co.,  millers;  he  married 
Miss  Mary  Lamb  in  1848;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio,  and  died  in 
December,  1874;  he  afterwards 
married  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C.  Frisbee, 
in  June,  1876;  she  was  born  in 
Oneida  county,  N.  Y.;  has  one 
daughter  by  first  marriage,  named 
May — the  wife  of  J.  C.  Salyer. 
Mrs.  Crittenden’s  maiden  name 
was  Parker;  she  married  Byron 
Frisbee,  who  died  in  1870,  leaving 
five  children. 

DAVIS,  CLARKSON,  attorney, 
New  Sharon. 

Davis,  S.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 


626 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Dean,  W.  J.,  druggist,  New  Sharon. 

Dixon,  Mrs.  C.  0.,  widow,  New 
Sharon. 

Dean,  R.  T.,  physician,  New  Sharon. 

DODD,  C.  J.,  attorney,  New  Sharon ; 
born  in  Morgan  county,  Illinois,  in 
1839 ; came  to  this  country  in  1855 ; 
his  father  came  to  this  State  in  an 
early  day, and  built  the  first  cabin  on 
the  ground  where  the  city  of  Mt. 
Pleasant,  in  Henry  county,  stands ; 
he  owns  80  acres  of  land  in  this 
county;  holds  office  of  city  solici- 
tor; he  enlisted  in  the  3d  Iowa  In- 
fantry in  1862,  and  served  in 
various  capacities  until  his  muster 
out  in  1865;  he  was  detailed  by 
Gen.  Curtis  to  act  in  the  Secret 
Service,  and  was  the  person  to  dis- 
cover and  disclose  the  Gunpowder 
Plot  to  release  the  prisoners  in  the 
Gratiot  Street  Prison;  he  also 
acted  as  enrolling  officer;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  M.  A.  Kirkpatrick  in 
1861 ; she  was  born  in  Pike  county, 
Illinois ; has  seven  children,  Lillian 
E.,  William  T.,  Minnie  M.,  Emma 
A.,  Nellie,  Lula  B.,  and  Hattie  E. 

EATON,  ISAAC,  blacksmith, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Monroe 
county,  Ohio,  in  1835;  came  to 
this  county  in  1864;  he  married 
Miss  Lydia  A.  Adams  in  Septem- 
ber, 1861;  she  was  born  in  Ohio; 
has  four  children,  William,  Nathan, 
Laura,  and  Clara;  has  served  as  a 
member  of  the  school  board  and 
of  the  city  council. 

Emerson,  D.  M.,  merchant,  New 
Sharon. 

Eritt,  P.  H.,  clerk,  New  Sharon. 
Evans,  W.  H.,  billiard  saloon,  New 
Sharon. 

ARE  MAN,  G.  W.,  cooper,  New 
Sharon. 

FAGAN,  H.  H.,  foreman  in  lumber 
yard,  New  Sharon;  born  in  Ohio 
in  1838;  removed  to  Iowa  in  1851, 
and  to  Illinois  in  1853,  and  to  this 
county  in  1870;  he  married  Miss 
Annie  Vangundy  in  1870;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio;  has  five  child- 


ren, Charles,  Minnie,  Ossie,  Lula, 
and  Baby. 

Ferguson,  S.  R.,  clergyman,  New 
Sliaron. 

Fessler,  David,  retired,  New  Sharon. 

Florence,  John,  retired,  New  Sharon. 

Fitzgerald,  Jonathan,  plasterer,  New 
Sharon. 

Fitzgerald,  Leonard,  plasterer,  New* 
Sharon. 

Frasier,  Mahala,  widow',  New  Sharon. 
ALBRETH,  DAYID,  city  mar- 
shal, New  Sharon. 

Gallaher,  H.  C.,  livery-man,  New 
Sharon. 

Gable,  R.  T.,  miller,  New  Sharon. 

Gatlin,  G.  B.,  barber,  New  Sharon. 

Gilman,  Arthur,  gunsmith,  New' 
Sharon. 

Gifford,  Benj.,  butcher,  New  Sharon. 
GLOTFELTER,  J.  L.,  blacksmith, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Greene 
county,  Ohio  in  1837 ; came  to 
this  county  in  1868;  has  worked 
at  his  trade  24  years;  he  enlisted 
in  the  74th  Ohio  Infantry  in  the 
late  war,  and  served  three  years; 
he  married  Miss  Sarah  J.  Junkin 
in  1861;  she  was  born  in  Greene 
county,  Ohio;  have  3 children, 
Hattie  J.,  Emma  E.,  and  Sadie  G. 

GOULD,  G.  B.,  station  agent,  New 
Sharon;  born  in  Friendsville, 
Wabash  county,  Illinois,  in  1845; 
came  to  this  county  in  January, 
1872;  he  married  Elizabeth  Pen- 
rose in  1877;  she  was  from  Ohio. 

Goss,  R.  D.,  railroad  carpenter, 
New  Sharon. 

GRAHAM,  THOMAS,  farmer, 
stock  dealer,  and  merchant,  New 
Sharon;  born  in  Columbiana 
county,  Ohio,  in  1815;  came  to 
this  State  October  19,  1854,  set- 
tling in  Scott  county,  where  he 
remained  until  his  removal  to 
this  county,  March  1st,  1876;  he 
is  connected  with  C.  H.  Kramer, 
under  the  firm  name  of  Kramer 
& Graham,  dealers  in  general 
merchandise;  he  married  Miss 
Mary  Taylor  in  1836;  she  was 


PRAIRIE  TOWNSHIP. 


627 


born  in  the  same  county ; have  ten 
children,  Sarah  A.,  Mary  A.,  Mar- 
tha E.,  Lydia  J.,  C.  Emaline,  Julia 
R.,  Abbie  J.,  Hannah  C.,  Joseph 
T.,  and  Clara;  one  son,  John,  en- 
listed in  the  21st  Iowa  Infantry, 
and  died  from  disease  contracted 
in  the  army. 

OL AWAY,  M.  B., printer,  Hew 
Sharon. 

Hammond,  J.  G.,  clerk,  Hew  Sharon. 

HIATT,  J.  M.,  justice  of  the  peace, 
notary  public  and  collection  agent, 
Hew  Sharon ; born  in  Henry  coun- 
ty, Indiana,  in  1839;  came  to  this 
county  in  1875;  he  enlisted  in  the 
147th  Indiana  Infantry,  in  the 
late  war,  and  was  commissioned 
Captain  of  Co.  H;  he  afterward 
published  a newspaper,  and  since 
his  removal  to  this  county,  has 
been  engaged  two  years  as  a 
teacher  in  the  high  school,  and 
resigned  his  position  to  accept  the 
office  of  justice  of  the  peace, 
which  he  now  holds;  he  is  also 
town  clerk,  and  one  of  the  trus- 
tees of  the  Asylum  for  Feeble- 
Minded  Children  at  Glen  wood ; he 
married  Miss  Sarah  J.  Haworth,  in 
1860;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  have 
six  children,  Flora  E.,  J.  Clinton, 
Metta  E.,  Harry  M.,  Bobbie,  Josie 
and  Frank. 

HIATT,  JESSE,  retired,  farmer, 
Hew  Sharon;  born  in  1815;  came 
to  this  State  in  1850,  and  to  this 
county  in  1854;  he  hauled  the 
first  load  of  lumber  brought  to 
the  town  of  Hew  Sharon,  and 
has  seen  fifteen  deer  in  one  herd 
on  the  ground  now  occupied  by 
the  village;  he  has  served  as  a 
member  of  the  city  council;  he 
married  Pliebe  Dickey  in  1842; 
she  was  born  in  Virginia;  have 
two  children,  Jane,  wife  of  A. 
Hill,  and  Mary  E.,  wife  of  A. 
Bock  well. 

HOEN,  W.  F.,  salesman  for  H.  T. 
Wright,  Hew  Sharon;  born  in 
Prussia  in  1842;  came  to  this 


country  in  1849,  and  to  this  county 
in  1872;  owns  120  acres  of  land; 
he  married  Hannie  E.  Jameson  in 
1866;  she  was  born  in  Illinois; 
they  have  four  children,  Christie, 
Maud,  Carl  W.,  and  Lewis;  have 
lost  one  son,  Charlie. 

Hoffmire,  Luther,  attorney,  Hew 
Sharon. 

HUESTON,  ROBERT , of  the  firm 
of  Hueston  & Carrell,  dealers  in 
stoves,  hardware  and  house  fur- 
nishing goods,  Hew  Sharon;  born 
in  Canada  in  1834;  came  to  this 
county  in  April,  1875;  has  served 
as  a member  of  the  city  council; 
he  married  Miss  Sarah  E.  Carkuff 
in  August,  1859;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio;  they  have  three  children, 
Charles  H.,  Emma  and  Helen; 
have  lost  one  son,  James. 

Hughes,  Charles,  carpenter,  Hew 
Sharon. 

Hughes,  Mrs.  Rachel,  teacher,  Hew 
Sharon. 

Hughes,  Geo.,  retired,  Hew  Sharon. 

TBISH,  STEPHEH,  farmer,  Hew 

J-  Sharon. 

JOHNSON,  Mrs.  KATE,  dress- 

cJ  maker,  Hew  Sharon. 

Johnson,  B.  L.,  railroad  hand,  Hew 
Sharon. 

KALBACH,  Z.  TAYLOR, 

firm  of  Kalbach  & Son,  lum- 
ber dealers,  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Pottsville,  Pa.,  in  1848;  came  to 
this  State  in  1850,  and  to  this 
county  in  1851,  and  for  years,  ex- 
cepting perhaps  Council  Bluffs, 
their  lumber  yard  was  the  farthest 
west  of  any  in  the  State,  and  their 
trade  extended  as  far  west  as  Fort 
Dodge;  he  married  Miss  Bose 
Cole  in  1872;  she  was  born  in 
Dodge  county,  Wisconsin. 
KNOWLTON,  C.  F.,  attorney  at 
law,  Hew  Sharon;  born  in  Fay- 
ette county,  Ohio,  May  18,  1853; 
came  to  this  county  February 
19,  1865;  he  was  educated  at 
the  Iowa  Wesleyan  University  of 
Mt.  Pleasant,  graduated  June  19, 


628 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


1873,  and  was  admitted  to  tlie  bar 
on  his  twenty-first  birthday. 
KRAMER,  C.  H.,  of  the  firm  of 
Kramer  & Graham,  dealers  in  dry 
goods,  groceries,  crockery,  hoots, 
shoes,  hats,  caps  and  clothing, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Pennsylva- 
nia in  1842;  came  to  this  State  in 
1845,  and  to  this  county  in  April, 
1875;  has  been  engaged  in  selling 
goods  eleven  years;  he  married 
Mary  Parker  in  1861;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio,  and  died  in  October, 
1862;  he  afterward  married  Miss 
Hattie  N.  Rhodes  in  1864;  she 
was  horn  in  Ohio;  has  one  child, 
Clarence,  by  first  marriage. 

Kloose,  Joseph,  shoemaker,  Hew 
Sharon. 

Kimble,  W.  I.,  carpenter,  New 
Sharon. 

King,  J.  F.,  clerk,  New  Sharon. 

Kirk,  ¥m.  B.,  nurseryman,  New 
Sharon. 

Lawrence,  s.  b.,  dealer  in 

grain,  stock  and  agricultural 
implements,  New  Sharon;  born 
in  Warren  county,  Ohio,  in  1832, 
and  came  to  this  State  in  1862; 
owns  160  acres  of  land;  has  held 
office  of  town  trustee;  married 
Miss  Kittie  Benedict  in  1856;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio. 

Larson,  Ole,  retired,  New  Sharon. 
Laughlin,  P.  P.,  agricultural  imple- 
ments, New  Sharon. 

Lewis,  S.  W.,  insurance  agent,  New 
■Sharon. 

Larson,  A.,  carpenter,  New  Sharon. 
Long,  C.  S.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
Lowry,  Curtis,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
LOYD,  WILEY,  blacksmith,  New 
Sharon;  born  a slave  in  North 
Carolina,  in  1834;  was  sold  and 
taken  to  Tennessee,  where  he  re- 
mained until  he  came  to  this  State, 
in  1864;  he  married  Celia  Fane, 
in  1862;  she  was  born  in  North 
Carolina. 

MADER,  JOSEPH,  shoemaker, 
New  Sharon. 


McAllister,  Wm.  L.,  physician  and 
surgeon,  New  Sharon. ' 

McCURDY,  J.  F . , of  the  firm  of 
Yersteeg  & Co.,  of  the  city  steam 
mills,  New  Sharon;  born  in  Dear- 
born county,  Indiana,  in  1836; 
came  to  this  county  in  1875;  he 
owns  one-third  interest  in  the 
above  mills;  he  is  a member  of  the 
city  council;  he  enlisted  in  the 
59th  Illinois  Infantry  in  the  late 
war,  and  served  four  years;  he 
married  Miss  Ann  McCullough  in 
1869;  she  was  born  in  Ohio. 

Michener,  Ed.,  carpenter,  New  Sha- 
ron. 

MORRIS,  D.  C .,  physician  and  sur- 
geon, NewT  Sharon ; born  in  Jackson 
county,  Indiana,  in  1834;  came  to 
this  State  in  1856:  owns  80  acres 
of  land;  has  practiced  medicine 
fourteen  years;  has  held  office  of 
postmaster;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Painter  in  August,  1855;  she  was 
born  in  Greene  county,  Ohio;  has 
five  children,  Ogburn  J.,  Benford 
L.,  Albert  A.,  Mary  A.,  and  D. 
Russell. 

Morgan,  J.  S.,  painter,  New  Sharon. 

MUNSILL,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon;  born  in  Licking 
county,  Ohio,  1821;  came  to  this 
State  in  1841,  and  to  this  county  in 
1843;  he  owns  320  acres  of  land; 
he  has  served  as  school  director 
and  as  member  of  the  city  coun- 
cil; he  married  Miss  R.  Schuyler, 
in  1842;  she  was  born  in  Ken- 
tucky, and  died  in  1850;  he  after- 
ward married  M.  Phillips  in  1852; 
she  was  born  in  New  York;  has 
seven  children,  Elizabeth,  Mary, 
Ephraim,  Corydon,  Cary,  Albert, 
and  Charles. 

Munger,  S.,  teacher,  New  Sharon. 

Myers,  S.,  clerk,  New  Sharon. 

NAYLOR,  A.  H.,  retired  farmer, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Jeffer- 
son county,  New  York,  in  1814; 
came  to  this  county  in  1865;  owns 
80  acres  of  land ; he  married 


PRAIRIE  TOWNSHIP. 


629 


Rachael  A.  Wood,  in  1835;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio;  has  four  chil- 
dren, Albert,  Mary  J.,  Addison 
W.,  and  Kinzie  C. 

Nichol,  Mathew,  laborer,  New  Shar- 
on. 

Nichol,  J.  R.,  New  Sharon. 
Nicholson,  John,  shoemaker,  New 
Sharon. 

Nicholson,  G.  W.,  laborer,  New 
Sharon. 

Nicholson,  M.  W.,  laborer,  New 
Sharon. 

PALMER,  EZRA,  painter,  New 
Sharon;  born  in  Ohio  Sep- 
tember 7,  1822;  came  to  this  state 
in  1844,  and  in  1852  settled  in 
Poweshiek  county,  and  came  to 
this  county  in  1873;  he  married 
Miss  Rachael  W.  Cheesetnan,  in 
1846;  she  was  born  in  Wayne 
county,  Indiana;  has  four  chil- 
dren, Hannah  J.,  William  R., 
Rineer,  and  Sarah  E. 

Pardo,  H.  W.,  photographer,  New 
Sharon. 

Parks,  Alfred,  plasterer,  New  Sharon. 
Penland,  1.  N.,  insurance  and  real 
estate  agent,  New  Sharon. 
Phillips,  Wm.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
Phillips,  S.  B.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
Playle,  W.  T.,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 
UINN,  THOMAS,  R.  R.  hand, 
New  Sharon. 

RANSDELL,  J.  S.,  retired  farm- 
er, New  Sharon;  born  in 
Henry  county,  Kentucky,  in  1826; 
removed  to  Indiana  when  young, 
and  came  to  this  county  in  1861; 
owns  120  acres  of  land;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  C.  Rash  in  1853; 
she  was  born  in  Kentucky;  he  has 
sold  wheat  for  $3  per  bushel,  and 
hogs  at  $11  per  cwt.  since  lie  has 
been  in  the  state. 

RATLIFF , PIERCE,  dealer  in  ag- 
ricultural i implements,  New  Sha- 
ron ; born  in  Fayette  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, in  1834;  came  to  this 
county  in  1852;  in  1854  he  crossed 
the  plains  to  Oregon  with  five  yoke 


of  oxen;  he  remained  one  winter 
in  Oregon,  and  went  with  a pack 
train  to  California,  returning  to 
this  county  in  1858;  he  owns  185 
acres  of  land;  on  one  piece  of 
land  he  has  a valuable  rock  quarry. 

Rea,  Michael,  laborer,  New  Sharon. 

Rockwell,  Alan  son,  farmer,  New 
Sharon. 

Rockwell,  Samuel,  retired  farmer, 
New  Sharon. 

Rockwell,  R.  S.,  farmer,  New  Sharon. 

Rockwell,  Jared,  engineer,  New 
Sharon. 

Rogers,  Thomas,  capitalist,  New 
Sharon. 

Rosborough,  A.  G.,  grocer,  New 
Sharon. 

Russell,  W.  F.,  telegraph  operator, 
New  Sharon. 

SCOTT,  LEVI  T.,  retired  farmer, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Craw- 
ford county,  Indiana,  April  3, 
1816;  he  removed  to  Illinois,  set- 
tling first  in  Vermillion  county, 
and  afterward  in  Fulton  and  Mc- 
Donagh  counties;  he  remained  in 
Illinois  forty  years,  and  came  to 
this  county  in  April,  1877;  he 
owns  156J  acres  of  land;  he  mar- 
ried Nancy  Doyle  in  1839;  she 
was  born  in  Kentucky;  has  four 
children,  Araminda,  wife  of  Jack- 
son  Efiin,  Mary,  wife  of  Solen 
Fairman,  of  Fulton  county,  Illi- 
nois, Emma,  wife  of  Wilbur  Og- 
born,and  Isaac  Newton;  when  he 
first  settled  in  Illinois  he  cut  wood 
for  twenty-five  cents  per  cord,  and 
split  rails  for  twenty-five  cents  per 
hundred,  and  sold  dressed  pork 
for  $1.25  per  cwt. 

SCOTT,  ISAAC  NEWTON,  farm- 
er, New  Sharon;  born  in  Fulton 
county,  111.,  in  1844;  came  to  this 
county,  in  1877;  owns  55  acres  of 
land. 

SEXTON,  W.J., attorney  at  law, New 
Sharon;  born  in  Sangamon  county, 
111.,  April  10,  1848;  came  to  this 
county  in  1854;  he  married  Miss 


630 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Carrrie  E.  Weist,  in  1873;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio;  has  three  children, 
Florence,  Bertice,  and  Baby.  He 
enlisted  in  the  9th  Iowa  cavalry 
in  the  late  war,  and  served  two 
and  a half  years. 

Sharao,  J.  H.,  dentist,  Hew  Sharon. 
Shanyo.  M.  V.,  clerk,  Hew  Sharon. 
Shatwell,  William  B.,  street  com- 
missioner, Hew  Sharon. 

Smith  W.  K.,  laborer,  Hew  Sharon. 
Smith,  E.  A.,  jeweler,  Hew  Sharon, 
Snell,  Richard,  farmer,  Hew  Sharon. 
Stanley,  E.  B.,  retired  farmer,  Hew 
Sharon. 

Starkey,  J.  E.,  grocery  and  restaur- 
ant, Hew  Sharon. 

Stubbs,  William,  blacksmith,  Hew 
Sharon. 

Stanton,  David,  farmer  and  merchant, 
Hew  Sharon. 

Sutton,  A.  H.,  grocer,  Hew  Snaron. 
Spraul,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Hew  Sharon. 

T RATES,  PHILLIP,  bridge 
builder,  Hew  Sharon. 

Turner,  John,  carpenter,  Hew 
Sharon. 

VAIL,  DAVID,  clerk,  Hew 
Sharon. 

VAIL,  H.  J„  editor  of  the  Hew 
Sharon  Star ; born  in  Belmont 
county,  Ohio,  Hovember22,  1845, 
came  to  this  State  April  14,  1864. 
From  September,  1871,  to  June, 
1873,  he  published  the  Wilton 
Chronicle , in  Muscatine  county, 
Iowa,  and  the  22d  of  June,  1873, 
commenced  the  publication  of  the 
Hew  Sharon  Star , a seven  column 
folio,  it  has  since  been  enlarged 
three  times.  He  has  held  the  of- 
fice'of  mayor;  has  been  post-mas- 
ter since  1873;  he  married 
Miss  Sarah  Oblinger,  April  18, 
1866;  she  wras  bom  in  Bel- 
mont county,  Ohio;  has  two  chil- 
. dren,  Wm.  Lewis  Lincoln  and  Lil- 
lian. 

YERSTEEG,  JNO.,  of  the  firm  of 
Yersteeg  & Co.,  proprietors  of  the 
city  steam  mills,  Hew  Sheron; 
born  in  Holland  in  1836;  came  to 


this  country  in  1847;  he  lived 
nearly  three  years  in  Oregon, 
and  came  to  this  county 
in  1874;  he  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  D.  Fisher,  in  1857 ; 
she  was  born  in  Holland;  has  five 
children,  Elizabeth,  Arthur,  Em- 
ma, John,  Henrietta;  lost  one  son 
Arthur. 

Vickers,  Sanford,  egg  and  butter 
dealer,  Hew  Sharon. 

Vickers,  Thos.,  retired  physician, 
Hew  Sharon. 

\ A 7 AY,  GEO.,  blacksmith,  Hew 
V V Sharon;  born  in  Morgan 
county,  Ohio,  Hov.  11,  1853;  came 
to  this  county  March  1,  1873.  He 
holds  office  as  member  of  the  city 
council;  he  married  Miss  Emma 
Zecli,  in  1875;  she  was  born  in 
Penn.;  has  one  child,  Wm.  Le- 
Roy. 

Wallace,  Elam,  baker,  Hew  Sharon 
WARREN,  D.  E.,  of  the  firm  of 
Warren  & Collins,  furniture  deal- 
ers and  undertakers,  Hew  Sharon; 
born  in  Jefferson  county,  H.  Y. 
in  1836;  emigrated  with  his  parents 
to  Elkhart  county,  Ind.,  in  1837, 
and  came  to  reside  in  this  State  in 
in  1865.  He  afterwards  returned 
to  Michigan  and  remained  until 
his  removal  to  this  county  in  1872; 
he  owns  120  acres  of  land;  he  en- 
listed in  the  Twelfth  Ind.  Cavalry 
in  the  late  war,  and  served  until 
the  regiment  was  mustered  out. 
He  married  Elizabeth  Brannon  in 
1878;  she  was  born  in  Michigan. 


Watson,  J.  W., 
Sharon. 


carpenter,  Hew 


WARING,  H.  M„  attorney  at  law, 
of  the  linn  Hole,  Hillis,  & War- 
ing, attorneys,  Hew  Sheron;  born 
in  Horthumberland  county,  Pa., 
in  1857 ; came  to  this  State  in 
1859,  and  to  this  county  in  1860, 
when  his  father  was  stationed  as  a 
minister  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Weathers,  J.  L.,  livery  man,  Hew 
Sharon. 


PRAIRIE  TOWNSHIP. 


631 


West,  J.  A.,  hotel  keeper,  New 
Sharon. 

Williams  H.  D.,  wagon  maker,  New 
Sharon. 

Winder,  F.  M.,  farmer.  New  Sharon. 
WINDER,  JAMES,  retired  farmer, 
New  Sharon ; born  in  Ross  county, 
Ohio,  March  19,  1812;  came  to 
this  county  October  20,  1852;  in 
early  life  he  worked  at  carriage 
building,  and  afterward  at  the 
cabinet  business,  and  when  he 
came  to  this  county  engaged  in 
farming;  he  is  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers,  and  built  the  second 
building  in  New  Sharon,  and  was 
the  first  post- master,  an  office  he 
held  six  years;  he  has  laid  out 
and  platted  two  additions  to  New 
Sharon,  and  served  several  years 
as  town  trustee;  he  married  Eliza 
Albright  in  1835;  she  was  born 
in  Monroe  county,  New  York;  has 
six  children,  William,  Francis, 
Nancy,  Charlotte,  Joseph  and 
Abner. 

WINDER,  Wm.  W.,  barber,  New 
Sharon;  born  in  Ross  Co.,  Ohio, 
in  1836;  came  to  this  county  in 
1852;  he  married  Deborah  Sharp 


in  1870;  she  was  born  in  Ohio; 
has  two  children,  Albert  C.  and 
Baby. 

WILDMAN,  OLIVER,  merchant, 
of  the  firm  of  Wildman  & Stanton, 
dealers  in  general  merchandise, 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Bucks  Co., 
Pennsylvania,  in  1833,  and  came 
to  this  State  in  1871;  owns  eighty 
acres  of  land;  he  has  held  office  of 
school  director  and  assessor;  he 
married  Miss  Hannah  Bailey  in 
1859;  she  was  born  in  Ohio  in 
1832;  has  four  children,  Sulan  B., 
Harry  G.,  Charlie  W.  and  Adah; 
lost  two  children,  Effie  and  Alon- 
zo. 

WRIGHT,  H.  T.,  dealer  in  hard- 
ware, stoves  and  house  furnishing 
goods,  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Adams  county,  Penn.,  in  1818;  he 
lived  in  Ohio  seven  years,  and  re- 
moved to  Delaware  county,  Iowa,* 
in  1857,  coming  to  this  county  in 
1869;  he  has  served  as  a member 
of  the  city  council;  he  married 
Miss  L.  A.  Hoopes  in  1861;  she 
was  born  in  Adams  Co.,  Penn.; 
has  one  son,  Charles;  lost  one 
daughter,  Anna  E. 


PBAIEIE  TONT^IbTSIEEIIE3. 


ADAMSON,  JAMES,  farmer, 
Sec.  24;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
Akin,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Allen,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Anderson,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

BALTZLE,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec. 

26;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
BEAL,  W.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Flint;  born  in  Union  county, 
Ohio,  in  1839;  came  to  this  county 
in  1855;  owns  eighty  acres;  he 
married  Miss  Mary  E.  Jackson  in 
1860;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has 
five  children,  Hiram,  Flora,  Char- 
lie, Clara  and  Florence. 

38 


Beal,  John  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Beal,  J.  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

BEAL,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Fayette 
county,  Pennsylvania,  in  1821; 
came  to  this  county  in  1852;  pre- 
vious to  his  removal  to  this  county 
he  lived  in  Ohio,  and  Henderson 
county,  Illinois;  he  owns  120 
acres  of  land;  has  held  office  of 
town  trustee  and  school  director; 
he  carted  lumber  from  Burlington 
to  Granville  to  build  him  a house; 
he  married  Elizabeth  Thomas  in 
1842;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has 


632 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


three  children,  Rebecca  E.,  John 
S.  and  Isaiah  N. 

Real,  Hiram,  farmer,  Sec.,  8;  P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon. 

Beal,  Nicholas,  farmer,  Sec.  21 ; P.  O. 
Flint. 

Beal,  Jeremiah,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Hew  Sharon. 

Benedict,  C.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Bonsall,  T.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
Flint;  born  in  Philadelphia,  in 
1826;  came  to  this  county  in  1859. 
He  owns  forty  acres  of  land.  He 
married  Mary  E.  Randels,  in  1849; 
has  three  children,  Hiram,  Laura 
and  Jane. 

Bonsall,  W.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Briggs,  Evan,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon. 

Briggs,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  26 ; P. 
O.  Hew  Sharon. 

Burks,  Win.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P.  O. 
Flint. 

Burns,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 

O.  Hew  Sharon. 

BRYAN,  WM.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 

P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born  in  Ohio 
in  1835;  came  to  this  county  in 
in  1849.  He  owns  two  hundred 
and  fifty-six  acres  of  land;  has 
held  office  of  school  director.  He 
married  Catharine  Pierson  in 
1856;  she  was  born  in  Logan 
county,  Ohio;  has  five  children, 
Lillian  A.,  Charles  F.,  Freddie 
H.,  Ernest  and  Willie;  lost  two,  El- 
mer A.  and  Arthur  C. 

CARR,  THOMAS  G.,  farmer, 
Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Hew  Sbaron. 
Camp,  Freeman,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Hew  Sharon. 

CATHCART,  HUGH,  farmer  and 
stock  raiser,  Sec.  30;  P.  O.  Flint; 
born  in  Pennsylvana  in  1827.  He 
removed  to  Wisconsin,  and  came  to 
, this  State  in  1868;  owns  two  hun- 
dred and  sixty -eight  acres  of  land ; 
has  held  office  of  school  director. 
He  married  Miss  Susan  J.  Fix,  in 
1854;  she  was  born  in  Cleveland, 


Ohio;  has  seven  children,  Mary  J., 
William  H.,  Sarah,  Loftus  L., 
Hugh  G.,  Anna  M.,  and  Baby; 
lost  three  children. 

Clements,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 

O.  Hew  Sharon. 

Chambers,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  24  ; 

P.  O.  Hew  Sharon. 

Cobb,  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Hew 
Sharon. 

Cox,  Hiram,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Cope,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O! 
Hew  Sharon. 

Comford,  Pierce,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Hew  Sharon. 

COLE,  J. , farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon;  born  in  Jefferson 
county,  Hew  York,  in  1815;  came 
to  this  county  in  December,  1868; 
owns  sixty  acres  of  land.  He 
was  enrolling  officer  during  the 
war  in  Dodge  county,  Wisconsin. 
He  married  Miss  A.  Hickey, 
March  12,  1839;  she  was  born  in 
Ireland;  they  have  nine  children, 
Charles,  Chester,  William  S.,  Ben- 
jamin J.,  Fremont,  Judson  C., 
Charlotte,  Rosa  and  Sarah.  One 
son,  Edward,  enlisted  in  the  29th 
Wisconsin  Infantry,  and  died  from 
disease  contracted  in  the  army. 
Chester,  William  S.  and  Benja- 
min, enlisted  and  served  their 
country  in  the  army,  the  latter 
being  only  fifteen  years  of  age. 

DAYIS,  H.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 

P.  O.  Hew  Sharon. 

Davis,  S.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P.  O. 
Flint. 

Davidson,  Rachel,  widow,  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Flint. 

Daily,  J.  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon. 

Dean,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon. 

Dorr,  Edmund,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Hew  Sharon. 

DRENHAN,  JAMES  M.,  farmer, 
Sec.  35;  P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born 
in  Ireland,  in  1842:  came  to 
America  in  1860,  and  to  this 


PRAIRIE  TOWNSHIP. 


633 


county,  in  1869;  owns  two  hun- 
dred and  forty  acres  of  land.  He 
married  Miss  Flora  T.  Getts,  in 
1868;  she  was  born  in  Wisconsin; 
has  four  children,  Jessie  M.,  Sa- 
rah A.,  William  E.  and  J.  Leslie. 

ELLIS,  JAMES,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Ellis,  D.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

ELLIS,  E.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.O. 
New  Sharon;  born  in  Orange 
county,  Indiana,  in  1842;  came  to 
this  county  in  1856;  owns  160 
acres  of  land;  has  held  offices  of 
township  trustee  and  school  direc- 
tor. He  married  Ellen  Shotwell, 
in  1869;  she  was  born  in  Wash- 
ington county,  Ohio;  has  two  chil- 
dren, Lucien  W.  and  Mamie  Maud. 
Evans,  James  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Granville. 

Evans,  Hugh,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Grandville. 

Farr,  Joseph,  farmer,  sec. 

31;  P.  O.  Flint;  born  in 
Pennsylvania,  in  1827;  came  to 
this  Co.,  March  31,  1856;  lived  in 
Ohio  nineteen  years  previous  to 
his  removal  to  Iowa.  He  owns  1 60 
acres  of  land ; married  Miss  Ellen 
Funk,  in  November,  1853;  she 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania;  has 
three  children,  Joseph,  Jasper  and 
Mary;  lost  three. 

Fisher,  Mary,  postmistress,  Sec.  29, 
P.  O.  Flint. 

Fisher  Tlios.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P.  O. 
Flint. 

FISHER,  JAMES, farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Flint;  born  in  Henry  county, 
Iowa,  in  1844;  came  to  this  county 
in  1854;  owns  120  acres  of 
land;  he  married  Miss  Naomi 
Beal  in  1867;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio;  has  four  children,  Alice, 
Albert,  Effie  J.,  and  Lillie  J. 
Flemming,  Orin,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Florence,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

FOX,  LOFTUS,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 


O.  New  Sharon ; born  in  LaGrange 
county,  Ind.,  in  1845  ; lived  several 
years  in  Wisconsin  previous  to  his 
removal  to  this  county  in  1872; 
owns  240  acres  of  land;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Emma  Shuessler  in 
1874;  she  was  born  in  Warren 
county,  111.;  has  two  children, 
George  and  Baby. 

Freleigh,  Chas.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

GARNER,  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P. 
O.  Granville. 

Garner,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

God  by,  Sylvester,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Godby,  Cameron,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Gosnell,  Hiram,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

GRACE,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon ; born  in  Huron 
county,  Ohio,  in  1836;  came  to 
this  State  in  October,  1839,  with 
his  parents,  settling  in  Scott  county 
and  in  March,  1873,  came  to  this 
county;  he  owns  160  acres  of  land, 
he  enlisted  in  the  20tli  Iowa  In- 
fantry in  the  late  war,  and  served 
three  years;  he  married  Miss 
Eliza  Ann  Russell,  in  1866;  she 
was  born  in  Virgina;  has  five 
children,  Emma  L.,  George  E., 
Sarah  J.,  Wm.  Jackson,  and  Ruth 
A. 

Green,  E.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Haile,  Charles,  farmer, 

Sec.  31,  P.  O.  Flint;  born  in 
Scott  county,  Iowa,  in  1845 ; came 
to  this  county  in  1870;  owns  135 
acres  of  land ; he  enlistsd  in  the 
9th  Iowa  Cavalry,  and  served  two 
and  a half  years;  he  married  Miss 
Eliza  Jacobs  in  1869;  she  was 
born  in  Scott  county;  has  five 
children,  Marion,  Frank,  Hattie, 
Lizzie  and  Mark. 

HANSELL,  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Flint;  born  in  Pennsylvania 
J une  15, 1827 ; came  to  this  county 


634 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


in  1856  ; owns  7 6 acres.  He 
married  Sarah  A.  Wharton,  who 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  Has 
live  children:  Samuel  W.,  George 
H.,  John  A.,  Daniel  W.,  and  Mary 
E. ; lost  one  daughter,  Esther. 
Hadley,  Wm.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Hew  Sharon. 

Hansell,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O. ’New  Sharon. 

Hansell,  Richard,  farmer,  Sec.  30 ; P. 
O.  Flint. 

HAMBLEN,  URIAH,  farmer,  Sec. 
27;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  horn  in 
Brown  county,  Indiana,  in  1832; 
came  to  this  county  in  October, 
1854;  owns  two  hundred  acres  of 
land.  He  married  Miss  Mary  A. 
Chapbell,  in  1854;  she  was  horn  in 
Indiana;  has  live  children:  Thos. 
J.,  John,  Mary  E.,  Sarah  J.,  and 
Lucy;  lost  three  children. 
HEITS31AN,  P,,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 

O.  New  Sharon;  horn  in  Warren 
county,  N.  J.,  in  1814;  came  to 
this  county  in  1853;  owns  235 
acres  of  land.  He  was  one  of  the 
first  town  trustees  at  the  organiza- 
tion of  Prairie  township;  he  also 
served  as  school  director.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Susan  Mershon,  in  1840 ; 
she  was  horn  in  Trenton,  N.  J. ; 
has  seven  children:  Margaret  Ann 
(Mrs.  Fisher),  Jacob  B.,  George 
J.,  Irvin,  Emma  M.,  (Mrs.  Thomas 
Ryan)  Wm.  F.,  and  Lewis  B.;  lost 
one  daughter,  Eliza. 

Heitsman,  John  U.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; 

P.  O New  Sharon. 

Heller,  Hiram,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Flint. 

HILL,  GEORGE  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 
25;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Ohio  in  1819;  came  to  this  county 
in  1866;  owns  168  acres  of  land. 
Has  held  office  of  school  director. 
He  married  Charlotte  Stanton 
Sept.  9th,  1854;  she  was  born  in 
Belmont  county,  Ohio;  has  five 
children:  Yaldo,  Angelo,  Albert, 
Orin,  and  Borden. 


Hibbs,  Wm.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Huff,  Wm.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Hull,  E.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

Hughes,  Edwin,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

T ACKSON,  J.R.,  farmer  and  stock- 

cJ  raiser,  Sec.  28;  P.  0,  Flint; 
horn  in  Ross  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1821; 
came  to  this  Co.  in  1853;  has  held 
the  office  of  township  trustee  and 
school  director;  owns  280  acres 
of  land.  He  married  Julia  A. 
Braman,  in  1842 ; she  was  horn  in 
Morgan  county,  Ohio  ; has  nine 
children : Mary  E.,  W illiam, Louisa, 
Frances  J.,  John,  Martha,  Julia, 
Emily  and  Esther. 

Jackson,  Isaac,  farmer  and  fruit 
grower,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

JANNEY,  STEPHEN, farmer,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Ohio,  in  1832;  removed  to  Illi- 
nois in  1865,  and  came  to  this 
county  in  1871;  owns  50  acres  of 
land ; has  held  the  offices  of  school 
director  and  township  trustee;  he 
married  Miss  Lydia  White,  in 
1862;  she  was  born  in  Indiana;  has 
two  children,  Charles  O.  and  Myrta 
L.;  lost  two,  Effie  and  Bennie  E.; 
he  enlisted  in  the  Seventy-ninth 
Ohio  Infantry  in  the  late  war,  and 
was  with  Sherman  in  his  march 
to  the  sea;  was  taken  prisoner, 
and  confined  at  Salisbury,  North 
Carolina,  and  afterward  in  Libby 
prison,  and  was  among  the  last 
squad  of  soldiers  paroled  and  sent 
to  Annapolis  before  the  evacuation 
of  Richmond. 

Jay,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Jay,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Johnson,  Mary  A.,  Sec.  18;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Johnson,  M.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 


PRAIRIE  TOWNSHIP. 


635 


KIRK,  Z.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

KNEUDSON,  0.  G.,  farmer,  Sec. 
15;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Norway  in  1812;  came  to  this 
State  in  1858,  and  to  this  count}" 
in  1861;  owns  120  acres  of  land; 
holds  office  of  town  trustee;  he 
enlisted  in  the  Seventh  Iowa  In- 
fantry in  the  late  war,  and  served 
nearly  two  years;  he  married  Miss 
Bertha  Sawyer,  who  was  born  in 
Wisconsin;  has  four  children, 
Gunder  Samuel,  Sarah  A.,  Be- 
lina  and  Matthias. 

Kneudson,  Stephen,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Kneudson,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

LARSON,  IYER,  farmer,  Sec. 

18;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Lucas,  Harvey,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

MARIS,  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Pennsylvania,  in  1829;  came  to 
this  State  in  April,  1851;  owns 
100  acres  of  land;  has  held  office 
of  school  director;  he  married 
Miss  Martha  Bonsall,  in  1856;  she 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania;  has  six 
children,  Mary  D.,  Annie  O., 
Emma  J.,  Lizzie  P.,  Josie  M.; 
lost  two,  Ellis  and  Martha  J. 
MARIS,  L.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  Flint;  born  in  1827;  came  to 
this  county  in  1851;  owns  80 
acres  of  land;  has  held  offices  of 
justice  of  the  peace  and  school  di- 
rector; he  married  Miss  Salinda 
Randalls,  in  1858;  she  was  born 
in  Ohio;  has  seven  children,  Su- 
sanna, George,  Hannah,  John, 
William,  El  wood  and  Martha. 
McCauley,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

McIntosh,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Miller,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Miller,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 

New  Sharon. 


MITCHELL,  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon;  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  1826;  came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1863;  owns,  with  his  son, 
140  acres;  has  held  office  of  school 
director;  he  married  Ruth  A. 
Cox,  in  1849;  she 'was  born  in 
Pennsylvania;  has  seven  children, 
Milton,  Louisa,  Richard  J.,  Rosa- 
line, Mary  B.,  Olive  and  Minnie. 
Mineer,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 

O.  New  Sharon. 

Mitchener,  E.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

MITCHELL,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 

3;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Pennsylvania, in  June,  1812;  came 
to  this  county  in  1855;  owns  170 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Harriet 
Steen  in  1837;  she  was  born  in 
Beaver  county,  Pennsylvrnia;  has 
seven  children,  Marion  B.,  Nancy 
A.,  Mary  J.,  Smith,  Minerva,  Ju- 
liette and  John  C. 

Michener,  D.  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Morgan,  David,  attorney,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Morgan,  Milton,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Murphy,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

NOEL,  JONAH,  farmer,  Sec.  31 ; 
P.  O.  Flint.  ' 

OLSON,  J.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Flint. 

OMUNDTON,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in  Lee 
county,  Iowa,  in  1841;  came  to 
this  county  in  1863;  owns  109 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Mary 
Brudervold  in  1874;  she  was  born 
in  Lee  county;  has  two  children, 
Hannah  and  Caroline. 

Omundson,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  New  Shan  :>n. 

PEARSON,  WM.,  Sen.,  farmer, 
Sec.  24;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
Pearson,  Win.,  Jr.,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
PERRYMAN,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 
32;  P.  O.  Flint;  born  in  Kentucky 


636 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


in  1816;  came  to  this  State  in 
1842  and  settled  in  Henry  county; 
he  came  to  this  county  in  1854; 
owns  40  acres  of  land ; he  married 
Mary  J.  Bonsell,  who  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania;  has  three  children, 
Haney  J.,  James  E.,  and  Eliza  E. 

Pickerel,  Isaiah,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Hew  Sharon. 

PHILLIPS,  P.W.,  farmer  and  stock 
raiser,  Sec.  32;  P.  O.  Hew  Sharon; 
horn  in  Virginia  in  1830;  came  to 
this  county  May  4,  1856;  owns 
375  acres  of  land;  has  held  offices 
of  school  director,  town  clerk, 
assessor,  and  justice  of  the  peace 
for  many  years;  he  married  Miss 
Ellen  Williams  in  1850;  she  was 
born  in  Boss  county,  Ohio;  has 
seven  children,  John  C.,  Mary  A., 
Cornelius  H.,  Jasper  H.,  Sarah  A., 
Charles  W.,  and  Willie  E. 

PHILLIPS,  CYRUS,  farmer,  Sec. 
21;  P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born  in 
Barber  county,  Virginia,  in  1837 ; 
he  emigrated  to  Ohio  when  young, 
where  lived  twenty-eight  years, 
coming  to  this  county  in  1875;  he 
owns  220  acres  of  land;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Susanna  Savage  in  1858 ; 
she  was  born  in  Delaware  county, 
Ohio,  and  died  October  8,  1875; 
he  afterwards  married  Eliza  J.  Loy 
in  1876;  she  was  born  in  Allen 
county,  Ohio ; has*  five  children, 
Elmer  E.,  Margaret  J.,  Flora,  Rosa, 
and  Frank. 

REDPATH,  ALAHSOH,  farm- 
er, Sec.  20;  P.  O.  Peoria. 
Richmond,  Monroe,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O.  Granville. 

ROBERTS,  M.  B.,  farmer.  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born  in  High- 
land county,  Ohio,  in  1822;  came 
to  this  State  in  1855,  and  to  this 
county  in  1863 ; previous  to  his 
coming  to  this  State  he  lived 
fifteen  years  in  Indiana;  owns  100 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Mary  A. 
Airy  in  1845;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio;  has  six  children,  Ellen  II., 
Thomas  C.,  Laura  E.,  Mattie  M., 


Hathan  A.,  Orlando  S.;  lost  four, 
Lydia  E.,  Elizabeth  A.,  Charles; 
and  William  A. 

Roberts,  Geo.  A.,  farmer  J Sec.  14; 

P.  O.  Hew  Sharon. 

Rogers,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P.  O. 
Re w Sharon. 

Romine,  James  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 

O.  Hew  Sharon. 

RYAN,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec.  1; 

P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born  in  Ohio 
in  1848;  came  to  this  county  in 
1860;  he  married  Miss  Emma  M. 
Hetsman  in  1872;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio ; has  one  daughter,  Etta 
May. 

SCHROYER,  I1EHRY,  farmer, 
Sec.  6 ; P.  O.  Granville. 

Sexton,  C.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P.  O. 
Flint. 

SHAW, THOMPSON,  farmer,  Sec. 
5 ; P.  O.  Granville;  born  in  Mary- 
land October  9,  1827 ; he  removed 
to  West  Virginia  where  he  re- 
mained several  years,  coming  to 
this  county  in  1865;  owns  360 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Miss 
Louisa  Fazenbaker  November  20, 
1851 ; has  four  children,  three 
sons  and  one  daughter. 

Shaw,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  26 ; P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon. 

Shaw,  E.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  26 ; P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon. 

Shaw,  John  S„  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

SHANGLE,  A.  L-,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Flint;  born  in  Morris  county, 
H.  J.,  in  1831 ; came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1854;  lived  in  Ohio  nine 
years  previous  to  his  coming  to 
this  State;  owns  80  acres  of  land; 
he  has  held  the  offices  of  justice  of 
the  peace,  assessor,  school  director, 
and  secretary  of  the  school  board; 
he  married  Miss  Mary  W.  Tuttle 
in  1859;  she  was  born  in  Morris 
county,  H.  J. ; has  three  children, 
Mark  H.,  Lewis  T.,  and  Fred- 
erick M. 

SHOEMAKE,  P„  farmer,  Sec.  27; 
P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in  this 


PRAIRIE  TOWNSHIP. 


637 


State  in  1843;  owns  160  acres  of 
land;  he  married  Catherine  Ames 
in  1870;  she  was  born  in  New 
Hampshire;  they,  have  three  chil- 
dren, Bertie,  Ida,  and  William. 
SNICKARD,  M.  T.,  farmer  and 
stock  raiser,  Sec.  15;  P.  O.  New 
Sharon;  born  in  Jefferson  county, 
Ohio,  in  1840;  came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  April,  1868;  owns  330  acres 
of  land ; he  married  Miss  Rebecca 
J.  White  in  1868;  she  was  born 
in  the  same  county;  they  have 
five  children,  Elmer  R.,  Cora  F., 
Minnie,  Jennie,  and  Florence. 
Sniff,  Amos,  farmer,  Sec.  8;.  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Smith,  H.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Flint. 

Sproul,  John  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 

O.  New  Sharon. 

SPAIN,  CALEB,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 

P.  O.  Flint;  born  in  Champagne 
county,  Ohio,  in  1825;  came  to 
this  county  October  26,  1856; 
owns  80  acres  of  land;  he  married 
Miss  Esther  A.  Good  in  1852; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio ; they  have 
two  children,  Jesse  M.,  and  Em- 
m&etta 

STEWART,  LEVI,  farmer,  Sec.  3 ; 
P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in  West- 
moreland county,  Pa.,  in  1828; 
he  came  to  this  county  in  1847 ; 
he  owns  160  acres  of  land ; has 
held  the  office  of  town  trustee; 
he  married  Miss  Clara  E.  Stan- 
ley in  1847 ; she  was  born  in  Vir- 
ginia. 

Stewart,  Alexander,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Stewart,  Rush  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Stewart,  S.  T.,  farmer,  See.  3;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Stattler,  F.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P. 
O.  Flint. 

Steen,  Frank,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Stram,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 


Stroum,  G.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Thornburg,  a.,  farmer,  Sec. 

17;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
Thomas,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

THOMAS,  DAVIS,  farmer,  Sec. 
16;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  lie  was 
born  in  Warren  county,  Ohio, 
in  1816,  and  came  to  this 
county  in  1854;  owns  160  acres 
of  land;  he  married  Miss  Han- 
nah A.  B.  Watson,  in  1839;  she 
was  born  in  Maysville,  Ky.,  and 
died  in  1857 ; he  marriod,  for  his 
second  wife,  Elizabeth  Stevens,  in 
1866;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  they 
have  four  children,  Mary  E.,  wife 
of  Jacob  Hall,  E valine,  wife  of 
Jesse  Ellis,  Hannah  R.,  wife  of 
Mahlon  Apple,  Cortland  M.; 
lost  Sylvester  W.  and  Christo- 
pher C. ; enlisted  in  the  4th  Iowa 
Cavalry,  and  died  from  disease 
contracted  in  the  army. 

Thompson,  Nels.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Timbrel,  Jacob  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Grand ville. 

Totten,  C.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  8 ; P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Topleff,  C.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  21 ; P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

TURNER,  JAS.,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O.  Granville;  born  in  Alle- 
gheny county,  Maryland,  Oct.  27, 
1817 ; came  to  this  county,  Dec. 
18,  1864,  owns  191  acres;  he  mar- 
ried Martha  Albernethy  in  1838; 
she  was  born  in  Hampshire  coun- 
ty, Virginia;  he  has  nine  children, 
Elizabeth  S.,  John,  Hannah  J., 
Mary  M.,  Lacey  A.  M.,  Lafayette, 
Laura,  Arthur  and  Vernon. 

VAN  HORN,  E.  R.,  farmer,  Sec. 

14;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

\ A T ATLAND,  OSMAN,  farm- 
V V er,  Sec.  10,  P.  O.  New  Shar- 
on ; born  in  Norway  ip  ’47 ; came  to 
• America  in  1853,  and  lived  for  sev- 
eral years  in  La  Salle  county,  111., 


638 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


and  came  to  this  county  in  1865; 
owns  160  acres  of  land.  He  is  al- 
so connected  with  Pierce  Ratliff 
Esq.,  in  the  sale  of  agricultural 
implements,  under  the  firm  name 
of  Ratliff  & Watland ; he  holds  of- 
fice of  justice  of  the  peace;  he 
married  Miss  Isabel  Sawyer,  in 
1872;  she  was  born  in  La  Salle 
county,  111. ; has  one  child,  J esse  N. 

Watland,  Elsie,  Sec.  10;  P.  O.  Re w 
Sharon. 

Watland,  Oley,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 

O.  Hew  Sharon. 

WATLAND,  THOMAS,  farmer, 
Sec.  11;  P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born 
in  Norway  in  1842;  came  to  Illin- 
ois in  1856,  and  to  this  county  in 
1865;  owns  200  acres  of  land  ; has 
held  office  of  school  director.  He 
married  Bertha  Cleveland  in  1868 ; 
she  was  born  in  Norway;  has  four 
children,  Josephine,  Mary  A.,  Os- 
car, and  Andrew. 

WATLAND,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born  in  Nor- 
way in  1835;  came  to  this  coun- 
try and  settled  in  Illinois  in  1856, 
and  removed  to  this  county  in 
1866;  owns  180  acres  of  land;  he 

JEFPERSO 

ABBOTT,  B.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Hamilton;  owns  96 
acres  land,  valued  at  $25  per  acre; 
born  in  Hew  Jersey  in  1831 ; came 
to  Iowa  in  1866,  and  located  on 
his  present  farm.  Married  Eliza- 
beth Gushwa,  in  1861;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio  in  1838;  have  seven 
children,  Ann,  David,  Sarah,  Wil- 
liam, Mary,  Stephen  and  Charles; 
members  of  M.  E.  Church. 

BLIZZARD,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  Ferry. 

BALES,  DAVID,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Ferry;  owns  120  acres  of 
land,  valued1  at  $25  per  acre;  born 
in  Monroe  county,  Indiana,  1843; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1861,  and  settled 
with  his  parents  in  this  township. 


married  Ellen  Danielson  in  1865; 
She  was  born  in  Norway;  has  five 
children,  Elsie  T.,  Seward,  Rama- 
da,  Addie  B.,  and  Martha. 
Wharton,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 

O.  Flint. 

WHALING,  ISAAC,  farmer,  Sec. 
20;  P.  O.  Flint;  born  in  Wayne 
county,  Pa.,  in  1831;  came  to  this 
county,  in  1855;  owns  eighty 
acres;  he  has  held  offices  of  justice 
of  the  peace,  school  director,  and 
trustee;  he  married  Susan  A. 
Shelby  in  1854;  she  was  born  in 
Pa.,  and  died  July  11,  1855.  He 
afterward  married  Ellen  Hunt, 
July  1,  1857;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio. 

WINTERMUTE,  E.  W.,  farmer, 
Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Hew  Sharon;  born 
in  1841;  came  to  this  county  in 
1858;  owns  160  acres  of  land.  He 
married  Miss  Dollie  A.  Fenker- 
son  in  Nov.  1861;  she  was  born 
in  Maine;  has  five  children,  Ben- 
jamin, Mary  E.,  Lucius,  Willie 
and  Cora;  lost  two  Florence  and 
Carl. 

Woodward,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 

P.  O.  Hew  Sharon. 

rT10"^7vr^TSI3:iF3- 

Married  Sarah  Howies,  in  1863; 
she  was  born  in  this  township  in 
1846;  have  four  children:  Willis, 
Oscar,  John  and  Fanny.  Rep. 
Bonnett,  M.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Hamilton. 

Boles,  Julia  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Bonnett,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  30 ; P. 
O.  Hamilton. 

Boles,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Ferry. 

Boles,  J.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  13 ; P.  O. 
Eveland  Grove. 

Bradley,  G.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Hamilton. 

BUTLER,  P.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Ferry;  owns  400  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $20  per  acre;  born  in 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


639 


Onondaga  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1820; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1838,  and  located 
in  Lee  county;  removed  to  this 
county  in  1855,  and  settled  on  his 
present  farm.  Married  Mary  A. 
Taylor  in  1851;  she  was  born  in 
Venango  county,  Penn.,  in  1823; 
have  six  children:  Livona,  Lodena, 
Jennie,  William  M.,  Alvira  J.,  and 
Louisa ; held  office  of  ounty  super- 
visor seven  years.  Greenback. 

CARMIN,  BENJ.,  farmer,  Sec. 
5;  P.  O.  Bussey. 

Campbell,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; 
P.  O.  Ferry. 

Calloway,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec  32;  P. 
O.  Hamilton. 

Chester,  M.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Chapman,  Patrick,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Clemmons  John,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
; O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Clemmons,  W.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Bussey. 

Covey,  Simon,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Iferry. 

CONE,  NELSON,  fanner,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Eveland  Grove;  owns  forty 
acres  of  land  valued  at  fity  dollars 
per  acre;  born  in  Wayne  county, 
Ohio,  in  1820;  came  to  Iowa  May 
22,  1843,  and  located  on  his 
resent  farm;  was  a resident  of 
angamon  county,  Illinois,  about 
three  years.  Mr.  Cone  has  been 
twice  married;  in  1843  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Sarah  J.  Alien ; she  was 
a native  of  Virginia,  was  born  in 
1821,  and  died  in  1863;  had  two 
children,  C.  P.  and  W.  J ; married 
again  in  1865  to  Esta  M.  Henness; 
she  was  born  in  Van  Buren  Co., 
Iowa,  in  1843;  have  one  child, 
Lucy.  Mr.  Cone  has  held  differ- 
ent township  offices,  and  been 
county  supervisor  one  year,  and 
represented  the  county  in  1874; 
Christian  church;  Democrat.  • 
CROMWELL,  GEORGE,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Eddyville;  owns  228£  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $20  per  acre; 
39 


born  in  New  York  City  in  1815, 
came  to  Iowa  in  1849,  and  settled 
on  his  present  farm.  Mr.  C. 
has  been  twice  married;  in  1850 
he  married  Mary  J.  Lee;  she  was 
born  in  Indiana  in  1833,  and  died 
in  1855;  had  two  children,  Mar- 
garet and  Katie;  and  in  1866 
married  Mary  Ann  McIntosh ; 
she  was  born  in  Illinois  in  1834; 
have  three  children,  Charles,  Mary 
Ann  and  George.  Mr.  C.  served 
two  enlistments  in  the  regular 
army;  was  all  through  the  Mexi- 
can War. 

Crabill,  Uriah  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

DARNELL,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec. 
8;  P.  O.  Bussey. 

Darnell,  Sumner,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Busesy. 

Dornan,  Hugh,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Ferry. 

Dornan,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Ferry. 

EVANS,  J.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Ferry;  owns  178-J  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $25  per  acre;  born 
in  Maryland,  in  1822;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1853,  and  located  in  Jones 
county,  and  removed  to  his  pres- 
ent farm  in  1869;  married  Lucy 
Gerrard  in  1844;  she  was  born  in 
Miami  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1827 ; have  five 
children  living,  Mary  J.,  Jessie  A., 
Eleanora,  Edward  M.  and  Ann; 
enlisted  in  Co.  G,  31st  Regiment 
Iowa  Infantry,  in  1862,  and  was 
discharged  in  1865.  He  received 
a commission  as  captain,  in  March, 
1863.  Republican. 

EVELAND,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Ferry;  owns  470  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre;  born 
in  Morgan  County,  Ohio,  in  183  8; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1843,  and  located 
in  Muscatine  county;  removed  to 
this  county  in  1855;  married 
Elizabeth  Wilson  in  1853;  she 
was  born  in  Dauphin  county, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1828;  have  four 
children,  Alice,  Ida  M.,  Jessie  N., 


640 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


and  Elmer;  he  has  three  children 
by  a former  wife,  Sarah  E.,  Free- 
man and  Egbert  S.  He  has  been 
justice  of  the  peace  two  years  and 
trustee  ten.  Greenback. 

EYELAND,  HENRY,  farmer,  Sec. 
1;  P.  O.  Ferry;  owns  183  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $40  per  acre;  born 
in  Morgan  county,  Ohio,  in  1828; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1853,  and  settled 
on  his  present  farm;  married 
Haddasah  Campbell,  in  1857 ; she 
was  born  in  DeWitt  county,  Illi- 
nois, in  1838;  has  four  children, 
Charlie,  Mary  M.,  Dick  and  Nel- 
lie; has  been  township  trustee  one 
term.  Greenback. 

FERRALL,  T.  O.,  farmer,  Sec. 

40;  P.  O.  Hamilton. 

Flanders,  Azariah,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Ferry. 

Foster,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Ferry. 

FOTHERGILL,  ALLEN,  farmer, 
Sec.  3;  P.  O.  Ferry;  owns  273 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre;  born  in  England  in  1831; 
came  to  America  in  1843;  located 
in  Iowa,  in  1851;  married  Ellen 
C.  Blizzard,  in  1862;  she  was  born 
in  Ohio,  in  1841;  she  is  a member 
of  the  M.  E.  church. 

Frye,  Ann  E.,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Eve- 
land  Grove. 

Francis,  O.  F.,  farmer  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Bussey. 

GRAY,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Eveland  Grove. 

HARRIS,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  23. 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 
Havener,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Ferry. 

Hallowell,  Sarah,  Sec.  6;  P.  O.  Bus- 
sey. 

Harriott,  Amos,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Hays,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  M. 
Ferry. 

Holcomb,  Lewis  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; 
P.  O.  Ferry. 

Havener,  Thos.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Ferry. 


Hill,  Rachel,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P.  0. 
Eveland  Grove. 

HITES,  EMANUEL,  farmer,  Sec. 
12;  P.  O.  Ferry;  owns  152  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Jefferson  county,  Ohio,  in 
1815;  came  to  Iowa  in  1855,  and 
settled  in  Marion  county,  removed 
to  his  present  farm  in  1867 ; mar- 
ried Phebe  Natliers,  in  1844;  she 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1819; 
have  nine  children,  David  S.,  Ann 
Elizabeth,  Daniel  Ambrose,  Lean- 
der,  Sarah  J.,  George,  Yalentine, 
Thomas  L.  and  William  Theodore; 
lost  two  sons  in  the  U.  S.  army. 
Member  of  Lutheran  Church.  Re- 
publican. 

Holsclaw  Arthur,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Holmes,  Mathew,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Ferry. 

Hoit,  Nicholas,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Hoit,  Amasa,  farmer,  Sec.  32 ; P.  O. 
Bellefontaine. 

Hoit,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Bellefontaine. 

HENNESS,  JOHN  L., farmer,  Sec. 
28 ; P.  O.  Eveland  Grove;  owns  1000 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25  per  acre ; 
born  in  Belmont  county,  Ohio,  in 
1813;  came  to  Iowa  in  1835,  and 
settled  in  Burlington;  removed  to 
this  county  in  1843,  and  located 
in  Des  Moines  township;  removed 
to  his  farm  in  1864;  married  Ruth 
J.  Long  in  1860;  she  was  born  in 
Green  county,  Pa.,  in  1836;  had 
two  children,  Thomas  J.,  and  John 
W.  Mr.  Henness  was  married, 
the  second  time  to  Ruth  Long, 
and  has  five  children  by  this  mar- 
riage, Sarah  A.,  Jane,  Madora, 
Helen,  and  F.  M. 

Hunter,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Eveland  Grove. 

TEFFORDS,  JOHN  farmer,  Sec. 

J 15;  P.  O.  Eveland  Grove ; owns 
70  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $20  per 
acre;  born  in  Morgan  county, 
Ohio,  in  1827;  came  to  Iowa  in 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


641 


1865,  and  settled  on  liis  present 
farm;  married  Nancy  Mehanna  in 
1849;  she  was  born  in  Morgan 
county,  Ohio,  in  1830 ; have  four 
children,  Arthur  A.,  Lucy  P., 
Charles  H.,  and  Hattie  M.;  are 
members  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian Church.  Greenback. 

JONES,  PRICE,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Eveland  Grove;  owns  160 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25  per 
acre;  born  in  Monroe  county,  Ohio, 
in  1839;  came  to  Iowa  in  1845, 
and  settled  in  this  township;  has 
been  twice  married;  in  1868  to 
Dorcas  L.  Long;  she  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1846,  and  died  in 
1872;  had  two  children,  Joseph  J. 
and  Alva;  he  married  again  in 
1876  to  Jane  McDowl;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio  in  1852;  have  one 
child,  Willie  A.  Mr.  Jones  en- 
listed in  Co.  C,  7th  Iowa  Infantry, 
in  1861,  and  was  discharged  in 
1865.  Greenback. 

JONES, WALTER  N.,  farmer,  Sec. 
16;  post-master  Eveland  Grove; 
owns  80  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
$30  per  acre;  born  in  Fulton 
county,  Illinois,  in  1838;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1868,  and  settled  on  his 
present  farm;  married  Anna  Wy- 
koff  in  1861;  she  was  bom  in 
Peoria  county,  Illinois,  in  1841 ; 
have  six  children,  Laura  R.,  Mar- 
tin L.,  Seth  A.,  Chester  W.,  Edgar 

N.,  and  Freddie  G,  Mr.  Jones 
enlisted  in  Co.  D,  112th  Illinois 
Inf.  in  1864,  and  was  discharged 
in  1865;  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church. 

Johnson,  John  R,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Hamilton. 

Jones,  Margaret,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Bellefontaine. 

K1TTERMAN,  PHILLIP,  far- 
mer, Sec.  32;  P.  O.  Belle- 
fontaine. 

T ANING,  LUCY,  Sec.  25;  P. 
J— i O.  Eddyville. 

Lawrence,  Andrew,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 


Lee,  Albert  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Lewis,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O. 
Hamilton. 

Louman,  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Bellefontaine. 

Long,  Mary,  Sec.  22;  P.  O.  Eveland 
Grove. 

Lockwood,  Wm.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  1; 

P.  O.  Ferry. 

Long,  Lemuel,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P.  O. 
Hamilton. 

Lyman,  Horace,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  Bussey. 

MATTOX,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 
P.  O.  Ferry;  owns  160  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $25  per  acre; 
born  in  Butler  county,  Ohio,  in 
1819;  came  to  Iowa  in  1845,  and 
located  on  his  present  farm;  mar- 
ried Harriett  Lee  in  1838;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio  in  1822,  and 
died  in  1872;  had  thirteen  child- 
ren, nine  sons  and  four  daughters ; 
was  married  again  to  Hannah 
Walker  in  1873;  she  was  born  in 
Logan  county,  Illinois,  in  1849; 
has  one  child,  Ina  L.  Democrat. 
Mattox,  Christopher,  farmer,  Sec. 
11;  P.  O.  Ferry. 

Martin,  Wm.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Ferry. 

McClure,  Jesse,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

McElroy,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

McClure,  Thcs.,  farmer,  Sec.  15 ; P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

McCormick, Mohn,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Bussey. 

Mehanna,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Mehanna,  Alonzo,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Mefford,  W.  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Hamilton. 

Moore,  Sampson,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Moore,  Hamilton,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Mosley,  Michael,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Hamilton. 


642 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Myers,  G.  W.  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P.  O. 
Hamilton. 

OSWAUNDLE,  HENRY,  farm- 
er, Sec.  32;  P.  O.  Bellfon- 
taine. 


PATTERSON,  SARAH,  Sec.  15; 

P.  O.  Everland  Grove. 
Pearson,  Mary,  Sec.  52;  P.  O.  Bell- 
fontaine. 

Powell,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; P. 
O. . 


Pringle,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P. 
O.  Bussey. 

Pringle,  Lucy,  Sec.  20;  P.  O.  Bus- 
sey. 


AY,  LYDIA,  Sec.  — ; P.  O. 


Beid,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Hamilton. 

Reid,  N.  A.  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Ferry. 

Roberts,  D.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Rogers,  Ashford,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Bussey. 

Rutherford,  Andrew,  farmer,  Sec. 
28;  P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

SANDERS,  ROBT.  S.,  farmer, 
Sec.  19;  P.  O.  Bussey. 
Sanders,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 
O.  Bussey. 

Shuck,  Jane,  Sec.  36;  P.  O.  Eddy- 
ville. 

Stroud,  Smith,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Shaw,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  18 ; P.  O. 
Bussey. 

Sullivan,  Harding,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Stroud,  Elizabeth,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Hamilton. 

Strain,  Catherine,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Ferry. 

Sullivan,  Dan’l.,  farmer,  See.  31;  P. 
O.  Hamilton. 

Sullivan,  E.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Hamilton. 

THOMAS,  A.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Hamilton. 

Tofflemyer,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 


Tofflemyer  Eph.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Tofflemyer  David,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Turner,  Alfred,  farmer,  Sec.  33.  P. 

O.  Hamilton. 

Tucker,  James  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 

P.  O.  Hamilton. 

\ A T AY,  JOSHUA,  farmer,  Sec. 
V V 6;  P.  O.  Bussey;  owns 
1,700  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $20 
per  acre ; born  in  W ayne  county, 
Indiana,  in  1822;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1843.  Married  Lois  Dowel,  in 
1843 ; she  was  born  in  Licking  Co., 
Ohio,  in  1827,  and  died  in  1853; 
had  two  children,  Emily  and  Lyd- 
ia; was  married  again  in  1855,  to 
Ruth  Ridlen ; she  was  born  in  De- 
catur county,  Ind.,  in  1835;  have 
five  children : Seth,  Chas.  Owen, 
Walter  S.,  Wm.  J.,  and  Horace 
Parker.  Republican. 
WATCHINSON,  JNO.,  farmer, Sec. 
19;  P.  O.  Bussey;  owns  78  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre ; born 
in  Muskingum  county,  Ohio,  in 
1823;  came  to  Iowa  in  1866,  and 
located  on  his  present  farm.  Mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Gray,  in  1847 ; she 
was  born  in  Washington  county, 
Penn.,  in  1827 ; have  four  children: 
Mary  L.,  Sarah  L.,  Alta  J.,  Eva 
E.  Are  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  Republican. 

West,  R.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P.  O. 
Eveland  Grove. 

Werner,  Rosina,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 

WELDON,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  35 ; 

P.  O.  Ferry;  owns  213  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre ; born 
in  New  Jersey,  in  1812;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1853,  and  settled  on  his 
present  farm  in  the  same  year. 
Married  Priscilla  McPherson,  in 
1845;  she  was  born  in  Cateraugus 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1826 ; children  : 
Dellana,  Alexander,  Washington, 
and  John.  Democrat. 

WHARTON,  ROBEBT,  farmer, 


DES  MOINES  TOWNSHIP. 


643 


Sec.  7;  P.  O.  Bussey;  owns  280 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre;  born  in  Morgan  Co.,  Ohio, 
in  1818;  came  to  Iowa  in  1854, 
and  settled  on  his  present  farm; 
married  Mary  J.  Ashing,  in  1857; 
she  was  born  in  1836;  have  four 
children:  Isaac  W.,  Leroy  P.,  Ta- 
bitha  A.,  and  Alice.  Mr.  W.  has 
six  children  by  a former  wife : 
John,  Tris'tram,  Catharine,  Nancy, 
J.  Anna,  and  Thomas.  Mr.  W.  was 
a member  of  the  board  of  super- 
visors two  vears.  Democrat. 

WHITE,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec. 
36;  P.  O.  Eddy ville ; owns  210 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre;  born  in  North  Carolina  in 
1816;  came  to  Iowa  in  1852.  Mar- 
ried Mary  Noe,  in  1840;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio,  in  1820 ; have  three 
children:  John  N.,  Thos.  J.,  and 
Oliver  T.  Mr.  White  has  been 
justice  of  the  peace  for  seven  years. 
Are  members  of  Socety  of  Friends. 
Democrat. 

EES  ZMIOESTES 

ALLEN,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Allen,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P. 
O.  Ferry. 

Allbaugh,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

BARNETT,  L.  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 

24;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Barnett,  F.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Barnett,  John  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Barnett,  John  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Eddyville, 

Barton,  Leonard,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Given. 

Baxter,  John,  saloon  keeper  and 
coal  miner;  P.  O.  Muchakinock. 
Ball,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Belzer,  Felix,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Given. 


Whiteman,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 

O.  Ferry. 

Wharton,  James  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  7; 

P.  O.  Bussey. 

Wharton,  Washington,  farmer,  Sec. 

32;  P.  O.  Hamilton. 
WHARTON,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Bussy;  owns  345  acres  land, 
valued  at  $20  per  acre;  born  in 
Guernsey  county,  Ohio,  in  1830; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1860,  and  settled 
in  this  township.  Married  Leah 
Littler,  in  1858;  she  was  born  in 
Grant  county,  Indiana,  in  1836; 
have  eight  children:  John,  Eliza, 
Almira,  Seth,  Cora,  Mary  A.,  Rob- 
ert, and  William.  Democrat. 
White,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Wharton,  17.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 

O.  Bussey. 

Wiggins,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 

P.  O.  Eveland  Grove. 

Wiggins,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 

O.  Eveland  Grove. 


rroTTsT-nsrsiiiE. 

Belzer,  Stephen,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 

O.  Given. 

Beamer,  LI.  C.,  Sec.  35;  P.  O.  Eddy- 
ville. 

Blackstone,  T.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 

P.  O.  Given. 

Bonnett,  W.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

BREWER,  HARRY,  farmer,  Sec- 
12;  P.  O.  Given;  was  born  in 
Cooperstown,  Otsego  county,  N. 
Y.,  November,  19,  1815,  he  emi- 
grated to  Whiteside,  county,  Ills., 
in  1835;  he  came  to  Van  Buren 
county,  Iowa,  in  the  spring  of 
1842,  and  to  this  cnunty,  April 
20th,  1843,  and  staked  out  his 
claim  after  midnight  on  May  1st., 
this  being  as  soon  as  they  were 
allowed;  he  entered  160  acres 
and  has  now  550  acres.  ILe  mar- 
ried Hellen  M.  Adams,  March  13, 


644 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


1844.  She  was  born  in  Licking 
county,  Ohio,  December  16, 1826; 
she  came  to  Iowa  in  1839,  and  to 
this  county  in  April,  1844;  have 
six  sons  and  one  daughter,  Emily, 
(now  Mrs.  F.  McGrew,)  George 
W.,  Frank  P.,  Edward  D.,  Web- 
ster L.,  John  E.,  and  Albert  H. 
Brown,  William  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Given. 

Brunt,  William  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Brown,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Given. 

CASTLE,  FRANK,  farmer  and 
stone  cutter,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Given. 

Chilton,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.,  Given. 

Chapman,  Ed  , farmer,  Sec.  29 ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Clark,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Given. 

Cline,  Hannah,  Sec.  30;  P.  O.  Eddy- 
ville. 

Covey,  H.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Given. 

Coakley,  Michael,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O. . • 

COX,  J.  w.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
Eddyville ; owns  200  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born 
in  Indiana,  in  1842  ; came  to  Iowa 
in  1855,  and  located  in  this  town- 
ship; married  M.  C.  Gaines,  in 
1866;  she  was  born  in  Indiana,  in 
1848;  have  one  child,  Charlie  A. 
Greenback. 

CRAIN,  FRANCIS  M.,  farmer, 
Sec.  22;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  owns 
198  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $20 
per  acre;  born  in  Lee  county, 
Iowa,  in  1842;  came  here  with 
parents  in  1844;  married  Marga- 
ret L.  Wilson  in  1864;  she  was 
born  in  this  county  in  1849;  have 
three  children,  Mary  A.,  Jacob  A. 
S..  and  Bertha;  Mr.  C.  enlisted 
in  Co.  D,  36th  Iowa  Infantry,  in 
1862,  and  discharged  in  1865. 

DAYIS,  GEO.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 
21 ; P.  O.  Eddyville. 


Davis,  John  S.,  Sec.  10;  P.  O.  Giv- 
en. 

Dennin,  Patrick,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Delong,  Leo  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 

O.  Beacon. 

Delashmutt,  D.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 

P.  O.  Beacon. 

Doyle,  Edward,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 

O.  Given. 

Downing,  Wm.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 

P.  O.  Given. 

EDWARDS,  DAYID,  W.,  far- 
mer, Sec.  24;  P.  O.  Given. 
ENGLAND,  H.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 
P.  O.  Eddyville;  born  in  Athens 
county,  Ohio,  in  1835;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1856  and  located  in  this 
township;  married  Amelia  Chil- 
cote  in  1856;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio  in  1839;  have  seven  chil- 
dren, William,  Samuel  B.,  Mary, 
Emma,  Sherman,  Laura,  and 
Pearl.  Republican. 

England,  J.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O Eddyville. 

FISHER,  C.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Followill,  Elizabeth,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Funk,  Jesse,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

GREEN,  AV.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Beacon;  owns  158 
acres  of  land  valued  at  $40  per 
acre;  born  in  Green  county,  Pa  , 
in  1827;  came  to  Iowa  in  1861 
and  located  in  Oskaloosa ; re- 
moved to  present  farm  in  1864; 
married  Mary  L.  Stephen  in  1860; 
she  was  born  in  Monroe  Co.,  Ohio, 
in  1831;  have  live  children,  Em- 
ma Frances,  John  W.,  Elijah, 
Mary  J.,  and  Ella;  Mr.  G.  has 
one  child,  Ann  Eliza,  by  a former 
wife.  Republican. 

Godfrey,  Benj.,  farmer,  Sec.  J ; P. 
O.  Beacon. 

HARRIS,  D.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 
5 ; P.  O.  Given. 

Hall,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 


EHS  MOINES  TOWNSHIP. 


645 


Hait,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  10 ; P.  O. 
Given. 

Heki,  Bryant  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Given. 

Heki,  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O.  Ed- 
dyville. 

Henry,  Win.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Henness,  F.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  IT ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Hites,  David  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  T ; P. 
O.  Ferry. 

Hill,  Jonathan,  Sec.  21;  P.  O.  Ed- 
dyville. 

Holden,  D.  H.,  Sec.  21;  P.  O.  Ed- 
dyville. 

Hoff,  Z.,  Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Given. 
Houghtaling,  S.  J.,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Hughes,  John  E.,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Given. 

Hughes,  Even,  Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Given. 
TAGER,  JOHN,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
cJ  Eddyville;  owns  269  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre;  born 
in  France,  in  1839;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1858,  and  located  in  Lee  county; 
removed  to  this  county  in  1866; 
married  Katie  Samon  in  1866; 
she  was  born  in  Iowa  in  1844; 
has  live  children,  John  G.,  Wil- 
liam, Richard,  George,  Mary. 
Democrat. 

Jackson,  Samuel,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Given. 

Jenkins,  David,  Sec. — ; P.  O.  Given. 
Jenkins,  William,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Given. 

Johnson,  O.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Johnson,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

KASART,  PHILLIP,  farmer, 

Sec.  — ; P.  O. 

Kentfield,  R.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Given. 

Keener,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

T AFORCE,  PRESLEY,  farmer, 
J— i Sec.  8;  P.  O.  Beacon. 

Lee,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 


Lee,  William  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Little,  John  W.  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Edyville. 

Linderman,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 

29;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Loughridge,  Mary,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Given. 

Logan,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

McLAUGHLIN,  PAT,  miner, 
Muchakinock. 

McMahan,  Pat,  miner,  Muchakinock. 
McGill,  Pat,  miner,  Muchakinock. 
McFall,  Wm.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

McCrea,  J.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

McFall,  C.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Given. 

McNEILL,  H.  W.,  Muchakinock. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  in  Peoria,  Peoria  county,  111., 
June  18,  1847;  his  parents  moved 
to  Frostburg,  Maryland,  two  years 
later,  where  he  lived  until  he 
became  of  age;  at  the  age  of 
seventeen  he  attended  the  Univer- 
sity of  Virginia  located  at  Charles- 
town; during  his  junior  year  the 
university  was  closed  by  the 
rebels;  from  there  he  went  to  the 
Rock  River  Seminary,  in  Ogle 
county,  Illinois,  and  went  through 
the  course  of  the  graduating  class 
of  1865;  from  1865  to  1868  he 
took  a law  course  in  Ogle  county; 
in  1869  he  went  to  Springfield, 
Ills.,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar; 
he  left  there  the  same  year  and 
came  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Hardin 
county;  he  there  formed  a part- 
nership in  the  practice  of  law  with 
Gov.  E.  W.  Eastman,  of  Eldora, 
where  he  continued  until  1871;  he 
then  accepted  the  general  agency 
of  the  Iowa  Central  Railroad;  he 
remained  with  the  above  company 
until  1873;  he  then  embarked  in 
the  coal  business,  organizing  the 
Iowa  Central  Coal  Company,  and 
was  its  president  until  it  was 


646 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAltASRA  COUNTY. 


absorbed  by  the  Consolidation 
Coal  Company,  two  years  later,  of 
which  company  he  is  still  general 
manager;  he  is  also  president  of 
the  Muchakinock  Coke  and  Fire 
Clay  Company;  he  married  Miss 
Lizzie  Phillips,  a native  of  Frost- 
burg,  Maryland,  in  1870;  they 
have  one  daughter,  Annie  by 
name,  lost  one  son,  Charles  G. 

Moore,  S.  17.,  farmer,  Sec.  33 ; P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Moran,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Morris,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Given. 

Moak,  W.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Moran,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Mobley,  J.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Given. 

MYRICK,  E.W.,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Eddyville;  owns  344  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre;  born 
in  Athens  county,  Ohio,  in  1825; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1850,  aud  settled 
on  present  farm;  Mr.  M.  has  been 
twice  married;  in  1850  he  mar- 
ried Mary  Grant,  a native  of 
Meigs  county,  Ohio;  they  had  six 
children,  Mary  Francis,  Caroline, 
James  L.,  Martha  M.,  Helen  and 
Charles  L;  married  again  in  1875 
to  Susanna  Smith,  a native  of  De- 
catur county,  Indiana.  Mr.  M.  is 
a member  of  the  board  of  super- 
visors, elected  in  1877 ; Republi- 
can. 

NOE,  J.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

ODEM,  THOMAS,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Odem,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Olney,  Y.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P.  O. 
Given. 

PATRICK,  MORGAN,  farmer, 
Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Beacon;  owns 
298  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $15 
per  acre;  born  in  North  Carolina, 
in  1818;  came  to  Iowa  in  1853, 


and  located  in  this  county;  mar- 
ried Ary  Wilcox  in  1844;  she  was 
born  in  North  Carolina,  in  1826; 
have  six  children,  Mary,  William, 
George,  Albert,  Williamina  and 
Roderick;  married  again,  in  1866, 
to  Mary  Glass;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio,  in  1828;  have  two  children, 
Charlie  and  Norman. 

Page,  William  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Pithoud,  P.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Beacon. 

Pickerel,  Josiah,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Plum,  A.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Given. 

RAINSBARGER,  JOHN,  farm- 
er, Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 
Rees,  Thomas  Sr.,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

RIDDLE,  J.H.,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Eddyville;  owns  80  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Fayette  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  1839;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1868,  and  located  on  his  present 
farm ; married  Tabitha  H.  Keener 
in  1862;  she  was  born  in  Greene 
county,  Pennsylvania,  in  1839; 
have  three  children,  Minnie  V., 
Willie  G.  and  May  S.;  member 
of  M.  E.  church.  Greenback. 
Roberts,  Lewis,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Given. 

SIPES,  JAMES  L.,  farmer,  Sec. 
26;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  owns  250 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre;  born  in  Schuyler  county, 
Missouri,  in  1840;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1847,  and  located  in  Wapello 
county;  removed  to  this  county 
in  1867;  married  Octava  J.  Bar- 
nett, in  1871;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio  in  1839;  has  three  children, 
Ida  A.,  Lillie  A.  and  Christena. 
Democrat. 

Smith,  C.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Smith,  Stephen,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


647 


Smith,  John  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 

O.  Eddyville. 

Spencer,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Spencer,  Edward,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Given. 

Sprague,  William  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 

17 ; P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Stoner,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

TAYLOR,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 

19;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Thomas,  John  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Thomas,  J.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Thomas,  J ohn  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  23 ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Thorp,  Peter  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

ADAIR  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Cedar. 

Alder,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Allison,  Jane,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Arnold,  David,  farmer,  Sec,  15;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Baker,  Andrew,  farmer, 

Sec.  20;  P.  O.  Eddyville  ; 
has  a farm  of  205  acres  and 
35  acres  of  timber;  was  born  in 
Wayne  county,  Ohio,  July  4, 1850 ; 
his  parents  emigrated  to  this  Co. 
when  he  was  about  two  years  old; 
he  still  has  the  wagon  and  harness 
his  parents  emigrated  to  this  Co. 
with,  27  years  ago.  He  married 
M iss  Eva  B.  Riggs,  October  15th, 
1873;  she  is  a native  of  Warwick 
Co.,  Indiana.  No  family. 

Barber,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

BARBER.  JOSEPH  B.,  farmer, 
Sec.  20;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  owns  a 
farm  of  120  acres;  was  born  in 
Louzerne  county,  Penn.,  March  12, 
1846;  he  came  to  this  county  in 
June,  1860.  He  married  Miss 
40 


Thompson,  L.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 

P.  O.  Muchakinock. 

Tottman,  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Truax,  Thomas  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

UNDERW  OOD,  M.,  farmer,  Sec. 

16;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

T A T EBSTER,  S.  P.,  farmer,  Sec. 
V V 19;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 
Whitsel,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Given. 

Whitsel,  H.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Given. 

Williams,  Watkins,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Given. 

Wright,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Muchaknock. 


Anna  E.  Benford,  Sept.  14,  1870; 
she  is  a native  of  Boston,  Mass.; 
has  a family  of  two  sons,  Charles 
W.,  and  Clyde  C. 

Barber,  Anna,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Barnes,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Baird,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Barrett,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Barrett,  Isabel,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Barnes,  J.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Baughman,  A.  J.,  lives  in  Oskaloosa. 
BEAN,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Council  Bluffs;  farm  contains  260 
acres;  born  near  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  in 
1809;  his  parents  removed  to  Pike 
county,  Mo.,  while  he  was  quite 
young,  where  he  lived  until  he 
was  sixteen  years  old;  he  then 
went  to  Illinois;  he  came  to  this 
county  in  1844,  and  was  one  of 
the  first  settlers;  he  married  Nan- 
cy Hilleary,  a native  of  Adams 
county,  Ills.,  in  1833;  have  three 


648 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


sons  and  fonr  daughters,  Emily 
(now  Mrs.  John  Loughridge), 
Jane  (now  Mrs.  Joseph  A.  Lind- 
ly),  James,  Amilda  (now  Mrs.  W. 
H.  Orton),  Thomas,  William  H., 
Charlotte  A.  (now  Mrs.  G.  H. 
Clark),  and  have  adopted  one  son 
and  one  daughter,  Lois  and  Isaac 
Bridges. 

Bernard,  John  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Blackwood,  Mary,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 

P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Bolen,  T.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Kirkville. 

Bones,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Muchakinock. 

BOYELL,  J.  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  was  horn  in  Indiana 
in  1819;  moved  with  his  parents 
to  Illinois  when  about  two  years 
old;  came  to  this  county  in  1850; 
married  Elizabeth  W.  Means  April 
4,  1844;  have  a family  of  five 
daughters  and  one  son,  Susan  E., 
Anna  J.,  Mary  A.,  Flora  E.,  Ollie 
E.,  and  Elmer  A. 

BRIGGS,  MRS.  RHODA,  farmer, 
Sec.  34;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  was  born 
in  Columbiana  county,  Ohio, 
June  16,  1831;  came  to  Iowa  and 
to  Eddyville  in  the  spring  of  1851. 
Mrs.  Briggs’  maiden  name  was 
Ewing,  a native  of  Gallia  county, 
Ohio.  Married  May  22,  1859. 
Mr.  Briggs’  death  occurred  August 
12,  1871,  an  account  of  which  will 
be  found  elsewhere.  He  left  a 
family  of  three  sons  and  three 
daughters,  William  G.,  John  D., 
Anna  Eliza,  Sarah  E.,  Edwin  T., 
and  Georgia  E. 

Briggs,  Jane,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Bridgetts,  Isaac,  laborer,  Sec.  31 ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Brubaker,  Yalentine,  farmer,  Sec. 

15;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Buckler,  Harvey,  farmer,  Sec.  5 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

BUFFINGTON,  WM.  H.,  farmer, 
Sec.  36;  P.  O.  Kirkville;  was  born 


in  Jackson  county,  W.  Va.,  in 
1799;  he  lived  there  until  1841, 
and  then  moved  to  Louisa  county, 
Iowa;  lived  there  about  six  years, 
and  then  removed  to  Marion  coun- 
ty, Iowa;  he  remained  there  until 
1848,  and  then  came  to  this  coun- 
ty; has  been  married  twice;  he 
married  Mary  Rowley,  a native  of 
New  York,  in  1820;  she  died  in 
1842;  he  married  again  to  Sarah 
Holmes,  a native  of  Adams  county, 
Ohio,  in  1849;  has  nine  children 
by  first  marriage,  Elizabeth,  Chloe, 
Joseph  W.,  William  J.,  Marguret, 
Rebecca,  Nancy,  Samuel,  and 
Mary;  two  sons  and  one  daughter 
by  the  second  marriage,  Zachariah 
T.,  Annie,  and  Elijah  H. ; has  a 
farm  of  160  acres. 

BURGESS,  SAMUEL,  farmer, Sec. 
34;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  born  in  In- 
diana in  1840;  came  to  Mahaska 
county  in  1851 ; married  to  Han- 
nah Hartshorn  in  1860;  has  a 
family  of  four  daughters  and  two 
sons,  Josie,  Nettie,  Maggie,  Ar vil- 
la, William,  and  Baby. 

Burnes,  Wm.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 

O.  Eddyville. 

Burns,  Samuel  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 

P.  O.  Eddyville. 

CARPENTER,  H.  A.,  farmer, 
Sec.  6;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Carpenter,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Carpenter,  William  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 

6;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
CARPENTER, EDWARD  T.,Sec. 
1,  farmer;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
a farm  of  80  acres;  was  born  in 
Boone  county,  Ky. ; his  parents 
moved  from  there  when  he  was 
very  young,  and  went  to  Switzer- 
land county,  Indiana,  where  he 
lived  until  1875,  and  then  came 
to  this  county.  He  married 
Amanda  L.  Facemyre  in  1870,  a 
native  of  Indiana;  they  have  three 
children,  Harry  K.,  Lewis,  and 
Lucy  May.  He  served  three 
years  in  the  late  war  in  Co.  H, 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


649 


41st  Regiment  Cavalry,  Indiana 
Volunteers;  was  taken  prisoner  at 
Noonan,  Ga.,  and  was  confined  in 
the  Andersonville  prison  about 
four  months  before  he  was  ex- 
changed. 

Chambers,  James,  miner,  Sec.  7 ; P. 
O.  Muchakinock. 

Chandler,  C.  JI.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Chambers,  Francis,  miner,  Sec.  7; 

P.  O.  Muchakinock. 

Clark,  George  JEL,  M.  E.  preacher, 
Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

COLEMAN,  A.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Cedar;  he  was  born  in 
Burlington,  Iowa,  in  1845;  came 
to  this  county  in  September,  1873. 
He  married  Elizabeth  S.  Yeisley, 
December,  1867,  from  Cedar 
county,  Iowa;  they  have  two  sons 
and  one  daughter,  Charles  A., 
Joseph  C.,  and  Lydia  A.  He  en- 
listed in  company  A,  18th  Iowa 
Infantry,  at  Clinton  in  1862.  He 
re-enlisted  in  Cedar  county  in 
company  K.,  8th  Iowa  Cavalry, 
in  1863,  and  was  mustered  out 
September,  1863,  at  Clinton,  Iowa; 
has  been  township  clerk  for  eight 
years. 

COOK,  ABNER,  farmer,  Sec.  26, 
P.  O.  Eddyville;  born  in  Harri- 
son county,  Ohio,  in  1840;  came 
to  Iowa,  Wapello  county,  in  1851. 
In  1870,  he  moved  to  this  county; 
he  married  Charlotta  Shawver, 
from  Ohio,  in  1864;  they  have 
one  son  and  three  daughters, 
Samuel  C.,  Mary  F.,  Stella  and 
Malinda. 

Crisswell,  M.  R.,  carpenter,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

CROSSON,  OLIVER  J.,  Sec.  30, 
farmer;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  farm 
contains  112  acres;  was  born  in 
Des  Moines  county,  Iowa,  May 
28,  1842,  his  parents  moved  to 
this  county  when  he  was  about 
ten  months  old,  his  father  was  one 
of  the  first  settlers  of  the  county; 
he  married  Mary  J.,  daughter  of 


C.  N.  Smith,  December  23,  1862; 
She  was  born  in  Des  Moines  coun- 
ty, Iowa,  in  1844;  have  three  sons 
and  one  daughter;  Flora  L.,  born 
November  28, 1863,  Fred  N.,  born 
December  1,  1865,  Joseph  M., 
born  September  23,  1870,  Sidney 
P.,  born  January  16,  1876. 

CROZIER  C.  E.,  Sec.  3;  farmer, 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  he  owns  a farm 
of  ninety-one  and  one-half  acres; 
was  born  in  Shelby  county,  Ohio, 
March  3,  1845 ; he  lived  there  ten 
years;  his  parents  then  emigrated 
to  this  county  in  1856;  he  marri- 
ed Miss  Eliza  E.  White,  May  20, 
1875;  she  was  born  in  Jasper 
county,  Iowa;  have  one  daughter, 
Minnie  M. 

DAVIS,  M.  M.  B.,  farmer,  Sec. 

16;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Dalin,  John,  miner,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Muchakinock. 

Denning,  Philip,  farmer,  Sec.  27; 
P.  OrEddyville. 

Delashmutt,  Catherine,  farmer,  Sec. 

27 ; P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Deady,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Douaghy,  A.  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Dye,  R.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 


EMMERT,  THOS.  R.,  farmer, 
Sec.  24,  P.  O.  Cedar;  was 
born  in  Boone  county  Indiana,  Ju- 
ly 24.  1846;  he  lived  there  about 
twenty- one  years,  and  then  moved 
to  Warren  county,  Ills.,  lived  there 
three  years,  and  then  came  to  this 
county  in  1870;  he  married  Miss 
Martha  Higgason,  a native  of  In- 
diana, in  1867;  they  have  one  son 
and  two  daughters,  Wm.  A.,  Avis 
B.,  and  Mary  M.  They  have  a 


farm  of  320  acres. 

Emmert,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec.  1, 
Cedar  P.  O. 

FAIS,  II.  C.,  Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Ed- 
dyville. 

Fais,  Gervais,  clerk,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 


650 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Fenton,  Thos.,  section  boss,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Fitzgerald,  John,  section  boss,  Sec. 

31;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Fitzgerald,  Thos.,  laborer,  Sec.  31, 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Fletcher,  Esther,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Muchakinock. 

Fox  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  Cedar 
P.  O. 

Fox,  Albert,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Fox,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Free  Mary,  farmer.  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Frederick,  Win.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Free,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

GARRETT,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec. 
13;  P.  O.  Cedar. 

Garrett,  E.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

GEARHART,  RACHEL,  farmer, 
Sec.  10;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  120 
acres  of  land ; her  maiden  name  was 
Alder;  she  was  born  March  10th, 
1829,  in  Madison  county,  Ohio; 
was  married  April  25th,  1848,  to 
• Harvey  Gearheart;  came  to  this 
county  in  March,  1853.  Her  hus- 
band, who  was  respected  by  all 
who  knew  him,  was  drowned  in 
the  Des  Moines  river  May  11th, 
1854.  She  lias  resided  on  her 
farm  since,  except  two  years  that 
she  was  on  visit  to  Ohio;  has  one 
son,  Harvey  FI.,  who  was  bom  in 
1853. 

Gearhart,  Harvey,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

GIBSON,  GEORGE  M.,  former, 
Section  31 ; P.  O.  Eddyille;  was 
born  in  Guernsey  county,  Ohio, 
in  1823;  lived  there  until  1845, 
and  then  went  to  Logan  Co.,  Ohio, 
where  he  lived  until  1850,  and  then 
removed  to  Indiana;  lived  there 
until  1855;  then  removed  to  Clark 
Co.,  Iowa;  lived  there  until  1863, 
and  then  came  to  this  county.  He 


married  Elizabeth  McKin,  of  Ohio, 
in  1845;  she  died  in  1850;  three 
children  by  this  wife;  marrried 
again  in  1851,  to  Deborah  John- 
son, from  Ohio;  has  a family  of 
five  daughters  and  two  sons,  named 
Angeline,  Anne,  Hannah  M.,  Ev- 
aline  A.,  Martha  J.,  David  H.,  and 
George  S. 

GILMORE,  T.  R.,  P.  O.  Kirkville; 
No  citizen  of  Harrison  township 
is  more  widely  known  and  uni- 
versally respected  than  the  Hon. 
T.  R.  Gilmore.  This  gentleman 
has  the  brains  and  culture  to 
unite  with  his  farmer’s  life,  that 
of  a scholar  and  highly  public- 
spirited  citizen.  He  finds  leisure 
from  the  irksome  duties  of  agri- 
cultural work  to  devote  himself 
to  his  library,  his  newspapers  and 
his  friends.  Nor  have  the  citi- 
zens of  Mahaska  county  been  slow 
to  recognize  his  superior  qualifi- 
fications,  having  given  him  their 
votes  to  the  highest  office  in  the 
gift  of  the  county.  Elected  first 
to  the  State  Senate  in  1874,  to  fill 
the  vacancy  caused  by  the  change 
of  residence  of  the  late  James  A. 
Young,  he  was  again  returned  on 
the  Republican  ticket  in  1875, 
and  still  fills  that  office.  He  has 
taken  a high  rank  among  his  fel- 
low senators  at  Des  Moines,  as  a 
man  of  integrity  and  thorough 
business  principles.  Mr.  Gilmore 
was  born  in  Cadiz,  Harrison  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  April  30,  1825,  where 
he  attended  district  school  during 
the  earlier  days  of  his  youth.  At 
fifteen  years  of  age  he  commenced 
his  classical  studies  at  Franklin 
College,  located  at  New  Athens, 
Ohio.  In  the  midst  of  his  col- 
lege course  he  decided  upon  a 
change  of  institutions,  and  in 
1816  was  able  to  look  back  on  old 
“Jefferson  College,”  of  Cannons- 
burg,  Pa.,  as  his  Alma  Mater. 
Thus  equipped  with  a thorough 
education  and  polished  manners, 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


651 


lie  came  to  the  “ new  country,” 
locating  in  Mahaska  county,  Iowa, 
in  1853.  Mr.  Gilmore  has  been 
thrice  married,  first  to  Miss  Cath- 
arine Milligan,  a native  of  Tus- 
caraus  county,  Ohio,  on  Novem- 
ber 7,  1854.  The  first  union  was 
broken  by  death  when  Cath- 
arine had  been  just  seven  months 
a bride.  In  1860  Mr.  G.  married 
Miss  Ellen  Steele,  a native  of  Ire- 
land. The  fruit  of  this  marrige 
was  four  children,  two  sons  and 
two  daughters,  named  Clara  E., 
William  R.,  Jessie  B.,  and  Charles 
Y.  Mrs.  Gilmore  died  Septem- 
ber 1,  1873.  Mr.  Gilmore’s  pres- 
ent wife  is  a native  of  Preble 
county,  Ohio.  Her  maiden  name 
was  Francenia  Wilson,  which  be- 
came Francenia  Gilmore  Dec.  29, 
1875.  They  have  one  son,  Harry 
W.  by  name.  Mr.  Gilmore  is 
quite  extensively  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, having  861  acres  of  Mahas- 
ka county’s  best  soil  in  his  pos- 
session. His  tastes  lead  him 
largely  into  the  stock  business 
and  he  was  at  one  time  the  largest 
sheep  raiser  in  the  State  of  Iowa. 
His  broad  acres  are  worthy  to  be 
any  farmer’s  delight,  and  his  per- 
sonal record  shows  that  “ Putnam 
like  ” the  western  farmer,  who 
possesses  the  worth,  may  be  called 
from  the  plow  to  a public  station. 

Grey,  Austin,  nurseryman,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Gunsolis,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

HARDING,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec. 

33;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 
Hargesheimer,  Philip,  farmer,  Sec. 

31 ; P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Harding,  Lewis,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Harper,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Muchakinock. 

Hammond,  J.  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

HARDING,  WILLIAM,  farmer, 
Sec.  33;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  owns  a 


farm  of  80  acres;  was  born  in 
Belmont  county,  Ohio,  in  1830, 
and  lived  there  seven  years;  his 
parents  then  moved  to  Knox  coun- 
ty, Ohio;  he  lived  there  until 
1860,  and  then  moved  to  Logan 
county,  Illinois;  lived  there  until 
1869  and  then  came  to  this  coun- 
ty; he  married  Harriett  Totman, 
a native  of  Trumbull  county 
Ohio,  in  1852;  they  have  four 
sons,  Samuel,  Legrand,  Benjamin, 
and  Mindred. 

Henley,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Henley,  Sarah  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 

P.  0.  Oskaloosa. 

Hoopes,  A.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  22 ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Hoopes,  D.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 

O.  Eddyville. 

TENKINS,  REBECCA  J.,  farm- 

cJ  er.  Sec.  28;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

JENNINGS,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  a farm  of 
183  acres;  was  born  in  Ireland  in 
1830;  he  lived  there  nineteen 

* years  and  then  emigrated  to  the 
United  States,  and  New  York, 
where  he  remained  some  time, 
an  removed  to  Illinois  in  Septem- 
ber, 1859;  four  years  later  he 
bought  a farm  in  Lee  county,  111., 
where  he  lived  until  1867 ; he  then 
sold  out  and  came  to  this  county; 
he  married  Miss  Julia  A.  Long, 
of  Lee  county,  111.,  in  1868;  she 
died  December  18,  1875;  he  mar- 
ried again,  to  Sarah  A.  Gillem, 
in  November,  1876;  has  two  sons 
by  first  wife,  William  and  John, 
and  one  danghter,  Annie,  by  sec- 
ond wife. 

KEIFEER,  G.  N.,  farmer,  Sec. 
15;  P.  O.  Cedar. 

Kirkpatrick,  T.  W.  B.,  farmer,  Sec. 

25;  P.  O.  Kirkville. 

Knott,  Lazuras,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

LAKIN,  E.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


652 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Lacey,  W.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Lacey,  Susan,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Leggett,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Lemmon,  Samuel,  stock  dealer,  Sec. 
31 ; P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Linderman,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Lutz,  II.,  Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Lyon,  Gr.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Lyon,  W.  II.  LI.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

LYON,  E.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa;  farm  200  acres;  was 
born  in  Switzerland  county,  Indi- 
ana, May  12,  1824;  he  lived 
there  until  1851,  and  then  came 
to  this  county  and  purchased  the 
place  where  he  now  lives,  and 
then  returned  to  Indiana,  where 
he  remained  until  1854,  and  then 
returned  to  this  county;  has  been 
married  twice;  married  Eliza 
Granger,  a native  of  Oberlin,  O., 
November  8,  1846,  she  was  born 
July  23,  1825,  died  March  9, 
1857;  married  again  to  Matilda 
Carpenter,  a native  of  Kentucky, 
but  raised  in  Indiana,  September 
22,  1858,  two  children  by  first 
wife,  Lewis  and  Martha;  four 
children  by  second  wife,  Jennie, 
May,  Albert,  and  Olive. 

MARSH,  J.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Mayer,  Wm.,  pottery  manufactory, 
Sec.  19;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

May,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

McCafrey,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

McKay,  R.  J.,  farming,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

McCord,  James  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Miller,  Angeline,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Eddvville. 

MILLER,  D.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Eddyville;  farm  contains  315 


acres;  born  in  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  January  5,  1829;  he  lived 
there  seventeen  years,  and  came 
to  this  county  and  located  where 
he  now  resides ; married  Mrs. 
Mary,  widow  of  Wm.  Selers,  Sep- 
tember 5,  1856,  a native  of  Mon- 
roe county,  Indiana ; have  four 
children,  Ina,  Emma,  Laura  E., 
and  Harry. 

Moore,  Laben,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Moore,  R.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  13 ; P.  O. 
Cedar. 

MOORE,  ROBERT,  farmer,  Sec. 
28;  P.  O.- Eddyville;  born  in  Bea- 
ver county,  Pa.,  October,  1828; 
he  lived  there  until  1866,  and 
then  came  to  this  county;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Cynthia  Devenna  in 
December,  1860,  a native  of  the 
same  county;  they  have  one  son 
and  three  daughters,  Ella,  Alice, 
Henrietta,  and  a baby  not  named; 
is  assessor  and  has  been  seven 
terms,  and  is  also  justice  of  the 
peace. 

Moore,  Wm.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Moore,  John  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

Mosby,  J.  W.,  grocer  and  stock  deal- 
er, Sec.  31 ; P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Morrow,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

NOE,  JONATHAN,  farmer,  Sec. 
30;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

OLST0N,  JACOB,  blacksmith, 
Sec.  7 ; P.  O.  Muchakinock. 
Oldham,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Oldham,  A.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  20 ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

OLDHAM,  Z.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Eddyville;  born  in  Shelby 
county,  Indiana,  April  3,  1842;  he 
lived  there  six  years ; his  parents 
then  emigrated  to  this  county; 
farm  contains  228  acres;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Margurett  Butcher  No- 
vember 24,  1866 ; she  was  born  in 
Eddyville,  Iowa;  they  have  one 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


653 


son  and  four  daughters,  Arvilla 
May,  Mary  Ella,  Richard  A., 
Maggie  Blanche,  and  Minnie;  he 
served  three  years  in  the  late  war, 
in  Co.  F,  18th  Iowa  Yol.  Inf. — en- 
listed July  15,  1862,  mustered  out 
August  9,  1865. 

OLDHAM,  A.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  29 ; 
P.  O.  Eddyville;  farm  contains 
554  acres ; horn  in  Shelby  county, 
Indiana,  December  2,  1830;  he 
lived  in  Indiana  until  May,  1848, 
and  then  came  to  this  county;  he 
married  Miss  Sarah  White,  a native 
of  Warren  county,  Indiana;  Feb- 
ruary 15,  1855;  they  have  seven 
sons  and  three  daughters,  Mary 
E.,  R.  J.,  Jasper  N.,  Franklin, 
Lincoln,  Sherman,  Ida,  Effie,  Char- 
ley, and  John. 

O’Neal,  Eugene,  laborer,  Sec.  31 ; P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

PALMER,  C.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  33  ; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

PICKEN,  MATHEW,  farmer,  Sec. 
26;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  was  . born 
January  18th,  1829,  in  Harrison 
county,  Ohio;  married  in  July, 
1849,  to  Miss  Hannah  Funk,  who 
was  born  in  Westmoreland  county, 
Pa.,  and  removed  to  Wapello 
county,  in  1847.  Mr.  Picken 
first  settled  in  Iowa  in  October, 
1849,  locating  in  Cedar  township, 
Mahaska  county,  and  since  1857, 
has  resided  upon  his  present  farm, 
which  now  contains  320  acres. 
At  present  (Oct.,  1878,)  he  is  a 
justice  of  the  peace,  which  office 
he  has  held  for  six  years.  He  is 
extensively  engaged  in  the  stock 
business,  and  is  known  as  among 
the  best  of  Mahaska  county  farm- 
ers. His  wife  is  still  living  and 
they  have  four  sons,  Levertus, 
Segal,  James  and  Charles,  all  liv- 
ing, and  three  daughther,  Susanna, 
Jane,  and  Eglentine,  dead. 
Picken,  B.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

RATLIFF,  PIERCE,  farmer, 
Sec.  15;  in  business  at  New 
Sharon. 


Reynolds,  Eliza  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

REYNOLDS,  J,  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  a farm 
of  100  acres;  he  was  born  in  Lo- 
raine  county,  Ohio,  December, 
8th,  1845;  his  parents  emigrated 
to  this  county  in  1853;  has 
lived  on  his  present  farm  about 
twelve  years.  He  married  Miss 
Eliza  M.  Jenkins,  December  19, 
1866;  she  was  born  in  Oskaloosa; 
they  have  one  son  and  two 
daughters,  Judson,  Lois  and  Mary. 

Ritchie,  W.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 

O.  Eddyville. 

ROW,  SAMUEL,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  has  a farm  of 
160  acres;  he  was  born  in  Indiana 
county,  Pennsylvania,  June  4th, 
1830;  he  lived  there  until  the 
spring  of  1858,  and  then  went  to 
Decatur  county,  Indiana;  he  lived 
there  and  in  Shelby  and  Rush 
counties  until  the  fall  of  1865;  he 
then  removed  to  Mercer  county. 
Illinois,  where  he  remained  until 
the  spring  of  1867,  and  then 
came  to  this  county  and  located 
on  the  place  where  he  now  lives. 
He  married  Miss  Rebecca  A. 
Bryan,  of  the  same  county,  May 
10th,  1855;  they  have  two  sons 
and  one  daughter,  John  B., 
George  B.,  and  QarrieL;  lost  one 
son,  Harry  M. 

RUNYON,  JAMES H.,  farmer,  Sec. 
4;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  110 
acres  of  land ; born  in  Champaign 
county,  Ohio,  Feb.  8th,  1841;  his 
parents  emigrated  to  this  county 
in  1853.  Married  Miss  Anna  J. 
Stevenson,  in  October,  1864;  she 
was  a native  of  Highland  county, 
Ohio,  and  died  April  3,  1872;  he 
was  married  again  to  Mollie  Bar- 
ber, a native  of  this  county,  Feb. 
12.  1874;  has  three  children  by 
first  marriage,  Harry  E.,  John  II., 
Mary  B.,  and  by  second  marriage, 
George  W.,  and  Lena  L. 

SCRIBNER,  F.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 
31;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 


654 


DIRECTORY  OK  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Scribner,  Nancy,  fanner,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Shober,  John  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 

O.  Kirkville. 

Shea,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

SIMMS,  JOHN  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 

P.  O.  Mnchakinock;  owns  160 
acres  of  land;  born  in  West  Mor- 
land  county,  Virginia,  September 
21,  1812;  emigrated  to  St.  Charles 
county,  Missouri,  when  19  years 
of  age;  he  lived  there  two  years, 
and  removed  to  Adams  county  111. ; 
he  lived  there  until  the  spring  of 
1846,  and  removed  to  Mahaska 
county,  where  he  now  resides.  He 
has  been  married  twice:  his  first 
wife  was  Nancy  Crow,  a native  of 
St.  Charles  county,  Mo.  They 
were  married  in  June,  1832;  she 
died  in  July,  1855.  He  married 
again  in  September,  1856,  to  Mary 
Warner,  a native  of  Maryland;  has 
three  children  by  first  wife:  Ann 
(now  Mrs.  William  Hopper),  Lina 
(now  Mrs.  Charles  Kenfield),  and 
Geoige.  Has  seven  children  by 
his  second  marriage:  Albert,  Ella, 
Eliza,  John,  Joseph,  Edward,  and 
Henry. 

Smith,  C.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Spencer,  A.,  former,  Sec.  17 ; P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Stoner,  Milton,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

STEELE,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Cedar;  he  was  born  in  Al- 
leghany county  Penn.,  Dec.  31, 
1838,  lived  there  17  years  and  then 
came  to  this  county.  He  married 
Mi  ss  Barbara  E.  Bradshaw,  Sept. 
14,  1865;  she  is  a native  of  Tus- 
carawas county,  Ohio.  They  have 
two  sons  and  one  daughter:  John 
W.,  Wm.  D.,  and  Mary  E;  has  a 
farm  of  80  acres. 

Steddom,  Jason  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Stockwell,  J.  W.,  merchant,  Sec.  31 ; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 


Stephenson,  W.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Steele,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Stepheson,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Stephenson,  Mitchell,  farmer,  Sec. 
14;  P.  O.  Cedar. 

STEPHENSON,  WM.  A.,  farmer, 
Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  80 
acres  of  land;  is  nicely  located ; has 
good  buildings,  surrounded  witli 
nice  groves;  was  born  in  Arm- 
strong county,  Penn.,  in  1841 ; 
came  to  this  county  in  1853;  he 
was  married  in  November,  1868, 
to  Maggie  A.  Batliff,  daughter  of 
Thomas  Batliff;  she  was  born  in 
Harrison  township,  this  county,  in 
1848. 

Stoner,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Stanley,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Stanley,  A.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 

O.  Eddyville. 

Strain,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Stewart,  L.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Steinhoff,  Joseph,  retired,  Sec.  31; 

P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Sullivan,  Tim,  laborer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Sullivan,  Con,  laborer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

Switzer,  John  H.,  farmer  and  car- 
penter, Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

TENNIS,  OLIVEB,  farmer,  Sec. 
12;  P.  O.  Cedar. 

Tennis,  Bobert,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Tennis,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Thomas,  Mahlon,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Kirkville. 

Thomas,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec  25;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

Thomas,  Morgan,  clerk,  Sec.  7;  P. 
O.  Muchakinock. 

Tierney,  Thomas  F.,  laborer;  Sec. 
31;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP*.  655 


TOTMAN,  S.  P.,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Eddjville;  owns  a farm  of  140 
acres;  was  born  in  Trumbull  Co., 
Ohio,  April  9,  1830;  his  parents 
moved  from  there,  when  he  was 
quite  young,  to  Knox  Co.,  where 
he  lived  until  he  was  twenty  years 
of  age;  he  emigrated  to  this 
county  in  the  fall  of  1850;  he 
married  Miss  Christina,  daughter 
of  Robert  Oldham,  Oct.  5,  1853; 
she  is  a native  of  Indiana;  they 
have  four  sons  and  five  daughters, 
Charles  N.,  Wm.  N.,"  Mary  J., 
Nica  I.,  Lillie  S.,  Nettie,  Robert 
L.,  Frank  and  Mabel;  served 
about  ten  months  in  the  late 
war,  in  Co.  C,  13  Iowa  Volun- 
teers Infantry. 

Tullis,  M.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Tullis,  W.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

UNDERWOOD,  A.  M.,  farmer, 
Sec.  20;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

VANCE,  Z.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Vance,  J.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Eddyville. 

Vance,  widow,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Eddyville. 

VANCE,  SAMUEL,  farmer,  Sec. 
20;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  farm  con- 
tains 150  acres;  was  born  in  Fay- 
ette county,  Indiana,  April  8, 1819; 
he  lived  there  twenty-one  years, 
then  emigrated  to  Burlington, 
Iowa,  in  1840;  he  lived  there  four 
years  and  then  came  to  this  county, 
and  located  where  he  now  resides 
in  1844;  he  married  Rebecca 
Morgan,  Nov.  20,  1842;  she  is  a 
native  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  V.  was 
first  justice  of  the  peace,  re-elected 
after  the  organization  of  the  county, 
and  has  held  that  office,  off  and  on, 
for  thirty  years;  have  four  sons 
and  three  daughters,  Lydia,  Oli- 
ver H.,  Mary  M.,  Agnew  E.,  Sam- 
uel L.,  Susan  A.,  Fred  E.;  lost 
two  sons,  James  A.  and  Henry  C. 

41 


\ A 7 ARD,  D.  W.,  clerk,  Sec. 
V V 31;  P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Walker,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

Watkins,  John  E.,  miner,  Sec.  11; 
P.  O.  Muchakinock. 

Walker,  Stephen,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Cedar. 

WALKER,  STEPHEN,  farmer, 
Sec. 23;  P.  O.  Cedar;  farm  80 acres; 
was  born  in  Hartford,  Connecticut, 
September  14,  1828;  lived  there 
thirteen  years,  and  then  went  to 
Charlestown,  South  Carolina;  lived 
there  nine  years,  and  then  traveled 
until  1861 , and  then  located  in  this 
county;  he  married  Mrs.  Eliza 
Knowlton  in  1863,  a native  of 
Gallia  county,  Ohio.  They  have 
one  son  and  one  daughter,  Friend 
E.  and  Alma  F.  He  served  about 
seventeen  months  in  the  late  war, 
in  Company  G,  Seventh  Iowa  Cav- 
alry. 

Webb,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Welch,  F.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Welch,  Jason  R,,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 

P.  O.  Eddyville. 

WELCH,  E.  G.,  farmer,  See.  24;  P. 
O.  Cedar;  farm  260  acres;  was 
born  in  Harrison  county,  Ohio,  in 
October,  1836;  he  lived  there 
until  1860;  he  then  came  to  this 
county,  but  did  not  locate  here 
until  1866;  from  1860  to  1865 
he  was  engaged  in  shipping  sheep 
from  Ohio  to  this  county;  he 
married  Miss  Maggie  S.  Simpson, 
a native  of  the  same  county,  Sep- 
tember 13, 1866;  she  died  March 
21,  1874;  left  two  sons,  Lavernge 
and  Omar  S. ; he  married  again 
to  Elizabeth  Slemmons,  September 
12,  1876,  a native  of  the  same 
county;  one  daughter,  Annie. 

Welton,  E.  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Wheeler,  A.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 


656 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Whiteman,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

WHEELER,  ALFRED,  farmer, 
Sec.  14;  P.O.  Cedar;  farm  96  acres; 
was  born  in  North  Hampton- 
shire,  England,  in  1834;  lived 
there  nine  years;  his  parents 
then  emigrated  to  the  United 
States,  and  located  in  Waukesha 
county,  Wisconsin,  where  they 
lived  seven  years,  and  then  moved 
to  Dodge  county,  Wisconsin,  where 
he  lived  until  1868,  then  to  this 
county;  he  married  Josephine 
M.  Palmer,  January  1,  1866,  a 
native  of  Illinois;  they  have  two 
sons  and  three  daughters,  Jennet, 
Eugene,  G-uv,  Mattie,  Grace;  he 
served  three  years  in  the  late  war, 
in  Company  A.,  Thirty-second 
Wisconsin  Volunteers  Infantry; 
enlisted  August  15,  1862;  mus- 
tered out  in  June,  1865. 
WHITED,  CARSON,  farmer,  Sec. 
32;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  farm  of  130 
acres;  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Wythe,  Wythe  county,  Virginia, 
September  IT,  1814;  his  parents 
emigrated  to  Fayette  county,  In- 
diana, when  he  was  live  years  of 
age,  where  they  lived  three  years, 
and  then  removed  to  Shelbyville, 
Indiana;  he  left  there  and  came 
to  this  county,  November  10, 1846 ; 
he  married  Miss  Abagail  Bolli- 
baugh,  February  28,  1833,  a na- 
tive of  Raligli  county,  North 
Carolina;  family,  four  daughters, 
Maria  J.,  (now  widow  of  John 
Mercer,  who  died  in  Andersonville 
prison  during  the  late  rebellion), 
Charlotte,  (now  Mrs.  James  Old- 
ham), Catharine,  (now  Mrs.  John 
Rainsbarger,)  Mahala,  (now  Mrs. 
Quitman  Powell).  Mr.  W.  lost 
one  son,  who  died  while  in  the 
army. 

Williams,  H.  H.,  farmer.  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Eddyville. 

WORT  MAN, GEO.,  farmer;  Sec.  6; 


P.  O.  Muchakinock;  farm  con- 
tains 308  acres;  was  born  in  the 
Province  of  New  Brunswick, 
August  14,  1814,  he  lived  there 
until  he  was  past  twelve,  his  par- 
ents then  moved  to  Harrison 
county,  Ohio;  he  lived  there 
about  ten  years;  he  came  to  this 
county  in  the  spring  of  1843,  and 
located  on  the  place  where  he 
now  lives;  he  married  Miss  M. 
Christena  Scott,  a native  of  Ohio, 
February  28,  1842;  she  died  July 
24,  1849;  married  again  to  Re- 
becca McCaslin,  a native  of  Vir- 
ginia, April  2,  1850;  two  daugh- 
ters by  first  marriage,  Hannah, 
and  Louisa  C.;  three  sons  and 
five  daughters  by  second  mar- 
riage, John,  Sarah,  Martha  J., 
Matilda  A.,  Emma,  Mary  F., 
David  and  Geo.  W. 

WYLIE,  JAMES  T.,  farmer,  Sec. 
32;  P.  O.  Eddyville;  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Coventry,  Chenango 
county,  New  York,  November  23, 
1815,  he  lived  there  until  1837, 
and  then  emigrated  to  Peoria, 
Illinois,  where  he  lived  six  years, 
and  then  came  to  Iowa  in  the 
spring  of  1843,  and  located  in 
Eddyville,  and  worked  at  his 
trade,  (blacksmithing).  Mr.  W. 
did  all  the  stage  repairing  at 
Eddyville  in  those  days;  in  1845 
he  and  his  partner,  Mr.  J.  W. 
Caldwell,  entered  240  acres  in 
this  township,  afterward,  buying 
his  partner’s  interest;  his  farm 
contains  407  acres;  he  married 
Miss  Mary  J.  Delashmutt,  No- 
vember 23,  1851.  She  was  born 
in  Tyler  county,  Virginia,  May 
12,  1831.  They  have  one  son 
and  two  daughters,  Clara  M., 
(now  Mrs.  Andrew  Manifold,) 
born  September  25,  1853,  James 
B.,  born  October  1,  1855,  Eppie 
S.,  August  8, 1867. 


CEDAR  TOWNSHIP. 


657 


tow^tshiip. 


ADAIR,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  0.  Cedar. 

Akers,  Anderson,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
Fremont. 

Akerman,  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Allman,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Allman,  John,  laborer,  P.  O.  Fre- 
mont. 

Allender,  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  25 ; P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Alexander,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Aldridge,  Joseph  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Anderson,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

BARR,  IRA,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Baitsell,  Geo.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Baitsell,  Jane,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Beswick,  A.  W.,  farmer;  P.  O.  Ce- 
dar. 

Bentley,  Laura  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Bond,  C.,  physician,  Fremont. 

Boyd,  Win.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Bridenstine,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Kirkville. 

Brown,  G.  W.,  shoemaker  and  far- 
mer, Fremont. 

Byram,  D.  C.,  retired,  Fremont. 

By  ram,  C.  G.,  school  teacher,  Fre- 
mont. 

BYRAM,  M-  W. , druggist,  Fre- 
mont; was  born  in  Butler  county, 
Ohio,  December  1,  1837,  and 
lived  there  six  years;  his  parents 
then  removed  to  Dark  county, 
Ohio,  where  he  lived  until  the 
spring  of  1861,  and  then  to  Mc- 
Goupin  county,  111.,  and  remained 
there  until  September,  1861;  he 
then  returned  to  Dark  county, 
Ohio,  where  he  remained  until 
September,  1873,  and  then  came 


to  this  county;  he  married  Mary 
J.  McFarland  August  7,  1859,  of 
Randolph  county,  Indiana;  she 
died  June  9,1873;  was  married 
again  to  Mahala  Oldham,  of  this 
county,  June  13,  1875;  she  died 
September  22,  1875;  married 

again  April  27,  1876,  to  Mary  I., 
widow  of  E.  Roberts,  her  maiden 
name  was  Ferguson,  a native  of 
this  county;  has  two  children  by 
first  marriage,  Ida  A.  and  Laura 
M.,and  one  son  by  third  marriage, 
Lawrence  L.;  has  taught  school, 
more  or  less,  for  twenty  years. 

CANON,  SAMUEL  R.,  of  the 
firm  of  Canon  & Gunn,  mer- 
chants, Fremont;  was  born  in  Fa- 
yette county,  Ohio,  May  12,  1845, 
and  lived  there  about  twelve 
years;  came  to  this  county  in 
1857;  not  married. 

Carnahan,  Sarah,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Kirkville. 

Caves,  Edward,  blacksmith,  Fre- 
mont. 

Cheek,  James  P.,  laborer,  Fremont. 
Cochran,  Sanford,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Cochran,  O.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Cochran,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Cole,  Wm.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

Cole,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  11>;  P.  O. 

Q 0(1  £11* 

Craft,  J.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Cummins,  H.  C.  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Cummins,  Thos.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

Davis,  Elizabeth  it.,  farm- 
er, Sec.  29;  P.  O.  Kirkville. 
Davis,  Joseph,  farmer.  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

Davidson,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Kirkville. 


658 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Davidson,  W.  A.,  farmer.  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Dinsmore,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Doolittle,  B.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 

O.  Fremont. 

Doan,  Martlia  A.,  farming,  Sec.  17 ; 

P.  O.  Cedar. 

EASTBURN,  C.  A.,  farmer,  Sec. 

22;  P.  O.  Fremont. 

Eastburn,  Job  H.,  commission  mer- 
chant, Chicago. 

Eastburn,  B.  "YV.,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Eastburn,  Sanford,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Ellis,  ¥m.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

ENDICOTT,  J.  N.,  P.  O.  Cedar, 
general  store,  Cedar  Chapel ; born 
in  Posey  county,  Indiana,  in  1841; 
came  here  1874.  He  enlisted  in 
Co.  B,  58th  Indiana  Infantry,  in 
October,  1861,  and  was  mustered 
out  in  August,  1865.  February 
6,  1866,  he  married  Cornelia 
Boyle,  a native  of  the  same  county; 
she  died  January  10,  1871;  left 
one  son  Alfred  B.;  he  married 
again  to  Mary  L.  Kinsman,  June 
6, 1875;  she  was  born  in  Oskaloosa 
township,  this  county,  in  1854; 
one  son  and  one  daughter,  James 

N.  and  Baby. 

English,  Alpha,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Kirk vi lie. 

Epperly,  Joel,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Everson,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

FAILYER,  GEORGE  W.,  far- 
mer, Sec.  34;  P.  O.  Kirkville. 
Fellers,  John  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Ferguson,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 

O.  Concert. 

Foster,  N.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Foster,  Caleb,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

Funk,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Kirkville. 


GARRIOTT,  I.  N.,  farmer,  Sec. 

1 ; P.  O.  Fremont. 

GILMORE,  SAMUEL,  farmer, Sec. 
29;  P.  O.  Kirkville;  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Tevis,  Harrison 
county,  Ohio,  in  1830;  he  lived 
there  until  1851,  and  then  came  to 
this  county;  his  farm  contains 
500  acres;  he  married  Sarah 
Myers,  November  25,  1856,  a na- 
tive of  Morrow  county,  Ohio; 
they  have  two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, named  Nina,  Maggie,  Myers 
and  Fred;  lost  one  son,  John. 
Griffis,  Noah  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Gordon,  Uriah,  farmer,  Sec.  20  ; P. 
O.  Kirkville. 

Graham,  Jefferson,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 

P.  O.  White  Oak. 

GUNN,  JAMES,  A.,  of  the  firm  of 
Canon  & Gunn,  merchants, 
Fremont;  was  born  in  Lake  coun- 
ty, Ohio, October  7, 1849;  he  lived 
there  four  years;  parents  then 
emigrated  to  Iowa,  and  to  this 
county;  has  been  engaged  in  bus- 
iness here  since  1873;  is  post-mas- 
ter; he  married  Mrs.  S.  S.  Heinz- 
man,  April  20,  1873,  a native  of 
Shelby  county,  Indiana;  they  have 
one  son,  Frank  L. 

HACKETT,  ISAAC,  farmer, 
Sec.  1;  P.  O.  Fremont. 
Hallowa}^,  Ralph  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Kirkville. 

Harter,  John  FI.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Harter,  Aaron,  farmer,  Fremont. 
Harter,  Andrew,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
Fremont. 

Harter,  James,  farmer,  Fremont. 
Hayes,  Joel,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

HEINZMAN,  S.H.,  of  the  firm 
of  Byram  & Co.,  merchants;  Fre- 
mont; he  was  born  in  Shelby 
county,  Indiana,  August  2,  1840; 
he  lived  there  until  October  1st, 
1861,  and  then  came  to  this  county; 
he  married  Miss  Amey  W.  Byram, 
November  20,  1867,  a native  of 


CEDAR  TOWNSHIP. 


659 


Dark  county,  Ohio;  they  have 
two  daughters,  Gertrude  and 
Madge. 

Higgason,  S.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Hook,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

HOOK,  N.R.,  physician  and  surgeon, 
Fremont;  he  was  born  in  Williams- 
burg, Greene  county,  Pennsylva- 
nia, in  1842;  his  parents  moved  to 
Gurnsey  county,  Ohio,  when  he 
was  very  young;  they  lived  there 
eleven  years,  and  then  came  to 
this  county;  he  commenced  the 
study  of  medicine  at  the  age  of 
nineteen,  with  Dr.  S.  E.  Rhine- 
hart;  he  attended  the  college  of 
physicians  and  surgeons  at  Keo- 
kuk, Iowa,  and  graduated  in  1874; 
he  served  from  1862,  to  August 
9th,  1865,  in  the  late  war  in 
Co.  C,  33rd  Iowa  Volunteers  In- 
fantry; he  married  Miss  Lucetta 
J.  Kissick,  June,  3,  1866,  a native 
of  Mercer  county,  Pennsylvania; 
she  died  December  19,  1873;  he 
was  married  again  to  Florence  N. 
Kissick,  December  23,  1874,  a na- 
tive of  Mercer  county,  Pennsyl- 
vsnia;  has  one  son  living  by  his 
first  marriage,  Charles  W.,  and 
one  son  by  his  second  marriage, 
Walter  M.;  owns  a farm  of  200 
acres. 

Howell,  B.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

House,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Kirkville. 

Howser,  James,  farmer,  P.  O.  Kirk- 
ville. 

Hughes,  H.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

TACKSON,  W.,  laborer,  P.  O. 

cJ  Kirkville. 

Jemison,  A.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  O.  Kirkville. 

Jones,  N.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  O. 
Kirkville. 

KEITH,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Fremont;  he  was  born 
in  Miami  county,  Ohio,  April  5, 


1822;  his  parents  moved  to  Shelby 
county,  Indiana,  when  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  was  about 
seven  years  old;  he  came  to 
Davis  county,  Iowa,  in  1858,  lived 
there  two  years  and  then  came  to 
this  county;  his  farm  contains 
306  acres;  he  has  been  married 
four  times,  first  to  Susan  Heinz- 
man,  a native  of  Kentucky,  but 
raised  in  Indiana;  they  were  mar- 
ried December  16th,  1847 ; she 
died  August  10th,  1852;  had  one 
son,  Marshall  E. ; he  was  married 
again  to  Ann  Eliza  Davison,  No- 
vember 24,  1853,  a native  of 
Shelby  county,  Indiana;  she  died 
March  19th,  1857;  had  one  son, 
Oscar;  he  was  married  again  to 
Maggie  Majors,  a native  of  this 
county,  December  14th,  1859; 

she  died  October  23,  1860;  he 
was  married  again  to  Mary  Can- 
on, a native  of  Pennsylvania,  Oc- 
tober, 12th,  1861;  has  three  sons 
and  three  daughters,  Preston, 
Minnie,  Nellie,  Albert,  Mabel 
and  Gus. 

Kent,  Delilah,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Kirkville. 

King,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Kline,  E.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Knieely,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

LACY,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Lee,  Isaac  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Lee,  John  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
F remont. 

Lee,  M.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Lee,  N.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Lentz,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

LENTZ,  GEORGE,  carpenter;  P. 
O.  Fremont;  born  in  Butler  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  January  5,  1838;  lived 
there  about  seven  years ; his  parents 


660 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


then  emigrated  to  Keokuk  county, 
Iowa,  about  five  miles  from  where 
he  now  lives ; he  moved  to  F remont 
in  1855;  is  justice  of  the  peace;  he 
married  Miss  Rebecca  J.  Able 
August  12,  1861;  she  lived  but 
fifteen  days  after  marriage;  she 
was  a native  of  Indiana;  he  was 
married  again  to  Sophia  Pfeiffer 
September  15,  1861,  a native  of 
Bavaria,  Germany;  they  have  one 
son  and  three  daughters,  Mary  E., 
Eda  A.,  Arminta,  and  Ralph  J ; 
he  was  township  clerk  one  year, 
and  secretary  of  school  board  sev- 
en years;  owns  a farm  of  90  acres, 
IV  A cCARROLL,  ROB’T  S.,  far- 
1VX  mer,  Sec.  31 ; P.  O.  Kirk- 
ville;  born  in  Harrison  county, 
Ohio,  December  16, 1819;  he  lived 
there  until  1848,  and  then  came  to 
this  county  and  located  where  he 
now  lives ; has  a farm  of  200  acres ; 
he  married  Susanna  English  Janu- 
ary 5,  1843,  a native  of  the  same 
county;  they  have  four  sons  and 
five  daughters,  Jane  E.,  James, 
Addie,  Sella,  Etta,  Frank,  William, 
Jason,  and  Lewis;  they  have  lost 
three  daughters,  named  Martha 
A.,  Rachel,  and  Mary  S. 

McClain,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

McEwen,  J.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

McF ADDIN,  WILSON,  farmer. 
Sec.  5;  P.  O.  Cedar;  has  a farm  of 
210  acres;  born  in  Harrison  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  January  18,  1830;  lived 
there  until  1852,  and  then  came  to 
this  county  and  located  in  Cedar 
township;  has  lived  on  his  present 
farm  since  1862;  he  married  Miss 
A.  C.  Wellslager,  May  29,  1856, 
from  Richland  county,  Ohio;  they 
have  two  daughters,  Elanora,  and 
Emma  Carrie. 

McFALL,  W.  0.,  physician  and 
surgeon,  Fremont;  was  born  in 
Cedar  township,  Mahaska  county, 
May  23,  1851 ; at  the  age  ot  twen- 
ty-one, he  commenced  the  study 


of  medicine  with  Dr.  Hoffman,  of 
Oskaloosa,  where  he  continued  for 
two  years  and  six  months;  he  then 
attended  the  Bellvue  medical 
college,  of  New  York  City,  where 
he  graduated  March  1,  1876,  and 
has  been  located  in  Fremont  since 
March,  1877 ; he  married  Miss 
Sarah  Lloyd,  December  21,  1877, 
a native  of  Meigs  county,  Ohio. 
No  family. 

McFALL,  G.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  4 . ; P. 
O.  Concert;  was  born  in  Bartholo- 
mew county,  Indiana,  in  1823;  he 
lived  there  until  November,  1847, 
and  then  came  to  this  county  and 
located  on  the  place  he  now  lives; 
has  a farm  of  131  acres — he  enter- 
ed 252  acres;  he  married  Miss 
Newsom,  January  16, 1845,  a na- 
tive of  the  same  county;  they  have 
two  sons  and  five  daughters,  Lot- 
tie M.,  William  O.,  Mary  E , Em- 
ma E.,  Clara  E.,  Gideon  B.,  Jr. 
and  Jennie  L.;  was  a member  of 
the  board  of  supervisors  one  term, 
has  been  a member  of  the  school 
board  twenty  years,  treasurer 
about  sixteen  years. 

McFALL,  SAMUEL,  farmer,  Sec. 
11;  P.  O.  Fremont;  was  born  in 
Harrison  county,  Kentucky,  in 
1803,  he  lived  there  until  ten 
years  of  age;  his  parents  then 
moved,  to  what  is  now  Switzer- 
land county,  Indiana;  he  lived 
there  until  1821,  and  then  went  to 
Bartholomew  county,  Indiana, 
where  he  lived  until  1830,  and 
thence  to  Iroquoise  county,  Ills.; 
he  came  to  this  county  in  March, 
1844,  and  located  where  he  now 
lives;  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
Barbee,  February  14,  1828;  born 
in  Ross  county,  Ohio,  February 
11,  1804;  they  have  two  sons  and 
four  daughters,  Sarah,  Elizabeth, 
Samuel  T.,  Martha,  Nancy,  and 
Joseph. 

McFall,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 


CEDAR  TOWNSHIP. 


661 


McFall,  John,  Sr.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 

O.  Fremont. 

McFall,  John,  Jr.,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 

P.  O.  Fremont. 

McFall,  Samuel  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.O.  Fremont. 

McFall,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

MILLS,  D.  T„  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Concert;  was  born  in  Dare  Co., 
Kentucky,  in  1821;  he  lived  in 
Kentucky  until  the  fall  of  1844, 
and  then  went  to  Park  county, 
Indiana,  where  he  lived  until  the 
fall  of  1852;  he  then  came  to  this 
county,  and  located  where  he 
now  lives;  owns  a farm  of  140 
acres;  lie  married  Emily  Bing- 
ham, of  Mercer  county,  Kentucky, 
in  the  fall  of  1842;  she  died  May 
26,  1856;  he  married  again  to 
Mary  Torrance  in  July,  1857; 
have  two  sons  and  four  daughters 
by  first  marriage,  Sophia,  Wm. 
T.,  Mary,  Sarah,  Martha  and 
David ; two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters by  second  marriage,  Jacob, 
Ella,  Edward  and  Myrtle. 

Mills,  W.  T.,  farmer,  P.  O.  Kirk- 
ville. 

Mona,  John,  painter,  Fremont. 
Moody,  Wm.  I.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Morgan,  J.  N.,  blacksmith,  Fremont. 
Myers,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

NEIL,  GBAHAM,  farmer,  Sec. 

3;  P.  O.  Fremont. 

Newbold,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P. 
O.  Cedar. 

PABKEK,  JOSEPH,  farmer, 
Sec.  35;  P.  O.  Fremont. 

Parr,  M.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Phillippe,  G.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Pickens,  Alexander,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Kirkville. 

Pfrimmer,  George  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 
8;  P.  O.  Cedar. 

Priest,  J.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 


QUARTON,  W.  B.,  farmer  and 
stock  raiser,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Fremont;  was  born  in  Yorkshire, 
England,  in  1821;  his  parents 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  in 
1829;  located  in  Morgan  county, 
Illinois,  in  1848 ; he  married  Miss 
Charlotte  Gill,  in  1849;  she  is  a 
native  of  England;  they  moved  to 
Macoupin  county,  Illinois,  the 
same  year,  where  they  lived  until 
October,  1867,  then  came  to  this 
county;  has  a farm  of  240  acres 
and  50  acres  of  timber;  deals  quite 
largely  in  imported  cattle;  has 
400  head  of  sheep;  160  acres  of 
his  farm  are  devoted  to  meadow 
land;  they  have  three  sons  and 
four  daughters,  Mary*  Menassa, 
Georgia,  Charlotta,  Wm.  B.,  Amy 
and  Ezra. 

RANDALL,  CHABLES  D., 
farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O.  Cedar. 
Bhegenness,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Bockey,  Frank,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Boss,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Kirkville. 

Bussell,  Almira  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Bussell,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Bussell,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

S HALEB,  GEO.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

SHAW,  SOLOMON,  farmer,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  Fremont;  was  born  in 
Perry  county,  Pennsylvania, 
March  6,  1809,  but  was  raised  in 
Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1856,  and  located 
where  he  now  resides,  in  1857; 
owns  256  acres  of  land;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Susan  Strome,  of  Cum- 
berland county,  Pennsylvania,  in 
1831;  she  died  in  1835;  married 
again  to  Mary  Zigler,  of  Cumber" 
land  county,  Pennsylvania,  Feb- 
ruary 20,  1837 ; has  two  sons  by 
first  marriage,  David  and  George; 


m 


directory  of  mahasra  county. 


four  sons  and  two  daughters  by 
second  marriage:  John,  William, 
Levi,  Solomon,  Elizabeth,  Susan- 
na. 

Shaw,  L.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P.  O. 
Kirkville. 

Sheets,  B.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Skidmore,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P. 

O.  Fremont. 

Slater,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Shultz,  Christian,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 

P.  O.  Fremont. 

Smith,  Margaret,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Fremont* 

Sparks,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Sparks,  Isaac  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  21 ; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Stephenson,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Cedar. 

Stephenson,  William  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 
8;  P.  O.  Cedar. 

Storm,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Concert. 

Stout,  Lee,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

THOMPSON,  F.  S.,  farmer,  Sec. 
3;  P.  O.  Concert. 

Triplett,  Mortimore,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

VAN  BUSKIBK,  LINFOBD, 
Farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O.  Fre- 
mont. 

Yotaw,  Moses,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Yotaw,  Pierce,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

A A T ALTMAN,  JAMES, farmer, 
V V Sec.  1;  P.  O.  Fremont. 
Warner,  John  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Kirkville. 

White,  E.  II.,  blacksmith,  P.  O.  Fre- 
mont. 

Walsh,  James,  wagon-maker,  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Weil,  Christian,  undertaker,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

White,  J.  A.,  merchant,  Fremont. 


Whitmer,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

White,  John  Q.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 

O.  Fremont. 

WHITE,  E.  H.,  blacksmith;  P.  O. 
Fremont;  was  born  in  Wayne 
county,  Indiana,  in  1826,  lived 
there  twenty-four  years,  and  then 
emigrated  to  Oskaloosa,  Iowa,  in 
1850,  and  has  been  a resident 
of  this  township  ten  years.  He 
married  Miss  Mary  Barton,  Sep- 
tember 19,1850,  a native  of  Preble 
county,  Ohio;  she  died  August 
21,  1858;  he  married  again  to 
Martha  J.  Heffner,  December  15, 
1870,  a native  of  Dark  county, 
Ohio;  three  daughters  by  first 
marriage,  Lavica  E.,  Nancy  E. 
and  Eliza  J.;  one  daughter  by 
second  marriage,  Della  M;  he  en- 
listed in  the  late  war  in  Com- 
pany K.,  Eighteenth  Iowa  Yol- 
unteers  Infantry,  August  6,  1862; 
mustered  out  August  9,  1865. 
Williams,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 

P.  O.  Fremont. 

Williams,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Wolfe,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Wright,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Wright,  W.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Wright,  J.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

Wright,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Cedar. 

YEOMAN,  KICHABD,  farmer, 
Sec.  2;  P.  O.  Fremont. 
Yenney,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Yenney,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Young,  Abraham,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

ZAPJNG,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 
P.  O.  Concert. 

Zaring,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Concert. 


WHITE  OAK  TOWNSHIP. 


66  3 


WHITE  O-^-ZK:  township. 


ABEL,  WILLIAM,  farmer,  Sec- 
tion 32;  P.  0.  White  Oak; 
owns  120  acres  land,  valued  at  $30 
per  acre;  born  in  Ontario,  Can- 
ada, in  1826 ; came  to  Iowa  in  1855 
and  settled  in  Muscatine  county; 
lived  there  about  twenty-nine  and 
a half  years,  and  removed  to  Ben- 
ten  county,  and  thence  to  this  Co. 
in  1868;  married  Esther  Stanley, 
in  1853;  she  was  born  in  Colum- 
bania  county,  Ohio,  in  1829;  have 
seven  children:  Ben.  J.  C.,  Sarah, 
Martha,  Hannah  M.,  Turner  L., 
Mary  Elizabeth  and  Esther  El- 
mie;  are  members  of  Society  of 
Friends.  Republican. 

ARNOLD, ISHUM,  farmer,  Sec.  12 ; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill ; owns  236  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Kentucky,  in  1828 ; came 
to  Iowa  in  1851,  and  settled  in 
White  Oak;  married  Drussilla 
Simpkins,  in  1853;  she  was  born 
in  Indiana,  in  1832;  they  have  six 
children:  Nancy,  Ellen,  Sarah 
Jane,  Joseph,,  Alberta  and  Wil- 
liam. 

BARKLEY,  SAMUEL,  farmer, 
Sec.  28;  P.  O.  White  Oak. 
Bobbitt,  E.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Bacon,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

BETHEA  & SON,  dealers  in  gen- 
eral merchandise  and  grain.  Rose 
Hill  J.W.  Bethea  was  born  in  Ten- 
nessee, in  in  1822;  married  Mar- 
garet Stewart  in  1845 ; have  four 
children:  Elizabeth,  Florence, 

William  W.,  and  Frank.  Wm.  W. 
Bethea,  the  junior  partner,  was 
born  in  this  county  in  1855. 
Belford,  Brown,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Cedar. 

Beach,  Thomas  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Bond,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  20 ; P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

BOND,  E.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 

42 


O.  White  Oak;  owns  185  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $25  per  acre;  born 
in  Illinois  in  1838 ; came  to  Iowa 
in  1841,  and  settled  in  Keokuk 
county;  removed  to  this  county 
about  1845;  he  married  Nancy 
Bridges,  in  1859;  she  was  born  in 
this  county  in  1842;  have  seven 
children:  Dora,  Alice,  Emma,  Ida, 
Mattie,  Willie,  and  Cora. 

Bolles,  R.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Bolles,  R.  P.,  attorney,  Rose  Hill. 
Browning,  E.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 

O.  Rose  Hill. 

Brown,  Jonathan,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 

P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

BROWN&  STEWARD, of  the  firm 
of  Brown,  Steward  & Ewing,  Rose 
Hill.  W.  W.  Steward  was  born  in 
Washington  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1857, 
and  came  to  Iowa  in  1873.  C. 
Brown,  physician  and  surgeon,  was 
born  in  Knox  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1850; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1870.  The  bus- 
iness of  Brown,  Steward  & Ew- 
ing was  established  in  1878. 
Bridges,  John  W..  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Buoyles,  Richard,  farmer,  Sec.  34 ; P. 

O.  Fremont. 

Burrows,  Jesse,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Burgess,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  3 : P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

CALDWELL,  A.  N.,  farmer, 
Sec.  28;  P.  O.  White  Oak; 
owns  240  acres  of  land,  valued 
at  $30  per  acre;  born  in  East 
Tennessee  in  1839;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1851,  and  settled  in  White 
Oak;  married  Catharine  Stump 
in  1876;  she  was  born  in  Ohio  in 
1849;  have  two  children,  Charlie 
C.  and  Earl;  has  held  the  offce  of 
assessor,  trustee,  etc.;  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian church.  Republican. 
Caldwell,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 


664 


DIRECTORY  OP  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Caldwell,  Sarah,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  White  Oak.  ^ 

Calowav,  Jesse  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O:  Rose  Hill. 

CALDWELL,  R.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 
31;  P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  160 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  horn  in  East  Tennessee  in 
1841;  came  to  Iowa  in  1851  and 
settled  in  White  Oak  township; 
married  Milda  Gaston  in  1877; 
she  was  born  in  this  county  in 
1850;  Mr.  C.  has  two  children  by 
a former  marriage:  Lizzie  and 
James  Gaston.  Democrat. 

Clements,  W.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 

O.  Rose  Hill. 

Charnock,  W.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 

P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Crowder,  W.  L.,  physician  and  sur- 
geon ; P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Craig,  Margaret,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; 
P."0.  Rose  Hill. 

Crandall,  H.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Crill,  Harvey,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

COCHRAN,  SANFORD,  farmer, 
Sec.  32;  P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns 
203  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35 
per  acre;  born  in  Muskingum 
county,  Ohio,  in  1817;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1855  and  settled  on  pres- 
ent farm;  married  Elizabeth  Van- 
devender  in  1839;  she  was  born 
in  Licking  county,  Ohio,  in  1821; 
have  six  children:  G.  W.,  Oliver 
C.,  John  W.,  Laura,  Clara,  Mary 
E.;  has  been  trustee  three  years. 
Democrat. 

CURRIER,  CHARLES,  farmer, 
Sec.  7;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  proprie- 
tor of  Elkhorn  Mills,  erected  in 
1853;  was  born  in  Penobscot 
county,  Maine,  in  1820;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1843;  married  Angeline 
Harris  in  1849;  she  was  born  in 
Putnam  county,  Indiana,  in  1829; 
have  five  children:  Elma,  Wil- 
liam, Frank,  Fred,  Henry;  Mrs. 
C.  is  a member  of  the  Baptist 
church.  Republican. 


CRANDALL,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec. 
34;  P.  O.  Concert;  owns  130  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $25  per  acre; 
born  in  Warren  county,  Pa.,  in 
1835;  came  to  Iowa  in  1855;  mar- 
ried Welthy  A.  Cross  in  1861 ; she 
was  born  in  Ohio  in  1834;  they 
have  three  children,  Jesse  E.,  Ed- 
die E.,  and  Emma;  are  members 
of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Davis,  Israel,  farmer,  Sec. 

17;  P.  O.  White  Oak. 
DeLong,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Dewitt,  Mrs.  Samuel,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Dewitt,  Spencer,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Dewitt,  Eliott,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Dewitt,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Dickey,  Wm.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Dickson,  M.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Doak,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

DOWNEY,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
33;  P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  80 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre;  born  in  Bedford  county,  Pa., 
in  1824;  came  to  Iowa  in  1862; 
married  Emeline  Swickard  in  1858 ; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1826; 
have  two  children,  Mathias  S.,  and 
Ann  Eliza. 

Douglas,  John  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Douglas,  Silas,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

DOAK,  ROBERT,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  230  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $35  per  acre;  born 
in  Champaign  county,  Ohio,  in 
1838;  came  to  Iowa  in  1869;  mar- 
ried Sarah  Arnold  in  1874;  she 
was  born  in  Indiana’in  1836.  Mr. 
Doak  has  three  children  by  a for- 
mer marriage,  Maggie,  Mattie,  and 
Charlie;  he  enlisted  in  the  66th 


WHITE  OAK  TOWNSHIP. 


665 


Ohio  Infantry  in  1861,  and  was 
discharged  in  1865.  Republican. 
Drake,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

EVANS,  JANE,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Evans,  W.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

FOWLER,  DAYID  D.,  farmer, 
Sec.  21;  P.  O.  White  Oak. 
Fowler,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

Fuller,  O.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Gates,  Chester,  farmer,  Sec. 

14;  P.  O.  White  Oak 
GASKILL,  0.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
postmaster,  White  Oak,  and  deal- 
er in  general  merchandise;  born 
in  Clinton  county,  Ohio,  in 
1834;  came  to  Iowa  in  1852,  and 
settled  in  this  county;  married 
Julia  A.  Mathew,  in  1856;  she 
was  born  in  Clinton  county,  Ohio, 
in  1836;  he  enlisted  in  Co. 
C,  7th  Iowa  Infantry,  in  1861,  and 
was  discharged  in  same  year;  he 
has  held  the  office  of  township 
clerk  for  one  year.  Republican. 
Mrs.  G.  is  a member  of  the  M.  E. 
church.  Mr.  Gaskill  received  a 
commission  as  2d  Lieutenant  in 
the  State  Militia  on  the  13th  day 
of  October,  1864,  and  was  appoin- 
ted postmaster  October  20,  1867. 
Gilchrist,  Martha,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Gilchrist,  Ann,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Graham,  Jeff,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

Gregory,  Levi,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

HAYES,  JOEL,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Haskell,  Daniel,  Sr.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Hartman,  Thos.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

HINER,  HARMON,  farmer,  Sec. 
2;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  220 
acres  of  land  valued  at  $5,000; 


was  born  in  Pendleton  county, 
Ya.,  in  1814,  and  came  to  Iowa  in 
1874,  and  settled  on  present  farm; 
married  Margaret  Young,  in 
1843;  she  was  born  in  Fayette 
county,  Chio,  in  1823;  they  have 
eight  children,  John,  Mary,  Eliz- 
abeth, Joseph,  Adell,  Harriett, 
Lou,  and  Fanny.  Democrat. 

Howell,  Levi,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

Howell,  James  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Howell,  Benj.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

HOWE,  JAS.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  100  acres 
of  land  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Wilson  county,  Pa.,  in 
1816,  and  came  to  Iowa  in  1846, 
and  settled  in  White  Oak  town- 
ship; he  married  Nancy  Gott  in 
1859;  she  was  born  in  Shelby 
county,  Ky.,  in  1818;  they  have 
two  children,  Stephen  A.  D.  and 
Philipp.  Mr.  Howe  has  eight 
children  by  a former  wife,  Mary 
A.,  Margaret  M.,  Levi  F.,  George 
W.,  Isaac  Newton,  Jerusia,  James, 
and  Mellissa;  lost  one  son  in 
United  States  Army;  his  wife  has 
one  child  by  a former  husband, 
James  Thomas  Gott;  they  are 
members  of  the  Baptist  church. 
Democrat. 

TARVIS,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 

cJ  P.  O Rose  Hill;  owns  239 
acres  of  land  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  was  born  in  Kentucky,  in 
1823,  and  came  to  Iowa  in  1849, 
and  settled  in  this  county ; remov- 
ed to  his  present  farm  in  1869; 

. married  Martha  Kite,  in  1853; 
she  was  born  in  1830.  Rep. 

JARVIS,  Wm.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  281  acres 
of  land  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Kentucky,  in  1825,  came 
to  Iowa,  in  1849,  and  settled  on 
present  farm;  married  Frances 
M.  Bolles,  in  1849;  she  was  born 
in  Montville,  Conn.,  in  1827 ; they 


666 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


have  four  children,  Julius,  Vir- 
ginia, John  P.,  and  Fanny  M. ; 
has  been  justice  of  the  peace  for 
eight  years,  and  held  other  town- 
ship offices. 

JACKSON,  C.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 
P.  O.  Pose  Hill;  owns  300  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre; 
born  in  Marion  county,  Indiana, 
in  1820;  came  to  Iowa  in  1842  and 
settled  in  Des  Moines  county;  re- 
moved to  present  farm  in  1864; 
married  Eliza  Flood  in  1841 ; she 
was  born  in  Fayette  county,  Indi- 
ana, in  1821;  have  eight  children: 
Lydia  J..  Arabella,  Franklin  L., 
John  C.,  Willie,  Mary  P,  Henry 
A.  and  Alice;  Mr.  J.  was  county 
supervisor  two  terms,  and  justice 
of  the  peace  three  terms;  are 
members  of  the  Christian  church. 
Pepublican. 

JONES,  J.  C.,  furniture  business; 
P.  O.  Pose  Hill;  born  in 
Jefferson  county,  Indiana,  in 
1831;  came  to  Iowa  in  1775, 
and  engaged  in  present  business 
in  1877;  married  Lucinda  Nich- 
olson in  1852;  she  was  born  in 
Jefferson  county,  Indiana,  in 
1831;  have  five  children:  Rebec- 
ca, Mary  L.,  Anna,  Hattie  B , Lu- 
la. Pepublican. 

KENTFIELD,C,W.,  farmer; 
P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  160 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25  per 
acre;  born  in  Vermont,  in  1829; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1844,  and  settled 
in  this  county;  married  Nancy  A. 
Bozwell,  in  1865;  she  was  born  in 
Indiana  in  1832;  have  six  chil- 
dren: Alice,  George,  Albert,  Jes- 
sie, Levisa  and  Iona  E. 
KINSMAN,  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  140  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre; 
born  in  Vermont,  in  1816;  came 
to  Iowa  in  1840,  and  settled  in 
Brighton,  Washington  county, 
and  removed  to  this  county  in 
1843;  married  Lucy  P.  Sanderson 
in  1837 ; she  was  born  in  Massa- 


chusetts, in  1817;  have  five  chil- 
dren: Melvina,  Leona,  Anna,  Pe- 
ter M.  and  Olive;  Mr.  K.  has 
been  a supervisor  four  years,  and 
has  held  different  township  offices; 
are  members  of  M.  E.  church. 
Republican. 

KINSMAN,  J.  N.,  farmer,  Sec  29; 
P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  160  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre; 
born  in  Susquehannah  county, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1818;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1840  and  settled  in 
Brighton,  Washington  county; 
removed  to  this  county  in  1845, 
and  located  in  Oskaloosa  where 
he  was  proprietor  of  the  old  Os- 
kaloosa House  about  four  years; 
Mr.  K.  has  held  different  county 
offices — has  been  sheriff  one  term, 
and  treasurer  three  years;  marri- 
ed Lydia  Burcliard  in  1843;  she 
was  born  in  Susquehanna  county, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1819;  have  four 
children:  Martha,  Avada,  Mary 
and  Pliny;  are  members  of  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian  church.  Pe- 
publican. 

T ANDERS,  WM.  P.,  farmer,  Sec. 
-I— j 12;  P.  O.,  Pose  Hill. 
Lathrop,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Lisk,  John  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 

O.  Pose  Hill. 

Lister,  Morris,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P.  O. 
Pose  Hill. 

Little,  Harvey  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 

P.  O.  Pose  Hill. 

Little,  James  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Linsley,  F.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

McBPIDE,  WM.  F.,  farmer,  Sec. 

35;  P.  O.  Fremont. 
McBride,  Alexander,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Pose  Hill. 

McBride,  Simon,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

McBurney,  Hugh,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

McCURDY,  J.  A.,  fi  inner,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  390  acres 


WHITE  OAK  TOWNSHIP. 


667 


of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Virginia  in  1818;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1856,  and  settled  on  his 
present  farm;  married  Sarah  M. 
Henry,  in  1857 ; she  was  born  in 
Indiana,  in  1835;  they  have  seven 
children:  Frank,  Oscar,  Charlie, 
William,  Stella,  Addie,  and  Wal- 
ter. Are  members  of  Presbyte- 
terian  Church.  Republican. 
McCain,  James  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

McDonald,  Mrs.  Elizabeth,  farmer, 
Sec.  7;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

McKanna,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

McGREGOR,  H.,  dealer  in  lumber; 
born  in  Orleans  county,  N.  Y.,  in 
1821;  came  to  Iowa  in  1776;  he 
married  Catharine  Roberts,  in 
1854;  she  was  born  in  Wales,  in 
1834,  and  died  in  1877;  had  three 
children:  Mary  M.,  Charles,  and 
Addie.  Is  a member  of  Presby- 
terian Church.  Republican. 
Malin,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Manary,  M.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

Mason,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  36,  P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

Michum,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Mills,  D.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Concert. 

Milligan,  John  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Miller,  Jesse,  farmer,  Sec  27;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Mills,  Richard,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 

O.  Rose  Hill. 

MORGAN,  C.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 

P.  O.  White  Oak;  was  born  in 
Mahaska  county;  is  a son  of  L.  B. 
Morgan,  who  was  born  in  Va.,  in 
1811,  and  came  to  Iowa  in  ’36;  was 
married  to  Sarah  A.  Smith  in 
1836;  she  was  born  in  Wilson 
county,  Tenn.,  in  1819;  have  six 
children,  Francinia,  Lydia,  A.  L., 
S.  K.,  S.,  and  C.  C. 

MORGAN,  A,  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 


P.  O.  White  Oak;  he  owns  135 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35  per  acre; 
born  in  this  county  in  1848;  mar- 
ried Lucinda  Cox  in  1870;  she  was 
born  in  Indiana,  in  1846;  have 
three  children,  Absalom  N.,  Mary 
Minerva,  and  Lewis  Madison ; are 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Moore,  Wilson,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

MOORE.  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec  11; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns 400  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $28  per  acre ; born 
in  Yigo  county,  Indiana,  in  1824; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1849,  and  located 
in  White  Oak  township;  removed 
to  his  present  farm  in  1852;  mar- 
ried Catharine  Letsey,  in  1849; 
she  was  born  in  Park  county,  In- 
diana, in  1830;  have  ten  children, 
four  sons  and  six  daughters:  Ed- 
ward V.,  Elma,  Louisa,  Mary  E., 
Lovada,  George  B.  M , Albert, 
Nina,  Alfred  and  Siddie.  Repub- 
lican. 

Moore,  Edward,  farmer,  Secs.  2 and 
11;  P.O.  Rose  Hill. 

Moore,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Morrow,  James  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Monk,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 

O. O.  White  Oak. 

Morgan,  Caroline,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 

P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

MEANS,  J.  E.,  proprietor  of  Pacific 
House,  Rose  Hill ; born  in  Bedford 
county,  Penn.,  in  1843;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1863,  and  settled  in  Os- 
kaloosa  ; removed  to  this  village 
the  first  of  July,  1878;  married 
S.  C.  Dryden,  in  1873;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio,  in  1841;  have  one 
child,  Lillie  M;  are  members  of 
U.  P.  Church.  Democrat. 

Montgomery,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Moore,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Moore,  John  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 


668 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Morgan,  John  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Mnsgrove,  ¥m.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Musgrove,  ¥m.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O Rose  Hill. 

MYERS,  J.L.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 

O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  200  acres  land, 
valued  at  $40  per  acre;  born  in 
North  Carolina,  in  1822;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1852,  and  settled  in  Ad- 
ams township ; removed  to  present 
farm  in  1865 ; he  married  Weltha 
Fuller,  in  1852;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio,  in  1829;  have  four  children : 
Syrena,  Mary  A , Roenna,  and 
Joseph;  he  has  been  justice  of 
the  peace,  assessor,  trustee,  con- 
stable, etc;  are  members  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

Myers.  Christian,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Myers,  John  L.,  Jr.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Myers,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

NORRIS,  JOHN  F.,  farmer, 
Sec.  27;  P.  O.  White  Oak. 

ORR,  H.  L.,  postmaster  at  Rose 
Hill,  and  dealer  in  general 
merchandise;  born  in  Stuben  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  in  1840;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1868 ; he  married  Mary  P.  Hun- 
ter in  1868 ; she  was  born  in  Tomp- 
kins county,  N.  Y*,  in  1848;  they 
have  one  child,  Wrilber,  born  in 
1870.  Republican. 

ORNBAUM,  JAMES,  farmer,  Sec. 
10 ; P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  199  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre; 
born  in  Rockbridge  county,  Va., 
in  1798;  came  to  Iowa  in  1848, 
and  settled  on  his  present  farm; 
he  married  Benjimina  Shipley  in 
1830;  she  was  born  in  1814,  and 
died  in  1857;  had  four  children, 
J.  Shipley,  Eliza  Jane,  Mary  Ellen, 
and  Emelin e Edna;  is  a member 
of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Republi- 
can. 

PEBLER,  S.  L.,  saloon,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 


Petichord,  W.  H.  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 

22;  P.  O.  Wliite  Oak. 

Petichord,  John  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Phillips,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Fremont. 

Randall,  Charles  d.,  far- 
mer, Sec.  16;  P.  O.  Fremont. 
Reynolds,  J.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Rogers,  Jeremiah,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Robbins,  Hackett,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

ROBERTS,  J.  R.,  dealer  in  general 
merchandise  at  Rose  Hill;  born 
in  Kentucky  in  1847 ; came  to 
Iowa  in  1853,  and  settled  in  Ma- 
haska county  with  his  parents;  he 
married  Mary  M.  Laughrey  in 
1869;  she  was  born  in  Licking 
county,  Ohio ; they  have  four 
children,  Cora  B.,  Eva  A*,  Charles, 
and  Lilburn;  are  members  of  the 
Baptist  Church.  Democrat. 

SARYIS,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec. 

12;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Sarvis,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Sarvis,  Jonathan,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

SAWYER, J.H.,  mayor,  Rose  Hill; 
born  in  Indiana  in  1846;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1854;  enlisted  in  Co.  E, 
33d  Iowa  Infantry  in  1862,  and 
was  discharged  in  1865 ; he  was  in 
all  the  battles  that  regiment  par- 
ticipated in. 

Sheely,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Sheely,  Sarah,  Sec.  14;  P.  O.  White 
Oak. 

Shaw,  Solomon,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Silverthorn,  John  O.,  farmer,  Sec. 

20;  P.  O.  White  Oak. 

SMITH, PRESTON,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  143J  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $35  per  acre; 
born  in  Kentucky  in  1818;  came 
to  Iowa  in  1854,  and  settled  on  his 
present  farm  in  1856;  he  married 


white  oak  Township. 


m 


Mary  Goldsborough  in  1844;  she 
was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1819; 
they  have  six  children,  Amanda, 
George,  Mary,  Francis,  James, 
and  Adelade;  he  has  been  trustee 
three  years ; his  wife  is  a member 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Dem- 
ocrat. 

Smith,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Small,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Snyder,  A.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Spates,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  3 ; P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Squires,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

Stewart,  Jesse,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Stout,  Jasper,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Fremont. 

STEWART,  JESSE,  farmer,  Sec. 
18;  P.  O.  White  Oak;  owns  200 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25  per 
acre;  born  in  Carroll  county, 
Ohio,  in  1824;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1855,  and  settled  in  this  county; 
removed  to  his  present  farm  in 
1867.  He  married  Ruth  Miller 
in  1845;  she  was  born  in  Carroll 
county,  Ohio,  in  1824;  they  have 
ten  children,  four  sons  and  six 
daughters,  Sarah,  Jane,  Haney, 
Ruth,  Delila,  Elva,  David  A., 
John  J.,  Thos.  O.,  and  William; 
he  has  been  justice  of  the  peace 
six  years.  Democrat. 

STOUT,  G.  W.,  proprietor  Union 
House,  Rose  Hill;  born  in  Clark 
county,  Ohio,  in  1834;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1855,  and  settled  in  this 
county;  engaged  in  his  present 
business  in  1873;  he  married 
Mary  Moore  in  1853;  she  was 
born  Licking  county,  Ohio,  in 
1834;  they  have  seven  children, 
Matilda  Jennie,  William  F.,  Mar- 
garet, Alice,  Charles,  G.  W.  and 
Edward.  Republican. 

STOUT,  JAMES,  dealer  in  general 
merchandise,  Rose  Hill;  born  in 


Clark  county,  Ohio,  in  1831 ; came 
to  Iowa  in  1852,  and  settled  in 
this  county;  removed  to  Rose 
Hill  in  April,  1878;  he  married 
Mary  J.  Gray,  in  1853;  she  was 
born  in  1836;  they  have  eight 
children,  Lorenzo,  Luella,  Charlie, 
Susan,  Anna,  Jennie,  Ermie,  and 
Brown.  Democrat. 

Stevens,  Carlos,  farmer  Sec.  25;  P. 

O.  Rose  Hill. 

Stewart,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Swigett,  J.  A.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 

P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Taylor,  jane,  Sec.  15 ; p.  o. 

Rose  Hill. 

TAYLOR, WILLIAM,  farmer, Sec. 
28;  P,  O.  White  Oak;  owns  150 
acresof  landin  this  county,  and  160 
in  Kansas;  his  Mahaska  county 
land  is  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born 
in  Baltimore,  Maryland,  in  1816; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1857 ; he  married 
Ellen  Mommonier  in  1841;  she 
was  born  in  Baltimore  in  1822; 
they  have  one  child  by  adoption, 
Mary.  Mrs.  T.  is  a member  of 
. the  Roman  Catholic  church. 
TAYLOR,  ABNER,  farmer,  Sec. 
13;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  620 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40  per 
acre;  born  in  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  in 
1808;  came  to  Iowa  in  1848,  and 
settled  on  his  present  farm.  Mr. 
Taylor  has  been  twice  married, 
first,  to  Mary  Wymore  in  1830; 
she  was  born  in  Kentucky,  in 
1809,  and  died  in  May,  1870;  they 
had  twelve  children  two  of  which 
are  dead,  Prudence,  Nancy,  Sam- 
uel, Susan,  John,  Margaret  (dead), 
Francis  (dead),  Thomas,  Mary, 
Elizabeth,  Lucinda,  and  William. 
He  was  married  again  in  1870  to 
Sarah  Wymore,  widow  of  Win. 
Wymore;  she  was  born  in  Owen 
county,  Ky.,  in  1813;  she  has  two 
children,  Margaret  R.  (now  Mrs. 
Myers),  Mary  E.  (now  Mrs. 
Stringfellow) ; are  members  of 
the  Christian  church.  Democrat. 


670 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COtJNTY. 


TINSLEY,  T.  T.,  farrier  and  liv- 
ery business,  Rose  Hill;  owns 
186  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25 
per  acre;  born  in  Kentucky,  in 
1819;  came  to  Iowa  in  1847,  and 
settled  in  Keokuk  county;  re- 
moved to  this  county  in  1852; 
married  Matilda  J.  Lippard,  in 
1842;  she  was  born  in  Ripley 
county,  Indiana,  in  1826;  have 
four  children,  Stephen  A.,  Wil- 
liam F.,  Delliaand  Marcellus;  has 
been  county  supervisor  one  term. 
Democrat. 

Towers,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  25:  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

VERNON,  CARLTON,  farmer, 
Sec.  32;  P.  O.  White  Oak. 
Yotaw,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

\ A T ALTER,  GEORGE,  farmer, 
V V Sec.  5;  Rose  Hill. 
Wallar,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Wallace,  Charles  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  15 ; 
P.  O.  White  Oak. 

Ward,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
White  Oak. 

Waltman,  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Fremont. 

Warrick,  Llenry,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

WATERS,  H.  B.,  harness  maker, 
Rose  Hill ; born  in  Oskaloosa  in 
1855;  engaged  in  his  present  busi- 
ness in  Rose  Hill,  in  1876;  mar- 
ried Lou.  E.  Johnson,  in  1878;  she 
was  born  in  1860.  Republican. 


WATERS, S.B.,  physician  and  sur- 
geon, Rose  Hill;  owns  30  acres  of 
land;  born  in  Lycoming  county, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1830;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1853,  and  settled  in  this 
county;  married  E.  J.  Jarvis  in 
1859;  she  was  born  in  Indiana,  in 
1840;  have  seven  children,  Harry 
S.,  Minnie,  Hattie,  Amy,  Bruce, 
Frank,  Eugene  B. ; has  held  the 
offices  of  clerk,  assessor,  trustee, 
etc.  Republican. 

Wendel,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Witt,  Michael,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  White  Oak. 

Wilson,  C.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

WILLIAMS,  J.  A.,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Rose.  Hill ; owns  39  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $160  per  acre;  born  in 
Champaign  county,  Ohio,  in  1817; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1868,  and  settled 
on  present  farm;  married  Mary 
J.  Dodd,  in  1855;  she  was  born 
in  Delaware,  in  1835;  have  seven 
children,  Mary,  James,  John,  Mar- 
tha, Elzina,  George  W.  and  Sarah. 
Democrat. 

Wymore,  F.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Wymore,  Amos,  farmer,  Sec.  5 ; P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Wymore,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  6 ; P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

ZOLLARS,  MORGAN,  P.  O. 
White  Oak. 


SCOTT  TOWNSHIP. 


Adair,  Robert,  Jr.,  farmer, 
Sec.  6;  P.  O.  Olivet. 

Adair,  Robert,  Sr.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Austin,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P.  O. 
Tracy. 

BARTLOW,  N.  S.,  farmer,  Sec. 

23;  P.  O.  Auburn. 

Bartlow,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Auburn. 


Ball,  Eliza  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Barton,  William,  laborer;  P.  O. 
Tracy. 

Barnes,  A.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

BARNES,  GEORGE,  farmer,  Sec. 
16;  P.  O.  Olivet;  has  a farm  of 
280  acres;  born  in  Stark  county, 
Ohio,  July  18, 1828;  he  lived  there 


scott  township. 


m 


until  1861,  and  then  came  to  this 
county. 

BARNES,  ROBERT,  fanner,  Sec. 
10 ; P.  O.  Olivet;  born  in  Washing- 
ton county,  Pa.,  in  1806;  his 
parents  moved  to  Alleghany  coun- 
ty, Pa.,  three  years  later;  he  re- 
sided there  about  sixteen  years, 
then  moved  to  Stark  county,  Ohio, 
where  he  lived  until  the  spring  of 
1856,  and  then  removed  to  this 
county  and  located  where  he  now 
lives;  has  a farm  of  300  acres;  he 
married  Miss  Mary  A.  Hildreth 
October  18, 1840 ; she  was  born  in 
Wilmington,  Delaware,  in  1815; 
they  liavQ  two  sons  and  one 
daughter,  Cordelia,  Robert  H.,  and 
James  H. 

Benedict,  John,  laborer;  P.  O. 
Tracy. 

Bird,  W.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  26 ; P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Binns,  R.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Biggs,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P.  O. 
Auburn. 

Blakley,  A.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  21 ; P.  O. 
Olivet. 

Blakley,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  21 ; P. 
O.  Auburn. 

Boston,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

BOYER,  DR.  E.  A.,  Sec.  28;  P.  O. 
Tracy;  was  born  in  Uniontown, 
Frederick  county,  Maryland  (what 
is  now  Carroll  county),  in  1816; 
he  made  his  home  there  until  he 
was  eighteen  years  of  age;  from 
eighteen  until  he  was  twenty-one 
years  of  age  he  traveled  more  or 
less;  he  then  went  to  Noble  coun- 
ty, Indiana,  but  remained  there 
only  a short  time;  in  1840  the 
doctor  came  to  Iowa,  and  located 
in  Yan  Buren  county;  he  came  to 
this  county  in  April,  1843,  and 
removed  his  family  here  the  fol- 
lowing May,  and  still  lives  within 
one-quarter  mile  from  where  he 
first  settled;  he  owns  1,500  acres 
of  land  in  this  county;  owns  a 
43 


general  store  at  Tracy,  and  a dry- 
goods  store  in  Oskaloosa,  under 
the  firm  name  of  Boyer  & Barnes; 
he  married  Miss  Mary  Wiley,  of 
Windsor  county,  Vermont,  in 
1840;  they  have  eight  children, 
named  Mary,  (now  Mrs.  J.  R. 
Barnes,)  William  E.,  Richard  M., 
Frank  D.,  Ella  (now  Mrs.  Dr.  E. 
B.  Young)  E.  A.  Jr.,  Frances  H. 
and  Thomas;  lost  one  daughter, 
Annie  E.,  (wife  of  Dr.  David  E. 
Scott,)  of  Oskaloosa. 

Brady,  J.  W.,  ferryman,  Bellefon- 
taine;  P.  O.  Tracy. 

BUTLER,  FRED,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  son  of  Peter 
Butler,  who  was  born  in  Germany, 
and  emigrated  to  the  United  States 
in  1836,  and  located  in  Ashland 
county,  Ohio;  came  to  this  county 
in  1852;  his  mother’s  maiden 
name  was  Barbara  Butler;  Mr. 
B.  died  in  1853,  leaving  a family 
of  two  sons  and  two  daughters, 
Peter  B.,  Gertrude,  Maria  and 
Fred,  who  served  three  years  in 
the  late  rebellion  in  Company  C, 
Thirty-third  Iowa  Volunteer  In- 
fantry. 

Butler,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Butler,  J.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Burton,  William,  laborer,  Bellefon- 
taine;  P.  O.  Tracy. 

Butts,  Daniel,  laborer,  P.  O.  Tracy. 

Butler,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Butler,  Peter  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; P. 
O.  Leighton. 

CARRELL,  C.  A.,  farmer, Sec.  3 ; 
P.  O.  Leighton;  farm,  162 
acres;  was  born  in  Adams  county, 
Ohio,  in  1843;  he  came  to  this 
county  with  his  parents  in  1849, 
and  located  near  Oskaloosa;  moved 
on  his  present  farm  eleven  years 
ago;  he  married  Miss  Laura 
Walker,  January  1,  1867,  a native 
of  Muskingum  county,  Oliio;  have 
two  sons  and  one  daughter, 


672 


DIRECTORY  OE  MAHASRA  COUNTY. 


Frederick,  Charles  and  Nora  Bell; 
served  three  years  in  the  late 
war,  in  Company  K.,  Thirty-third 
Iowa  Volunteers  Infantry. 

Carrell,  C.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  B.  O. 
Leighton. 

Carrell,  R.  V.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Church,  A.  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  Auburn. 

Clark,  Elmer,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

Clark,  R.  V.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

CORWIN,  L.  EVANS,  physician 
and  surgeon:  P.  O.  Olivet;  was 
born  in  Champaign  county,  Ohio, 
in  1850;  he  lived  there  until  1865; 
he  commenced  the  study  of  med- 
icine with  Dr.  M.  Bemshour,  of 
Trinidade,  Colorado,  in  1872 ; took 
one  course  of  lectures  at  the  St. 
Louis  Medical  College;  com- 
menced practice  in  January  at 
Olivet ; practiced  about  three  years 
in  Ripley  county,  Missouri. 
Collins,  J.  C.,  laborer,  P.  O.  Auburn. 
Croft,  Peter  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 
O.  Olivet. 

DAVIS,  JOHN  D.,  farmer,  Sec. 

15;  P.  O.  Leighton. 

Davis,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Delong,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Auburn. 

EBY,  BENJ.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Olivet. 

Eckroot,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Auburn. 

Ellis,  Eli,  laborer,  Bellfontaine;  P. 
O.  Tracy. 

Evans,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

FANSHER,  THOMAS,  farmer, 
Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Leighton;  was 
born  in  Sevier  county,  East  Ten- 
nessee, October  1st,  1808;  he  lived 
there  until  the  age  of  21,  and 
then  moved  to  Rush  county,  In- 
diana; he  came  to  this  county  in 
April,  1843,  a few  days  before  the 
Indians  gave  up  possession.  Mr. 


Fansher  was  on  the  first  jury  ever 
empaneled  in  this  county.  He 
staked  out  his  claim  a little  south- 
west of  Oskaloosa;  he  moved  on 
his  present  farm  in  the  spring  of 
1854;  his  farm  contains  200  acres; 
he  married  Miss  Mahala  White 
January  9th,  1833;  she  was  born 
in  the  same  county  June  15th, 
1815;  she  died  June  13th,  1875, 
and  left  a family  of  three  sons 
and  four  daughters,  Jemima  J., 
(now  Mrs.  A.  P.  Kitching,)  An- 
drew J.,  John  M.,  Oskaloosa,  (now 
Mrs.  A.  T.  Barnes,)  George  W., 
Harriett  M.,  and  Martha  E. 
FANSHER,  DENNIS,  farmer,  Sec. 
12;  P.  O.  Leighton;  was  born  in 
Sevier  county,  Tennessee,  No- 
vember 18th,  1818;  he  lived  there 
until  about  13  years  of  age;  his 
parents  then  moved  to  Rush 
county,  Ind.;  lived  there  until 
September,  1854,  and  then  came 
to  this  county  and  located  in  Har- 
rison township;  has  been  on  his 
present  farm  since  April,  1863; 
has  a farm  of  120  acres ; he 
married  Rebecca  Stone,  July  4th, 
1850,  a native  of  S,  C.;  they  have 
four  sons  and  six  daughters,  Geo. 
W.,  Louisa,  Amanda,  William  R., 
Mary  M.,  Betsey,  Nancy  J., 
Joseph,  Samuel,  and  Viola. 

Fansher,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Fansher,  Geo.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 

O.  Leighton. 

Ferguson,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 

P.  O.  Leighton. 

Fitzsimons,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

FINNEY,  JAMES,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  Beacon;  has  a farm  of  220 
acres;  was  born  in  Muskingum 
county,  Ohio,  October  26tli,  1822; 
he  lived  there  until  1856,  and 
then  came  to  this  county  and 
located  where  he  now  lives;  he 
married  Miss  Minerva  Reeves  in 
1854,  of  the  same  county;  she 
died  in  1856;  he  was  married 


SCOTT  TOWNSHIP. 


673 


again  to  Eliza  Church  in  1858,  a 
native  of  Ohio;-  they  have  one  son 
and  one  daughter,  Mary  Ida,  and 
Grant. 

Foster,  W.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Auburn. 

Free  Janies,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

Frazier,  Eli,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

GARDEN, LOUISA  A.,  farmer, 
Sec.  30;  P.  O.  Tracy;  widow 
of  Robert,  who  was  born  in  Phila- 
delphia December  19th,  1809;  he 
emigrated  to  Iowa,  to  what  is  now 
Van  Buren  county,  in  1837,  where 
he  lived  until  1844,  and  then  re- 
moved to  this  county;  he  entered 
160  acres.  Mrs.  Garden’s maiden 
name  was  Harris;  she  was  born 
in  Philadelphia  September  17th, 
1810;  they  were  married  March 
10,  1829;  he  died  April  16th, 
1861,  and  left  a family  of  five 
sons  and  two  daughters,  Augustus 
J.,  Benjaminn  H.,  Robert,  Thos., 
J.,  Louisa,  Malinda  and  Clarence 
B. 

GILMOUR,  AVM.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Leighton;  was  born  in  Ayr- 
shire, Scotland  in  1810,  he  emi- 
grated to  the  United  States  in 
1832  and  located  in  New  Haven, 
Connecticut.  Mr.  G.  is  a weaver 
by  trade,  he  remained  in  Con- 
necticut five  years,  working  the 
while  at  his  trade;  he  then  emi- 
grated to  Union  county,  Indiana, 
where  he  lived  18  years;  he  came 
to  this  county  in  1856,  and  locat- 
ed where  he  now  lives ; his  farm 
contains  139  acres;  he  married 
Miss  Susan  Foster,  a native  of 
New  Haven,  Connecticut,  Sep- 
tember 6,  1836;  she  died  Febru- 
ary 3,  1845;  left  family  of  three 
sons  and  two  daughters:  Cather- 
ine, Emily,  Andrew  J.,  Wil- 
liam W.,  and  Charles  E;.  he 
married  again  to  Jane  McCul- 
lough, a native  of  Indiana,  in 
August,  1848;  they  have  one  son 


and  two  daughters,  James  B., 
Sarah  G.,  and  Lizzie  A . 

Godfrey,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

HATFIELD,  S.  S.  farmer,  Sec. 

11;  P.  O.  Leigton. 

Hatfield,  F.  E.  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Haunsteen,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 
P.  O.  Olivet. 

Hankens,  E.  farmer.  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Harris,  Jas.  farmer,  P.  O.  Leighton. 
Henry,  T.  S.  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Henry,  J.  W.  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Henry,  J.  S.  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

Hower,  Dan.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Hoffman,  Edward,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Hughes,  W.  E.  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Olivet. 

Hull,  Jasper,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

Hull,  A.  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Beacon. 

T RVIN,  ROBERT,  farmer,  Sec. 
-L  13;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  was  born 
in  Juniata  county,  Pennsylvania, 
December  2,  1822;  he  lived  there 
until  11  years  of  age,  his  parents 
then  moved  to  Muskingum  Co., 
Ohio,  where  he  lived  until  1850, 
and  then  came  to  Iowa  and  locat- 
ed near  Oskaloosa;  has  lived  on 
his  present  farm  8 years;  farm  60 
acres;  married  Eliza  Adams,  a 
native  of  Oneida  county,  New 
York,  in  1848;  they  have  one  son 
and  one  daughter,  James  A.,  and 
Anna  E.  (now  Mrs.  John  W. 
Jones). 

T ONES,  PIIEBE  A.,  farmer,  Sec. 
cJ  30;  P.  O.  Tracy. 

Johnson,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Beacon. 

KENTFIELD,  C.  Z.,  farmer, 
Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Leighton. 
KENDIG,  T.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 


674 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


P.  O.  Leighton;  farm  80  acres; 
was  born  in  Lancaster  county, 
Pennsylvania,  November  15, 1815, 
be  lived  there  until  1836,  and 
then  went  to  Stark  county,  Ohio; 
came  to  this  county  in  1855,  and 
located  where  he  now  lives;  he 
married  Miss  Mary  Ferree,  a na- 
tive of  Dolphin  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, April  11,  1838;  they  have 
three  sons  and  four  daughters: 
Oliver  J.,  Perrin  L.,  Andrew  A., 
Ada  M.,  Nancy  R , Adell  F., 
and  Lucetta  J. 

Kraam,  A.  van  der.,  farmer,  Sec.  6: 
P.  O.  Pella. 

LAUGHLIN,  ¥M,  farmer,  Sec. 

9:  P.  O.  Leighton. 

Lake,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  30:  P.  O. 
Tracy. 

Lash,  Elizabeth,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

LAUGHLIN.  D.  F.,  farmer,  Sec. 
16;  P.  O.  Olivet;  owns  a farm  of 
120  acres;  was  born  in  Elizabeth, 
Alleghany  county,  Penn.,  Nov.  6, 
1816;  lie  lived  there  about  sixteen 
years;  his  parents  then  moved  to 
Carroll  county,  Ohio,  where  he 
lived  until  the  spring  of  1847,  and 
then  removed  to  this  county  and 
located  where  he  now  lives;  he 
married  Miss  Margaret  Robertson, 
March  14,  1844;  she  was  born  in 
Westmoreland  Co.,  Penn.,  March 
26,  1814.  They  have  no  family. 
LAUGHLIN,  ADAM,  farmer,  Sec. 
17 ; P.  O.  Olivet;  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Elizabeth,  Alleghany  Co., 
Penn.,  January  5,  1822;  his  pa- 
rents moved  to  Carroll  county,  O., 
when  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  about  nine  years  of  age,  where 
he  lived  until  the  fall  of  1851, 
when  lie  came  to  this  county;  he 
married  Miss  Margaret  Price,  in 
March,  1850;  she  was  born  in  Car- 
roll  county,  Ohio,  in  1832;  have 
six  daughters  and  one  son:  Jose- 
phene,  Rebecca,  Stella,  Viola  M., 
Margaret,  Carrie,  and  William  B. 
lias  a farm  of  120  acres. 


Lockart,  Isaac,  M.,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

LOCKART,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  Olivet;  was  born  in 
Jefferson  county,  Ohio,  June  19, 
1816;  he  lived  there  until  four 
years  of  age;  his  parents  then 
moved  to  Licking  county,  Ohio, 
where  lie  lived  until  fifteen  years 
of  age,  and  then  moved  to  Frank- 
lin county,  Ohio;  lived  thereuntil 
eighteen  years  of  age,  and  then 
moved  to  Fountain  county,  Ind. ; 
lived  there  until  1846,  and  then 
came  to  this  county;  been  on  his 
present  farm  nineteen  years;  has 
a farm  of  220  acres.  Lie  married 
Miss  Mary  Funk,  Feb.  19,  1837; 
she  is  a native  of  Pickaway  Co., 
Ohio;  they  have  three  sons  and 
four  daughters:  Isaac  M.,  John 
F.,  Robert  E.,  Emma  Nora  (now 
Mrs.  D.  W.  Hartman),  Maggie, 
Mary  E.,  (now  Mrs.  Cicero  Wing- 
field), Alice  E.  (now  Mrs.  Henry 
Waldrip). 

LUCAS,  DR.  T.  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 
24;  manager  of  the  poor  farm;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  was  born  in  Han- 
cock county,  Tenn.,  March  25th, 
1839;  he  lived  there  but  a short 
time,  when  his  parents  moved  to 
Washington  county,  Indiana;  he 
came  to  this  county  in  1866;  has 
had  charge  of  the  poor  farm  three 
years;  he  married  Miss  L.  A. 
Collins,  March  27,  1864;  she  is  a 
native  of  Indiana;  they  have  one 
. adopted  son,  Fredie.  Mr.  L.  served 
nearly  five  years  in  the  late  rebel- 
lion; enlisted  July  21,  1861,  in 
Co  E,  42d  Illinois  Vol.  Inf.;  was 
mustered  out  Dec.  25,  1865,  at 
Port  Lavaca,  Texas. 

McCREA,  HENRIETTA,  far- 
mer, Sec.  5;  P.  O.  Leighton. 
McCombs,  James  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

McBride,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

McVey,  J.,  laborer  Bellefontaine; 
P.  6.  Tracy. 


SCOTT  TOWNSHIP. 


675 


McCombs,  Y.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 
P.  O.  Olivet. 

Morgan,  J.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Auburn. 

NEWMAN,  G.  L.,  farmer,  Sec. 

4;  P.  O.  Leighton. 
Newhouse,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Norwood,  R.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O*  Leighton. 

OSWANDLE,  GODFREY,  far- 
mer, Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Leighton. 
Oswandle,  Fred.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Olivet. 


DHILLIPS,  MARGARET, 

farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Olivet; 
farm  100  acres;  widow  of  Albert 
Phillips,  who  was  born  in  Virgin- 
ia in  1821;  he  came  to  this  county 
in  1847;  Mrs  Phillips’  maiden 
name  was  Cheezem;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio,  February  20,  1821; 
they  were  married  June  16,  1850; 
he  died  August  27,  1875,  leaving 
a family  of  four  sons  and  seven 
daughters:  Minerva,  Columbus, 
William,  Julia,  John,  Nancy, 
Mary,  Rachael,  Albert,  Polly  and 
Katie. 


Phillips,  C.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Phillips,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Olivet. 


Phillips,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

PLASTER,  HENRY,  farmer,  Sec. 
14;  P.  O.  Beacon;  farm  of  96 
acres;  was  born  in  Bristol,  Som- 
inersetshire,  England,  January  17, 
1824;  he  emigrated  to  the  United 
States  in  1854  and  located  in 
Schuylkill  county,  Pennsylvania, 
and  came  from  there  in  a short 
time  thereafter;  he  married  Miss 
Margaret  Hoskins,  a native  of 
South  Wales,  in  1844;  she  died 
in  1868;  he  married  again  to  Eliz- 
abeth Hartshorn,  in  1869,  a native 
of  South  Wales;  they  have  one 
son  and  two  daughters:  Tom,  Es- 
ther and  Grace. 

PRICE,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 


O.  Olivet;  was  born  in  Starke 
county,  Ohio,  January  21,  1822; 
he  lived  there  until  1850,  and 
then  came  to  this  county  and  lo- 
cated where  he  now  lives;  has  a 
farm  of  203  acres;  he  married 
Miss  Margaret  Hamilton,  October 
14,  1843,  a native  of  Fredericks- 
burg, Ohio;  have  no  family; 
adopted  one  son:  T.  M. 

Price,  L.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

Redman,  reuben,  farmer, 

Sec.  2;  P.  O.  Leighton;  farm 
of  500  acres,  35  acres  of  timber; 
was  born  in  Columbiana  county, 
Ohio,  May  15,  1837;  came  to 
this  county  in  1863,  and 
has  lived  on  his  present  farm 
since  1867 ; he  married  Miss  Ma- 
ry F.  Elson  ,Feb.  27,  1866;  she 
was  born  in  Starke  county,  Ohio, 
March  11,  1838;  family  of  three 
sons  and  one  daughter:  Richard, 
Joseph,  Katie  and  Frank;  Mr. 
Redman  and  his  partner,  Thomas 
Haines,  brought  1200  head  of 
sheep  from  Ohio,  in  1863,  and 
the  year  following  brought  2300 
more,  making  in  all,  with  the  in- 
crease, 4,400  head. 

Reeves,  Elizabeth,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Auburn. 

Reeves,  Moses,  farmer,  Sec.  26 ; P. 
O.  Auburn. 

Rice,  Charles  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Tracy. 

Rice,  Samuel  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  Tracy. 

Roorda,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Ross,  D.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Rogers,  C.,  laborer,  P.  O.  Tracy. 
ROBERTSON,  FRANK,  farmer, 
Sec.  15;  P.  O.  Olivet;  was  born 
in  Carroll  county,  Ohio,  October 
7,1841;  came  to  this  county  in 
the  fall  of  1845;  he  married  Miss 
M.  Y.  Martin,  a native  of  Clark 
county,  Indiana,  April  18,  1867; 
they  have  four  sons  and  one 


676 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


daughter:  Samuel  C.,  John  B., 
William  E.,  Annie  M.  and  Justin 
M. 

ROBERTSON,  G.  M.,  farmer,  Sec. 
15;  P.  O.  Olivet;  was  born  in 
Carroll  county,  Ohio,  May  29, 
1833;  came  to  this  county  in 
the  fall  of  1845;  he  married  Miss 
Jennie  Gilbert,  a native  of  Mont- 
gomery county,  Ohio,  April  28, 
1869;  she  was  born  May  27, 1848; 
they  have  one  son  and  one  daugh- 
ter: Sallie  and  Willie;  lost  two 
sons:  Lewis  and  Frank;  Mr.  R. 
served  three  years  in  the  late  wrar 
in  the  fifth  Tennessee  cavalry; 
farms  80  acres  and  has  23  acres 
of  timber. 

ROBERTSON,  SAMUEL,  farmer 
Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Leighton;  wTas  born 
in  Oanonsburg,  Pennsylvania,  Oct. 
16,  1808;  his  parents  moved  to 
West  Moreland  county,  Penn., 
when  he  was  very  young,  lived 
there  twelve  years,  and  then  moved 
to  Carroll  county,  Ohio;  lived 
there  until  the  fall  of  1853,  and 
then  came  to  this  county,  and  in 
the  spring  of  1854  moved  on  the 
place  where  he  now  lives;  has  a 
farm  of  205  acres,  and  fifty  acres 
of  timber;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Sample,  Sept.  15, 1837,  a native  of 
Wilmington,  Delaware;  she  was 
born  October,  1814;  they  have 
three  sons  and  two  daughters, 
Samuel  S.,  Jane,  Johnson  L.,  Rob- 
ert D.  and  Sarah  E. 
ROBERTSON,  SARAH,  farmer, 
Sec.  15;  P.  0.  Olivet;  widow  of 
Win.  Robertson,  who  was  born  in 
Ireland;  he  came  to  this  county 
in  the  fall  of  1845,  and  located  on 
the  farm  they  now  occupy;  Mrs. 
Robertson’s  maiden  name  was 
Smith;  she  was  born  in  Brook 
county,  Virginia,  August  1, 1803; 
they  were  married  February  3, 
1830;  he  died  April  5, 1854,  leav- 
ing a family  of  five  sons,  only  two 
of  whom  are  now  living,  George, 


and  Frank;  deceased,  John,  Wil- 
liam A.  and  Andrew. 

Ryan,  I.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Ryan,  R.  B.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

SAMPLE,  W.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.'  4 ; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Sandalin,  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P.  O. 

Tracy.  t 

SCHEE,  W.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  was  born  in  Harri- 
son county,  Ohio,  June  3,  1822, 
lived  there  until  May,  1855,  and 
then  came  to  this  county  and  lo- 
cated where  he  now  lives;  his  farm 
contains  520  acres,  and  30  acres  of 
timber;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Myers  December  24, 1844,  a native 
of  Tuscarawas  county,  Ohio;  she 
died  in  1868;  married  again  to 
Rebecca  Ross,  April  28,  1870,  a 
native  of  Tuscarawas  county,  Ohio; 
by  the  first  union  three  sons 
and  four  daughters,  Isabel  (now 
Mrs.  Henry  Gray),  Ellen  (now 
Mrs.  James  Elliott),  Walter,  Lieu- 
rany,  Ida,  Win.  F.,  Jr.,  James; 
one  daughter  by  second  marriage, 
Olive;  was  member  of  the  board 
of  supervisors  one  term. 

Schee,  Walter,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Seevers,  B.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Auburn. 

Schultz,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Smith,  W.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Tracy. 

Smith,  W.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Stenis,  Art  van,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

TAYLOR,  J.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; 
P.  O.  Auburn. 

Thompson,  Israel,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 
P.  O.  Olivet. 

THOMPSON,  A.  Y.,  farmer,  Sec. 
27;  P.  O.  Auburn;  was  born  in 
Orange  county,  New  York,  Jan. 
28,  1824;  he  came  to  this  county 


BLACK  OAK  TOWNSHIP. 


677 


in  April,  1856,  lived  one  year  in 
Oskaloosa  township,  and  then  re- 
moved to  this  township,  where  he 
has  since  resided;  farm  contains 
120  acres;  he  married  Miss  Rachel 
A.  Benson,  March  6,  1851,  a 
native  of  Patterson,  New  Jersey; 
they  have  two  sons  and  four 
daughters,  Richard  B.,  Robert  M., 

black: 

AIKIN,  S.  A.,  physician  and  sur- 
geon, Leighton;  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Somerset,  Somerset 
Co.,  Pennsylvania,  Feb.  24,  1830: 
lie  lived  there  two  years;  his  pa- 
rents then  moved  to  Westmoreland 
county,  Pennsylvania,  where  he 
lived  until  he  was  17  years  of  age. 
He  commenced  the  study  of  medi- 
cine at  the  age  of  17,  with  Dr.  W. 
C.  Riter,  of  Alleghany  county, 
Pennsylvania;  he  graduated  at 
the  Jetferson  Medical  College  of 
Pennsylvania;  he  came  to  Dela- 
ware county,  Iowa,  in  1851;  in 
October  of  the  same  year  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Diana  Doreward,  of 
Delaware  county,  Iowa;  they  have 
four  sons  and  five  daughters,  John 
F.,  Ellen,  Sarah,  Cyrus,  Charles, 
Annetta,  Bell,  Jesse  and  Lillie. 
Mr.  A.,  came  to  the  county  in 
1858,  spent  the  year  previous  in 
Marion  county.  Iowa. 

BAKER,  ELIZA  A.,  farming, 
Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Pella. 
BARBER,  S.  W.,  merchant,  of  the 
firm  of  Barber  & Young,  Leigh- 
ton ; was  born  in  Columbia  county, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1838;  he  lived 
there  until  1866,  and  then  re- 
moved to  Cass  county,  Michigan; 
lived  there  about  four  years,  and 
then  came  to  this  county,  and  to 
Leighton,  May  12, 1871;  not  mar- 
ried. 

Bennett,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  22 ; P.  O. 
Leighton. 

BENNETT,  N.F.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 


Anna,  Jane,  Mary  and  Stella;  was 
justice  of  the  peace  about  six 
years. 

A A 7"ALKER,  F.  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 
V V 11;  P.  O.  Leighton. 
Wood,  Isaiah,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 

Wray,  Jabez,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Olivet. 


TOWNSHIP. 

P.  O.  Leighton ; larm  of  130 
acres;  was  born  in  St.  Jos.  county, 
Indiana,  May  9,  1837;  he  lived 
there  until  1853,  and  then  came  to 
this  county;  he  married  Miss 
Eliza  Burns,  June  16,  1860 — born 
in  Lee  county,  Iowa,  in  1841; 

- thev  have  one  son,  John  E. 
BENNETT, GEORGE,  farmer,  Sec. 
21 ; P.  O.  Pella;  was  born  in  Stark 
county,  Ohio,  where  he  lived 
until  1851,  and  then  removed  to 
this  county,  he  now  lives;  has  a 
farm  of  160  acres  and  9 acres  ot 
timber;  January  17, 1849,  married 
Miss  Margaret  Haslett,  a native  of 
Bucks  county,  Penn. — born  De- 
cember 1828;  they  have  three 
sons  and  one  daughter,  William 
A.,  Robert  N.,  Minnie  B.  and 
George  E. ; lost  one  daughter, 
Florinda,  who  died  in  Colorado, 
May  6,  1876. 

Beagle,  John  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

BETTS,  FIELDING,  retired,  Sec. 
17;  P.  O.  Pella;  was  born  in 
Scott  county,  Kentucky,  Septem- 
ber 9,  1803;  he  lived  there  until 
24  years  of  age;  from  there  he 
went  to  Montgomery  county,  In- 
diana, where  he  remained  until 
the  fall  of  1843;  he  came  to  Jef- 
ferson county,  Iowa,  in  the  winter 
of  1843-44,  and  the  following 
summer  moved  to  Henderson 
county,  Illinois;  remained  there 
until  April,  1847,  and  then  re- 
moved to  Black  Oak  township, 


678 


DIRECTORY  OY  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


this  county,  and  located  on  Sec. 
17;  he  married  Hannah  Wilson, 
in  November,  1881,  a native  of 
Kentucky;  has  one  son  and  six 
daughters,  Joseph,  Nancy  A.  (now 
Mrs.  Josiali  Rourk),  Mary  E.,  (now 
Mrs.  L.  Zering),  Harriet  J.,  (now 
Mrs.  J.  A.  Ergembright),  Sarah  A., 
(now  Mrs.  F.  Rector),  Henrietta 
R.  and  Martha;  was  justice  about 
six  years.  Mr.  B.  served  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war. 

Blanch,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

BOWMAN,  DAVID  L.,  black- 
smith, Leighton;  was  born  in 
Franklin  county,  Virginia,  April 
3,  1845;  he  lived  there  until  Oc- 
tober, 1864;  in  the  fall  of  1865, 
he  came  to  Leighton,  and  has  been 
a resident  here  ever  since;  h‘e 
married  Mrs.  Eliza  Fleck,  widow 
of  J.  B.,  August  3, 1873,  who  was 
born  in  Stark  county,  Ohio,  Au- 
gust 14,  1853;  she  died  October 
25,1876;  left  one  son,  William 
A. ; Mrs.  B.  left  two  sons  by  her 
former  marriage,  John  A.  C.  and 
David  F. 

Brownell,  Sands,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Bush,  Sarah,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

CANINE,  P,  V.,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Pella;  born  in  Shelby 
county,  Kentucky,  September  10, 
1810;  lived  there  21  years;  then 
moved  to  Montgomery  county, 
Indiana;  he  lived  there  until  1852, 
and  then  came  to  this  county  and 
located  where  he  now  lives;  farms 
181  acres;  he  married  Miss  Char- 
ity Smith,  February  13,  1833,  a 
native  of  Ohio,  but  raised  in 
Montgomery  county,  Indiana;  they 
have  four  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters, Cornelius,  Enoch,  Harvey, 
Sylvesrer,  Margaret,  Lucinda,  and 
Charity  A.;  was  township  trustee 
four  years. 

Clark,  T.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  O. 
Pella. 


Clark,  Nancy  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

DE  KOK,  STEPHEN,  former, 
Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Pella. 

De  Jong,  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

De  Bruin,  C.,  farmer,  P.  ().  Pella. 
De  Bruin,  Justice,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Pella. 

De  Jong,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

De  Bruin,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

De  Jong,  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

De  Kok,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

DUNSMORE,  A.  E.,  farmer,  Sec. 
14;  P.  O.  Leighton;  was  born  in 
Morgan  county,  111.,  October  5, 
1823,  where  he  lived  until  1848; 
he  then  came  to  this  county,  aud 
located  where  he  now  lives;  he 
entered  200  acres  of  land,  and  his 
present  farm  contains  160  acres; 
he  married  Miss  Aria  A.  Hoover, 
May  1,  1851;  she  was  born  in 
Mifflin  county,  Pa.,  February  9, 
1838;  they  have  five  sons  and 
four  daughters,  Mary,  Evaline, 
Frederick,  George,  Marion,  Ela- 
nor,  Irene,  Josephus  and  Abra- 
ham; he  was  justice  of  the  peace 
six  years,  and  held  the  office  of 
township  clerk  and  other  offices 
of  trust. 

Dykstra,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

EADINGTON,  JOHN,  farmer, 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

ERGEMBRIGHT,  J.  A.,  farmer, 
Sec.  15;  P.  O.  Pella;  was  born 
in  Bartholomew  county,  Indiana, 
August  9,  1837;  he  lived  there 
twenty-five  years  and  then  came 
to  this  county;  owns  a farm  of  80 
acres;  he  married  Miss  Harriett 
J.,  daughter  of  Fielding  Betts, 
Esq.,  October  15,  1863,  a native 
of  Montgomery  county,  Indiana; 
born  January,  1843;  they  have 
two  sons  and  one  daughter,  Ed- 


BLACK  OAK  TOWNSHIB. 


679 


ward,  William  and  Cora.  Is 
township  assessor. 

Else,  Henry,  lives  in  Oskaloosa. 

FLECK,  CASSA  A.,  farmer, 
Sec.  26;  P.  O.  Leighton. 
Freeman,  S.  E.,  farmer,  P.  O.  Leigh- 
ton. 

FUNSTON,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
22;  P.  O.  Leighton;  was  born  in 
Columbia  county,  Pa.,  in  1819, 
and  lived  there  until  twenty-one 
years  of  age;  he  then  removed  to 
St.  Joseph  count}7,  Indiana;  he 
went  to  California  in  1852  and  re- 
mained there  eight  years,  and 
came  to  this  county  in  March, 
1859;  owns  a farm  of  355  acres; 
he  married  Miss  Lou  visa  Lowery, 
March  3,  1859,  a native  of  Dela- 
ware, but  raised  in  St.  Joseph 
county,  Indiana;  no  family;  have 
lost  one  daughter,  Mary  A. 
Funston,  Mellissa,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

GIBBS,  CHAS.  T.,  farmer,  Sec. 
11;  P.  O.  Leighton;  owns  a 
farm  of  160  acres ; was  born  in  Bur- 
lington Co,  N.  J.,  April  30,  1830; 
he  lived  there  but  six  months, 
when  his  parents  moved  to  Cin- 
cinnati, where  they  lived  two 
years,  then  removed  near  Leba- 
non, Ohio,  where  he  lived  until 
1834,  and  then  went  to  St.  Joseph 
county,  Indiana;  he  came  to  this 
county  in  the  spring  of  1862; 
married  Miss  Margarey  McNay, 
January  1,  1855,  a native  of  Elk- 
hart count}7,  Indiana;  they  have 
three  sons  and  one  daughter, 
Robert  E.,  Albert  N.,  Frank  A. 
and  Effie  A. 

Goldsmith,  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Graham,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

GRAHAM,  THOS.,  farmer,  Sec. 
14;  P.  O.  Leighton;  owns  a farm 
of  120  acres;  was  born  in  Tippe- 
canoe county,  Indiana,  October 
15,  1840,  and  lived  there  until 


1851,  and  then  came  to  this  coun- 
ty; he  married  Miss  Amanda 
Gibbs,  November  11,  1874,  a na- 
tive of  Indiana;  she  died  July  5, 
1876;  has  one  daughter,  Martha 
F. 

GRAHAM,  SANFORD,  farmer, 
Sec.  13;  P.  O.  Leighton;  owns  a 
farm  of  140  acres;  was  born  in 
Tippecanoe  county,  Indiana,  in 
1838;  came  to  this  county  in  1851 
and  located  where  he  now  lives; 
not  married;  he  enlisted  in  the 
late  war  in  Co.  C,  33d  Iowa  Vol- 
unteers Infantry,  August  10,1862; 
was  wounded  at  Helena,  Arkan- 
sas, July  4,  1863,  and  discharged 
November  8,  1863. 

Grandia,  Mary,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Groves,  Peter  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 

P.  O.  Leighton. 

HOWARD,  C.  M.,  farmer,  Sec. 
32;  P.  O.  Pella;  was  born 
in  Tippecanoe  county,  Indiana,  in 
1840,  and  lived  there  eight  years, 
when  his  parents  moved  to  this 
county  and  located  in  this  town- 
ship in  1848;  he  married  Miss 
Judith  Ferguson,  September  21, 
1862,  a native  of  Boone  county, 
Indiana;  she  came  to  this  county 
in  1848;  they  have  one  son  and 
seven  daughters,  Ida  I.,  Malinda 
E.,  Minnie  V.,  Emma  A.,  Martha 
L.,  Nellie  E.,  Judith  I.,  and  Chas. 
W. ; he  served  three  years  in  the 
late  war,  in  Co.  A,  40th  Iowa 
Volunteers  Infantry. 

Howard,  Chas.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

Howard,  Geo.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Howard,  Jackson,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Hoover,  Joseph  II.,  lives  in  Oska- 
loosa. 

Hoover,  E.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

Hulstein,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Pella. 


680 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


T ARAD,  JAMES,  farmer,  Sec.  1; 
cJ  P.  O.  Leighton. 

Jackson,  Joseph;  lives  in  Oskaloosa. 
Jones,  D.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Jones,  Alonzo,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Johnson,  James  P.,  carpenter;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

KALLEMYN,  K.,  farmer,  Sec. 
7;  P.  O.  Pella. 

Kline,  H.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Krous,  Ed.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Lamer,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Lounsberry,  B.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Long,  Joseph,  farmer;  P.  O. Peoria. 
Lundy,  Elias,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Mack  am  an,  Elijah, 

farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Leighton;  farm  of  40  acres;  was 
born  in  Carroll  county,  Ohio,  in 
1831,  and  came  to  this  county  in 
the  spring  of  1865;  he  married 
Elizabeth  Pearcli,  a native  of  the 
same  count}^,  January  7,  1850; 
children:  Mary  A.,  William  G., 
and  Daniel  H. 

McCauley,  James,  farmer;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

McCabe,  Mary,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

McKissick,  Josiah,  farmer, Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Mead,  Lucien,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Miller,  S.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Miller,  W.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

MOODY,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Leighton ; farm  of  531- 
acres;  was  born  in  Carroll  county, 
Ohio,  January  12,  1829,  and  lived 
there  until  twenty-one  years  of 
age;  he  moved  to  Clayton  county, 
Iowa,  in  1850;  lived  there  until 
June,  1872,  and  then  came  to  this 


county;  he  married  Miss  Rebecca 
A.  Laughlin,  a native  of  the  same 
county,  February  2,  1854;  they 
have  four  sons  and  four  daughters: 
Mary  O.,  William  L.,  Rebecca 
E.,  John  B.,  Adam  E.,  Archie 
N.,  Sarah  G.  and  Tinsey  P. 

NELSON,  S.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Norris,  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

OYERBERGEN,  L.,  farmer,  Sec. 
5;  P.  O.  Pella. 

PARKER,  M.W.,  miller,  Sec.12; 
P.  O.  Leighton,  of  the  firm  of 
Parker  & Cramer,  proprietors  of 
the  Huron  Mills;  was  born  in 
Morgan  county,  111.,  February  1, 
1840;  four  weeks  later  his  parents 
moved  to  Washington  county, 
Iowa;  came  to  this  county  in 
1870;  he  married  Miss  Lucy 
Beach,  October  25,  1863,  a native 
of  Washington  county,  Iowa;  she 
died  in  June,  1872,  leaving  a fam- 
ily of  one  son  and  three  daughters, 
Mary  E.,  Ellen  G.,  and  Alvin  B.; 
married  again  to  Mary  Rothell, 
of  Mahaska  county,  in  November, 
1873;  they  have  one  son,  Charles 
W.;  served  one  year  and  six 
months  in  the  late  rebellion,  en- 
listed as  private  in  Co.  E,  30th 
Iowa  volunteers  infantry,  and  was 
afterward  promoted  to  First 
Lieutenant. 

POGUE,  JOHN  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 
43;  P.  O.  Leighton;  has  a farm 
of  160  acres,  fifteen  acres  timber: 
was  born  in  Rockbridge  county, 
Virginia,  June  7,  1829;  left  there 
on  the  10tli  of  September,  and  ar- 
rived here  November  2,  1850;  has 
lived  on  his  present  farm  since 
1867 ; he  married  Mary  A.  Mack- 
aman,  December  10,  1863,  a na- 
tive of  Carroll  county,  Ohio;  they 
have  one  daughter,  Evalena  May. 
POTHO YEN,  OTTO,  farmer,  Sec. 
4;  P.  O.  Pella;  owns  a farm  of 
155  acres;  was  was  born  in  Europe 
July  8,  1839;  he  emigrated  to  the 


BLACK  OAK  TOWNSHIP. 


681 


U.  S.,  and  this  county  in  1856; 
he  married  Martha  De  Bruin, 
December  25,  1862,  a native  of 
Europe;  they  have  two  sons  and 
two  daughters,  Henry,  Jacob, 
Mena,  and  Tona. 

Pos,  Dirk,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Porter,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Price,  L.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Leighton. 

REICHARD , JACOB,  boot  and 
shoe  dealer,  Leighton ; born  in 
Columbia  county,  Pa.,  June  11, 
1839;  he  lived  there  until  1869, 
and  then  came  to  Leighton;  he 
built  the  fine  hotel  now  owned  by 
John  W.  Walton,  and  has  built 
several  other  nice  buildings  in  the 
place.  In  1875,  Mr.  R.  opened 
out  a neat  boot  and  shoe  store, 
which  would  do  credit  to  any  place 
(he  is  a shoemaker  by  trade).  In 
1862  he  married  Miss  Mary  A. 
Townsend,  a native  of  the  same 
county ; they  have  three  daughters, 
Lulia  N.,  Mertie  E.,  and  EvaD.; 
lost  one  son  and  one  daughter, 
Edward  N.  and  Hattie  C. 
RICHARDSON,  JAMES,  farmer, 
Sec.  20,  P.  O.  Pella;  o^wns  a farm 
of  160  acres ; was  born  in  Peoria 
county,  Illinois,  June  20,  1844,  he 
lived  there  until  he  was  eleven 
years  old ; his  parents  then  moved 
to  Iowa,  and  has  lived  on  his  pre- 
sent farm  nine  years;  he  married 
Miss  Louisa  Clark,  Feb.  11,  1869, 
who  was  born  in  Marion  county, 
Iowa,  Feb.  11,  1849;  they  have 
two  sons,  Clark  and  Fred. 
Richardson,  Levi,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Ringle,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Rosborough,  A.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Leighton. 

Ryan  Elting  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

RYAN,  JOHN  W., farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Pella;  farm  of  200  acres; 


was  born  in  Randolph  county, 
Virginia,  October  23, 1816,  where 
he  lived  twenty  years;  he  went 
from  there  to  Union  county,  Ohio, 
where  he  lived  five  years;  he  came 
to  Van  Buren  county,  Iowa,  in 
1841,  and  to  this  county  in  1863 
and  located  where  he  now  lives  in 
1865;  he  married  Miss  Nancy 
Carpenter,  a native  of  the  same 
county,  December  3,  1837;  she 
died  June  8,  1873;  he  married 
again  to  Elizabeth  L.  Bingman, 
a native  of  Tennessee,  April  9, 
1874;  has  two  sons  and  two 

daughters  by  first  marriage:  Ce- 
lia A.,  Reason,  Jerard  and  Alge- 
nett;  lost  two  sons  and  two 

daughters:  Julia  A.,  Elzina,  Geo. 
R.  and  John  N. ; Mrs.  Ryan  has 
three  children  by  a former  mar- 
riage: Pamelia  J.,  Alice  E.  and 
Nancy. 

SEARY,  THOMAS  J.,  laborer, 
Sec.  1;  P.  O.  Peoria. 

Shelly,  A.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Poona 

SMITH,  J.  H.,  farmer  and  stock 
dealer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O.  Leighton; 
farm  460  acres ; was  born  in  Elces, 
France,  in  1826;  his  parents  came 
to  the  United  States  when  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  but  two 
years  of  age,  and  located  in  Can- 
ton, Ohio,  where  they  lived  until 
1837,  when  they  moved  to  Elk- 
hart county,  Indiana;  he  remained 
there  until  1849;  October  5, 
1S48,  he  married  Miss  Polly  S. 
Bennett,  who  was  born  in  Stark 
county,  Ohio;  in  1849  Mr.  Smith 
left  Indiana  for  this  county,  his 
worldly  possessions  consisting  at 
that  time  of  $54  in  cash,  one  team 
of  horses,  an  old  wagon  and  a few 
household  goods;  by  hard  work 
and  economy  to-day  lie  has  one  of 
the  finest  residences  and  the  best 
farm  in  the  county,  and  is  quite 
extensively  engaged  in  the  stock 
business;  they  have  three  sons  and 
three  daughters:  Eleanor  J., 


682 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Ephraim,  Ira,  Izora,  George  W. 
and  Florence  E. 

Smith,  Ira,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 

Leighton.  ✓ 

Smith,  Ephraim,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Smith,  M.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Smith,  E.  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

STEIN,  N.  S.,  miller,  Leighton; 
was  born  in  Berks  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, in  1S32;  he  came  here 
in  1869;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
E.  Trough,  of  Pennsylvania,  June 
17,  1869;  she  died  June  17, 1873; 
he  married  again,  to  Carrie  E. 
Bell,  of  Missouri,  December  15, 
1875;  he  has  one  son:  Palph. 
Stein,  J.  S.,  miller,  Leighton. 
STRAIN,  NANCY,  farmer,  Sec. 
23;  P.  O.  Leighton;  widow  of 
Thomas  Strain,  who  was  born  in 
Abbyville  county,  South  Caroli- 
na, August  20,  1803;  he  came  to 
Polk  county,  Iowa,  in  1850,  and 
to  this  county  in  1863,  and  located 
where  they  now  live;  Mrs.  Smith, 
whose  maiden  name  was  Winin- 
gar,  was  born  in  Rockbridge  conn 
ty,  Virginia,  March  11,  1817; 
they  were  married  May  9,  1839; 
he  died  February  21,  1877,  leav- 
ing a family  of  five  sons  and  five 
daughters:  Ellen  J.,  John  A.,  Al- 
vira  A.,  David  W.,  Mary  E., 
Thomas  W .,  Picliard  P.,  Sarah  R., 
Emma  D.  and  Albert  R;  farm 
contains  170  acres. 

Strain,  D.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 

O.  Leighton. 

Stoddard,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 

P.  O.  Leighton. 

Stoops,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 

O. ,  Leighton. 

Stroud,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 

P.  O.  Leighton. 

Sullivan,  D.,  laborer,  Leighton. 
Sullivan,  M.,  laborer,  Leighton. 
Swartz,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P. 
O.  Peoria. 


TAYLOR,  MADISON,  farmer, 
Sec.  33;  P.  O.  Leighton. 
Tandy,  W.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Tenbosch,  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  Pella. 

Thomas,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

THOMAS,  JOSEPH,  farmer,  Sec. 
19;  P.  O.  Pella;  was  born  in 
Hamilton  county,  Ohio,  Decem- 
ber 18,  1809;  he  lived  there  ten 
years,  when  his  parents  moved  to 
Wayne  county,  Indiana,  where  he 
lived  until  1835,  and  then  moved 
to  Delaware  county,  Indiana;  he 
remained  there  until  1855,  and 
then  came  to  this  county  and  lo- 
cated where  he  now  lives;  he 
married  Miss  Nancy  Ribble  in 
1837,  a native  of  Montgomery 
county,  Va. ; they  have  four  sons 
and  one  daughter,  Mary,  William, 
Theodore  E.,  David,  and  Mark. 
Thomason,  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

Thomas,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Timbrel,  Blemus,  laborer,  Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Tice,  Harden,  lives  in  Oskaloosa. 
TICE,  MADISON,  farmer  and 
stock  dealer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O.  Pella; 
owns  a farm  of  415  acres;  was 
born  in  Floyd  county,  Virginia, 
in  1827;  came  to  Jasper  county, 
Iowa,  in  1847,  and  to  this  county 
in  1851;  he  married  Miss  Nancy 
Mays,  September  5th,  1853;  they 
have  three  sons  and  six  daughters, 
Theopholis,  Manella,  Mary,  Lou- 
isa, Minnie,  C.  G.,  Cora,  Hattie, 
and  Daniel;  was  justice  two  years. 
Tysseling,  T.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

Tysseling,  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

VANHOOKLUM,  B.,  farmer, 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Rockel,  L.,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pella. 


BLACK  OAK  TOWNSHIP. 


683 


Vanwijngaarden,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  de  Haar,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Van  der  Meiden  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 

P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  de  Haar,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Van  Donselaar,  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  7; 

P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  der  Hove  rat,  B.,  farmer,  Sec. 

24;  P.  O.  Leighton. 

Van  der  Waal,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  ILorsen,  Gerret,  farmer,  Sec. 
11;  P.  O.  Pella. 

VAN  DONSELAAR,  PETER, 

farmer,  Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Pella; 
owns  a farm  of  120  acres;  was 
born  in  Europe  November  19th, 
1836;  he  lived  there  until  1864, 
and  then  emigrated  to  Iowa  and 
this  county;  has  lived  on  his 
present  farm  seven  years;  he 
married  Lena  Van  de  Waal,  June 
7th,  1872;  she  was  born  in  Ma- 
rion county,  Iowa;  they  have  two 
sons  and  one  daughter,  Peter  J., 
Ire,  and  Wilhelmina. 

Van  Steinbergen,  Wm.  G.,  farmer, 
Sec.  6;  P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Demyde,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec.  7; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  de  Rovart,  W.,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Van  de  Brake,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Vangorp,  F.,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pella. 
Van  Zante,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 

P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Zante,  Garret,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Van  Donselaar,  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  7; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Donselaar,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec. 
18;  P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Zante,  Dielus,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Zante,  A.  B.,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Van  der  Pol,  Tlios.,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Pella. 


Van  der  Voort,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec. 
8;  P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Alst,  A.  C.,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Vanwijngaarden,  G.  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 
24;  P.  O.  Leighton. 

Van  Howeling,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  32, 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Zee,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P.  O. 
Pella. 

Vermeer,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Veenschoten,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Veenstra,  Aart,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

VOORHEES,  JOHN  farmer,  far- 
mer, Sec.  16;  P.  O.  Pella.  Mr. 
Voorhees  was  born  in  Warren 
county,  Ohio,  October  2,  1829, 
where  he  resided  until  1852;  he 
enjoyed  no  more  than  a common 
school  education,  and  never  at- 
tended school  after  he  was  sixteen 
years  of  age.  Mr.  Voorhees  came 
to  Mahaska  county  from  Ohio, 
and  September,  1853,  purchased 
the  farm  on  which  he  now  resides. 
In  the  following  spring,  March 
16,  1854,  he  married  Miss  Marga- 
ret Canine,  a native  of  Montgom- 
ery county,  Indiana,  where  she 
was  born  August  28,  1836;  they 
have  five  sons  and  one  daughter, 
John  K.,  born  in  1857 ; Elbert  S. 
D.,  born  in  1860;  Dora  E.,  born 
in  1865;  Frank  C.,  born  in  1871; 
Melvin  R.,  born  in  1874,  and  Fred, 
born  in  1876;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Voor- 
hees have  buried  two  daughters, 
Mary  J.  and  Lucinda  A. 

Mr.  Voorhees’  farm  comprises 
four  hundred  acres,  on  the  Pella 
road,  about  twelve  miles  from  Os- 
kaloosa.  He  came  into  the  coun- 
ty with  but  eight  hundred  dollars, 
which  he  Invested  in  real  estate, 
and  he  has  now  one  of  the  best 
improved  farms  in  Mahaska  coun- 
ty. In  1871  he  built  on  his  farm 
a very  fine  brick  residence.  This 
dwelling  stands  upon  a high  point 


684 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


of  ground  and  can  be  seen  for 
a considerable  distance  down 
the  road  toward  Oskaloosa.  As 
one  follows  the  windings  of  this 
road  and  catches  and  loses  glimp- 
ses of  the  country  mansion  in  the 
distance,  the  effect  is  quite  fine. 
This  dwelling,  with  careful  finan- 
cial management,  was  completed 
at  a cost  of  $10,000.  Mr.  Yoor- 
hees  takes  great  interest  in  the 
raising  of  stock,  mainly  for  the 
market,  not  giving  much  atten- 
tion to  fancy  grades.  He  is  a 
great  reader,  and,  we  are  informed, 
takes  more  newspapers  than  any 
other  farmer  in  his  section  of  the 
country.  He  is  modest  and  re- 
tiring in  disposition,  and  though 
he  shows  a commendable  pride  in 
the  appearance  of  his  home  and 
surroundings,  there  is  nothing  of 
ostentatious  display.  In  the  sim- 
plicity and  the  unassuming  air  of 
“mine  host”  the  visitor  finds 
himself  at  once  at  home — a home 
whose  grace  within  is  largely 
due  to  the  cordiality  and  true  wo- 
manliness of  Mrs.  Voorhees,  its 
esteemed  wife  and  mother. 

Yos,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Yos,  H,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Yoorhees,  J.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

Y A T ALLACE,  E.  L.,  farmer, 
v V Sec.  1 ; P.  O.  Peoria. 
WALTON,  JOHN  W.,  merchant, 

postmaster,  and  hotel  proprietor, 
Leighton;  was  born  in  Greene 
county,  Pa.,  November  24,  1840, 
and  lived  there  until  October, 
1868;  then  came  to  Oskaloosa, 
Iowa,  where  he  lived  until  July, 
1874,  and  then  removed  to  Leigh- 
ton; he  married  Miss  Carrie  J. 
Kimball,  of  Marshall  county,  AY. 
Ya.,  August  21,  1861;  they  have 
two  sons  and  three  daughters, 
Mary  B.,  Daniel  E.,  Carrie  J., 
John  W.,  and  Daisie  M. 


Whitlock,  Ezra  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  1; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Williams.  John  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; 
P.  O.  . 

Willebordee,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Wingfield.  C.,  carpenter,  Leighton. 

WOODS,  E.  M.,  farmer,  Sec  15; 

P.  O.  Leighton;  was  born  in 
Knox  county,  Tenn.,  September 
19,  1840;  his  parents  removed  to 
Iowa  in  1845,  and  to  Marion 
county  in  1846,  and  to  this  coun- 
ty and  township  in  the  fall  of 
1847;  he  owns  a farm  of  160 
acres  and  20  acres  of  timber;  he 
married  Miss  Elvira  A.  Strain, 
March  22,  1868,  a native  of  Ohio; 
they  have  three  sons,  Elvin  T., 
Orvil  B.,  and  Harley  E. ; he  serv- 
ed two  years  and  ten  months  in 
the  late  war,  in  Co.  G,  33d 
Iowa  Yolunteers  Infantry;  was 
wounded  at  Poison  Springs,  April 
15,  1864,  in  the  left  leg  below 
the  knee;  ten  days  thereafter  was 
taken  prisoner  and  confined  five 
months  in  the  prison  at  Camden, 
and  was  then  removed  to  Magno- 
lia, and  thence  to  Shreavesport; 
was  paroled  out  Eebruary  26, 
1865;  was  released  at  the  mouth 
of  Bed  Biver.  Bepublican. 

WOODS,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Leighton;  was  born  in 
Knox  county,  Tenn.,  March  6, 
1835;  he  came  to  Iowa  in  1845, 
to  Marion  county  in  1846,  and  to 
this  county  and  township  in  the 
fall  of  1847;  he  married  Miss 
Susan  Beese,  August  7,  1856; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio,  September 
29,  1838;  she  died  May  26,  1860; 
left  one  daughter,  Etta  M. ; mar- 
ried again  to  Eliza  J.  Liter,  July  1, 
1862;  she  was  born  in  Illinois, 
August  30,  1839;  she  died  Feb- 
ruary 25,  1875,  and  left  one  son 
and  four  daughters,  Ida  M.,  Anna 
H.,  Maggie  L.,  Jessie  L.,  and  Hu- 
bert AY. 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


685 


Woods,  S.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  F.  O. 
Leighton. 

Worley,  F.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Leighton. 

Wray,  John  C.,  blacksmith,  Leigh- 
ton. 

Young,  david,  merchant, 

of  the  firm  of  Barber  & 
Young,  Leighton;  was  born  in 
Stark  county,  Ohio,  in  1830;  he 


lived  there  about  twenty-two 
years  and  then  went  to  Cass  Co. 
Michigan;  he  came  to  this  county 
November  13,  1865,  and  to  this 
town  in  1871;  he  married  Miss 
Margurett  E.  Funston,  April  13, 
1854,  a native  of  Columbia  coun- 
ty, Pa. ; they  have  two  daughters, 
Sarah  W.  and  Catharine  D. 


ANDERSON,  DANIEL,  Sec. 
25;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  one  of 
the  firm  of  Whitmore  & Ander- 
son, proprietors  of  Alpha  Mills; 
born  in  Miami  county,  Ohio,  in 
1832;  came  to  Iowa  in  1858,  and 
located  in  Washington  county; 
removed  to  this  county  in  1873; 
married  Sarah  B.  Tood  in  1872, 
she  was  born  in  1842;  have  two 
children,  John  and  Frank.  Mr. 
A.  has  two  children  by  a former 
wife,  Wilber  A.,  and  Alonzo. 
Adair,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Bailey,  Elizabeth,  farm- 
er, Sec.  27;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
BALLINGER,  THOMAS,  farmer 
and  preacher,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Lacey.  The  following  chart  of 
character  was  given  by  Benjamin 
Brunning  in  1858.  Mr.  Brun- 
ning  was  a lecturer  on  the  science 
of  phrenology  of  more  than  or- 
dinary ability.  We  quote  from 
the  chart:  “ You  have  a full  sized 
brain  with  great  activity;  your 
temperament  is  marked — lym- 
phatic 4,  sanguine  6,  bilious  5-£; 
you  have  large  adhesiveness;  are 
eminently  social,  an  ardent,  sin- 
cere friend;  enjoy  friendly  society 
extremely  well,  and  form  strong 
attachments;  you  love  home  well, 
but  have  no  undue  attachment; 
can  go  where  "duty  calls  without 
remorse;  you  possess  the  power 
of  concentrativeness  to  a reason- 


able extent;  have  no  eager  desire 
for  life,  though  you  love  it  well; 
are  resolute  and  courageous;  spir- 
ited and  efficient  as  an  opponent; 
quick  and  intrepid  in  resistance; 
love  debate;  boldly  meet,  if  you 
do  not  court  opposition;  you  are 
loth  to  cause  or  witness  pain; 
have  a good  appetite,  but  can  gov- 
ern it  well;  are  not  penurious; 
love  property  for  the  comforts  it 
will  bring:  can  keep  a secret,  but 
are  not  cunning:  are  always 
watchful,  careful  and  anxious: 
are  keenly  alive  to  public  opinion: 
set  everything  by  character,  hon- 
or, etc.:  have  much  self-respect, 
pride  of  character  and  indepen- 
dence: have  firmness  enough  for 
ordinary  occasions:  are  faithful, 
honest,  upright  at  heart,  moral  in 
feeling,  forgiving,  love  the  truth, 
cannot  tolerate  wrong,  consult 
duty  before  expediency:  are  gen- 
erally sanguine  and  careful — ris- 
ing above  present  troubles:  have 
but  little  faith  in  the  marvelous: 
are  not  habitually  serious,  al- 
though capable  of  religious  fervor 
and  devotion:  you  are  inclined  to 
do  all  the  good  you  can — gladly 
sacrifice  self  on  the  altar  of  be- 
nevolence: have  refinement  of 
feeling  without  sickly  sentimen- 
tality: you  are  an  admirer  of  na- 
ture— mountain  scenery,  etc.: 
have  a quick,  keen  perception  of 
the  ludicrous — make  a great 


686 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


amount  of  fun : are  quick  at  rep- 
artee: laugh  heartily  at  jokes: 
have  fair  observing  powers:  rec- 
ognize persons  and  countenances: 
appreciate  order:  have  a clear  and 
attentive  memory  of  historical 
facts:  are  a fluent,  easy  and  pleas- 
ant speaker:  adopt  means  to  ends 
well:  have  an  active  desire  to  as- 
certain causes:  have  a happy  tal- 
ent for  comparing : win  confidence 
and  affection,  read  character  and 
motives  of  men  from  physiogno- 
my: are  not  suspicious — may  be, 
but  not  easily  imposed  upon.” 

Thomas  Ballinger  is  a native  of 
West  Middlebury,  Logan  county, 
Ohio,  where  he  was  born  Dec.  21, 
1817.  He  is  of  French,  Dutch 
and  Welch  ancestry — his  progeni- 
tors emigrating  to  America  some 
one  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago, 
and  settled  in  Hew  Jersey,  where 
traces  of  the  family  still  remain, 
and  where  his  parents  were  born. 
In  about  1806  they  moved  to 
Ohio,  where  the  father  died  in 
1845,  and  the  mother  in  1854. 
Thomas  was  raised  and  well  trained 
in  the  laborious  industries  pecul- 
iar to  a farmer’s  life.  He  shared 
the  advantages  of  the  common 
schools  of  Ohio — attending  from 
three  to  six  months  a year  until 
about  fifteen  years  of  age.  Since 
that  date  he  has  been  engaged  in 
battling  with  the  duties  of  life, 
receiving  some  benefit  from  pri- 
vate instruction  in  the  higher 
branches,  and  in  the  languages. 

As  a pastime  for  youth,  he  de- 
voted considerable  time  during 
his  residence  in  that  part  of  Ohio 
to  hunting  game,  such  as  deer 
and  turkeys,  being  very  abundant. 
In  1837  lie  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  Devore,  a native  of  Ohio. 
She  died  in  March,  1845,  leaving 
two  children,  one  only  of  whom 
Mrs.  Mott  now  survives,  for  sev- 
eral years  past  a teacher  in  the 
public  schools  at  Oskaloosa. 


In  1834  he  experienced  a relig- 
ious awakening,  which  resulted 
in  his  joining  the  Methodist 
church.  Having  his  attention  di- 
rected to  the  subject  of  baptism, 
he  finally  became  a member  of 
the  Disciples  church,  and  for  ten 
years  was  a preacher  of  that  faith. 
Coming  in  contact  with  believers 
in  Universalism,  and  studying  the 
subject  of  the  Divine  government, 
and  the  final  destiny  of  the  race 
as  the  result  of  benificent  econ- 
omy, he  finally  concluded  that  if 
salvation  was  good  for  one  it  was 
good  for  all,  and  that  God  in  his 
wisdom,  justice  and  goodness 
would  so  arrange  the  dispensa- 
tions of  his  Providence  as  to  insure 
the  impartial  and  universal  result. 
This  mode  of  reflection  lead  him 
to  embrace  the  Abrahamic  faith, 
and  for  twenty-five  years  he  has 
been  engaged  in  proclaiming  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  God’s  im- 
partial grace.  In  September,  1845, 
he  married  Miss  Lydia  A.  Hil- 
dreth, a native  of  Vermont.  In 
1850  he  moved  West,  and  settled 
first  in  Van  Buren  county,  but 
shortly  moved  to  Mahaska  county, 
and  settled  in  Oskaloosa,  where  he 
lived  until  1854.  For  the  next 
two  years  he  engaged  in  farming 
near  Oskaloosa,  and  being  invited 
to  take  charge  of  the  society  at 
Bentonsport,  he  preached  with 
them  for  two  years,  and  then  re- 
turned to  the  farm.  In  1861  he 
moved  on  his  present  farm,  six 
miles  north  of  Oskaloosa.  During 
these  years  he  has  preached  exten- 
sively through  southeastern  and 
central  Iowa.  He  has  held  some 
eighteen  discussions  with  promi- 
nent preachers  of  different  denom- 
inations. In  these  discussions  he 
has  displayed  more  than  ordinary 
forensic  ability,  and  a well  ground- 
ed knowledge  of  the  Bible,  and  of 
biblical  interpretation.  In  1867 
he  was  elected  to  the  legislature, 


MADISON  i'OWNSHIP. 


687 


and  served  through  the  Twelfth 
General  Assembly  as  member  of 
the  House.  He  made  an  inde- 
pendent member,  conscientious  in 
all  his  acts,  too  much  so  to  be 
trammeled  by  party  tactics.  He 
had  sufficient  manhood  to  not  join 
in  the  bitter  and  uncalled  for 
tirade  of  partisans  against  Andrew 
Johnson,  as  manifest  by  a majorit}^ 
of  the  members  of  the  legislature, 
such  as  Thomas  Ballinger.  He  is 
widely  known  throughout  Iowa, 
in  fact  he  has  a reputation  extend- 
ing through  the  range  of  Univer- 
salistic  believers  throughout  the 
West. 

Ballinger,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Lacey. 

Bartlett,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Oskal’oosa. 

Baughman,  S.,  miller,  Sec.  24;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Boswell,  Harriet,  farmer,  Sec.  33 ; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Bryan,  Allen,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Buckley,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

CARTEE,  R.  C.,  farmer,*  Sec.  36 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Carver,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

CONKLIN,  WILLAM  A.,  Sec. 
24;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owne  160 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  born  in  Morrow  county, 
Ohio,  in  1828;  was  marshal  of  the 
city  of  Cardington  four  years, 
and  deputy  treasurer  two  years; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1867 ; married 
Maria  A.  Anderson  in  1853;  she 
was  born  in  Guernsey  county,  Ohio, 
in  1834;  have  eleven  children, 
William  Y.  E.,  Ora  P.,  Philemon 
B.,  Frank  P.,  Charles  E.,  Jacob  J., 
Oscar  K.,  Albert  D.,  Alice  E., 
Minnie  H.,  Olive  M. ; lost  two, 
one  in  infancy,  and  Emma  J.,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  twenty  years. 
Are  members  of  the  M.  E.  church. 


Coffin,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Coleman,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Coffin,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Conklin,  W.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Coffin,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Coffin,  Erastus,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

COFFIN,  SAMUEL,  farmer,  Sec. 
34;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  555 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre;  born  in  North  Carolina  in 
1809;  came  to  Iowa  in  1842,  and 
to  this  county  in  1844;  Mr.  C.  has 
been  twice  married;  in  1830  to 
Sophia  Fisler;  she  was  born  in 
Indiana  in  1814;  have  seven  chil- 
dren, John,  Jacob,  Sarah,  Erastus, 
Eliza,  Thomas,  Susie;  married 
again  in  1851  to  Susan  Lvster; 
she  was  born  in  Indiana  in  1833; 
have  nine  children,  Sophia,  Anna, 
Florence,  Henry,  William,  Etta, 
Frank,  Samuel,  Mollie;  Mr.  C. 
represented  this  county  two  years 
in  the  legislature;  was  justice  live 
years. 

CRISPIN,  FRANCIS,  farmer,  Sec. 
27;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  208-J 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40  per 
acre;  born  in  Ross  county,  Ohio, 
in  1826;  came  to  Iowa  in  1845; 
married  Adeline  Bousell,  in  1850; 
she  was  born  in  Virginia,  in  1824; 
have  six  children,  Louisa,  Mary 
N.,  Sarah  J.,  Thomas,  Hannah 
and  Susan.  Mr.  C.  has  been  one 
ol  the  board  of  supervisors  one 
term,  and  held  the  office  of  justice 
one  term. 

CRUZEN,  LEWIS,  farmer,  Sec.24; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  he  owns  215 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40  per 
acre;  born  in  Green  county,  Ohio, 
in  1835;  came  to  Iowa  in  1849; 
married  H.  A.  Hollister  in  1859; 
she  was  born  in  Knox  county, 


45 


688 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASEA  COUNTY. 


Ohio,  in  1835;  they  have  three 
children,  C.  H.,  D.  O.  and  A.  L.; 
are  members  of  the  Baptist 
church. 

CRUZEN,  HARVEY,  farmer,  Sec. 
28;  P.  O,  Oskaloosa;  owns  280 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $50  per 
acre;  born  in  Greene  county,  Ohio, 
in  1810;  came  to  Iowa  in  1849, 
and  settled  on  his  present  farm ; 
Mr.  C.  has  been  twice  married, 
first  to  Aseanath  Walthall,  in 
1832;  she  was  born  in  Virginia,  in 
1815,  and  had  five  children,  Ham- 
ilton, Lewis,  Geo.  W.,  Elizabeth 
J.,  Benjamin.  He  married  again 
in  1860,  to  Sally  Lamborn,  she 
was  born  in  Knox  county,  Ohio, 
in  1826;  have  two  children, 
Aseanath  E.,  Laura  C.  Mrs.  C. 
has  four  children  by  a former  hus- 
band, Harriet  M.,  John  J.,  Thos. 
L.,  and  Emma  B.  Mr.  C.  has 
been  justice  of  the  peace  twelve 
years;  they  are  members  of  the 
Bapist  church. 

CRUZEN,  LEWIS,  farmer,  Sec.34; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  215  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre; 
born  in  Greene  county,  Ohio,  in 
1835;  came  to  Iowa  in  1849;  mar- 
ried IL.  A.  Hollister  in  1859;  she 
was  born  in  Knox  county,  Ohio,  in 
1835;  they  have  three  children, 
O.  H.,  D.  O.,  and  A.  L. ; they  are 
members  of  the  Baptist  church. 

CRUZEN,  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  504  acres  of 
land,  valued  a $30  per  acre;  born 
in  Ohio  in  1832,  and  came  to  Iowa 
in  1849;  married  Sarah  Coffin,  in 
1853;  she  was  born  in  Indiana  in 
1836;  they  have  six  children, 
Jerome  B.  Jas.  F.,  Samuel  H., 
Minnie  J.,  ¥m.  F.,  and  Ralph  H. ; 
they  are  members  of  the  Baptist 
church. 

Cruzen,  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  Benjamin,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


Crispin,  Albert,  carpenter,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  David,  lives  in  Oskaloosa 
township. 

Crisman,  Cyrus,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  36 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Crispin,  Mary,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Cummings,  B.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Curry,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

DELONG,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 

17 ; P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Deweese,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

DILLEY,  JACOB,  farmer,  Sec.  27; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  168-|  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre; 
born  in  Virginia  in  1810;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1853,  and  settled  on  his 
present  farm;  married  Elizabeth 
Bird,  in  1832;  she  was  born  in 
Virginia,  in  1810;  they  have  four 
children:  David,  Jane,  Floyd  and 
William  H.  Mr.  D.  has  held  the 
office  of  justice  of  the  peace.  Are 
members  of  M.  E.  Church. 

Dilley,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Dilley,  Floyd,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

DYE,  T.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa;  owns  610  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $25  per  acre;  born  in 
Virginia,  in  1834;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1864,  and  settled  on  his  present 
farm ; married  Rosanna  Peper,  in 
1858;  she  was  born  in  Virginia, 
in  1836;  they  have  six  children: 
Charles,  George,  Thomas,  Cora, 
Rosa  and  Maud ; he  has  been  town 
ship  trustee. 

EDGERTON,  A.  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 
11;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  240 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  born  in  Oneida  county,  N. 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


689 


Y.,  in  1839 ; came  to  Iowa  in  1865 ; 
married  Miss  L.  Robb,  in  1864; 
slie  was  born  in  Warren  Co.,  Ills., 
in  1842;  they  have  three  children: 
Ettie  F.,  A.  R.,  and  S.  E.  Mrs. 
E.  is  a member  of  the  Baptist 
Church. 

Else,  John  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

F ERR  ALL,  B.  F.,  farmer,  sec.13 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  128 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  born  in  Washington  county, 
Penn.,  in  1827 ; came  to  Iowa  in 
1854;  married  Elizabeth  H.White, 
in  1848;  she  was  born  in  Ken- 
tucky; they  have  seven  children: 
F.  P.,  L.  C.,  Albert  D.,  Martha  A., 
Ida,  and  Jennie.  Are  members  of 
Baptist  Church. 

Ferree,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Ferree,  Thomas  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Fields,  Sarah,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Fry,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Freeman,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Freeman,  M.  S.,  farmer.,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

GALE,  G-.  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 

Graham,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Grimes,  G.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  F. 
Lacey. 

HART,  J.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Harris,  Elias,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Harris,  Sarah  E.,  farmer,  P.  O.  Os- 
kaloosa. 

Hart,  C.  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Lecey. 

Hanna,  O.  M.,  farmer,  Sec  3;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Hartman,  Amelia,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Lacey. 

Hellings,  T.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 


HIATT,  L.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  100  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $60  per  acre;  born 
in  Ohio  in  1854;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1856;  he  married  Mattie  Schell 
in  1877;  she  was  born  in  Ohio  in 
1854;  she  is  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church. 

Hill,  Jesse  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Hoover,  Mrs.  L.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Holliday,  J.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hower,  Christopher,  farmer,  Sec.  30 ; 

P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Hunt,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Lacey. 

Hurley,  Nancy,  farmer,  Sec.  35 ; P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Humphrey,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 

P.  O.  Lacey. 

Hurley,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

TAMES,  SAMUEL,  farmer.  Sec. 
36;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

LIBBY,  J.  R.,  farmer.  Sec.  31; 

P.  O.  Leighton;  owns  166 
* acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40  per 
acre;  born  in  Delaware  in  1816; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1840;  removed  to 
this  county  in  May,  1843;  he  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Lliggenbothem  in 
1846;  she  . was  born  in  1819; 
they  have  nine  children,  Mary, 
William,  Harriet,  James,  Charles, 
Elizabeth,  Ida,  Hester,  and  Jerry; 
they  are  members  of  the  Christian 
Church. 

Loy,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Lytle,  Andrew,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Lyons,  Mary  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 

MADDEN,  GEORGE,  farmer, 
Sec.  32;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
Masteller,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Lacey. 

Mattox,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

MASTELLER,  JACOB,  farmer, 


690 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Sec.  11;  P.  O.  Lacey;  owns  340 
acres  of  land  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  born  in  Northumberland 
county,  Pa.,  in  1815;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1855;  married  Ellen 
Plaine  in  1840;  she  was  born  in 
Northumberland  county,  Pa.,  in 
*1820 ; they  have  nine  children, 
Jonathan,  Curtis,  Mary,  Anna, 
Jane,  William,  Pi  chard,  Carrie, 
Elmer;  lost  fone  son,  George  B., 
who  enlisted  in  Co.  C,  7th  Iowa 
• Infantry  in  1861,  and  died  in 
1862;  are  members  of  the  U.  P. 
church. 

McCONNEL,  J.  Q.,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  272  acres 
of  land  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
was  born  in  Posey  county,  Ind., 
in  1829;  came  to  Iowa  in  1846, 
and  settled  in  Madison  township; 
married  Jane  Dilley  in  1856;  she 
was  born  in  Virginia  in  1834; 
they  have  six  children,  Asa,  Wiley, 
Quincy,  Walter,  Frank,  Etta  M. 
McMILLAN,  WOOSTER,  farmer, 
Sec.  29;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
107  acres  of  land  valued  at  $40 
per  acre;  born  in  Cattaraugus 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1834;  came  to 
this  state  in  1860;  married  Sarah 
A.  Myers  in  1860;  she  was  born 
in  Ohio  in  1838;  they  have  five 
children,.  Minnie  Ida,  Almira 
Ada,  Clarence,  Adella,  Astella; 
they  are  members  of  the  Society 
of  Friends. 

McFadden,  Elizabeth,  farmer,  Sec. 

32;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 
MIDDLETON,!.  C.,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Oskaloasa;  owns  9 acres  of 
land  valued  at  $1,600;  born  in 
Center  county,  Pa.,  in  1830;  came 
to  Iowa  1840,  and  settled  in 
Washington  county;  removed  to 
this  county  in  1867 ; married  Mary 
A.  Bryan  in  1868;  she  was  born 
in  Greene  county,  Ohio,  in  1843; 
they  have  one  child,  Caloway. 

Mitchell,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 


Miller,  S.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Lacey. 

Misner,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

MILLER,  SOLOMON  W.,  farmer, 
Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Lacey;  owns  165 
acres  of  land  valued  at  $45  per 
acre;  was  born  in  Greene  county, 
Ohio,  in  1839;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1875;  married  Emma  Lupton  in 
1864;  she  was  born  in  1841;  they 
have  one  child,  Charlie;  are 
members  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 

MITCHELL,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
9;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  1192 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25  per 
acre;  was  born  in  Carroll  county, 
Ind.,  in*'l830;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1851;  married  Eveline  Hoover  in 
1861;  she  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1833;  they  have  nine 
children,  Llewellyn,  Elmer,  Ol- 
lie,  Jane,  Anson,  Amy,  Addie, 
John,  and  Vexella. 

MOTT,  G.M.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Lacey;  owns  85  acres  of  land 
valued  at  $40  per  acre;  was  born 
in  Knox  county,  Ohio,  in  1837; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1849;  married 
Mary  Grimes  in  1858;  she  was 
born  in  Maryland,  in  1837 ; they 
have  three  children,  Eliza,  Char- 
lie B.  and  Walter;  Mr.  Mott  has 
been  justice  of  the  peace. 

Morgan,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Mott,  G.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Lacey. 

Morgan,  R.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

NELSON,  PETER,  farmer,  Sec. 

35;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Norton,  Perry,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

PARKHURST,  H.  C.,  farmer, 
Sec.  11;  P.  O.  Lacey. 
Parkhurst,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 

Padgett,  Catharine,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


691 


Peck,  E.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Perkins,  E.  & G.  W.,  fanners,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

PICKRELL,  H.  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 
29;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  was  born  in 
1847,  and  came  to  Iowa  with  his 
parents,  in  1866;  his  father,  Jacob 
Pickerell,  owns  93  acres  of  land 
valued  at  $35  per  acre,  was  born 
in  Champaign  county,  Ohio,  in 
1807  and  married  Rachel  Marman, 
in  1833;  she  was  born  in  Logan 
county,  Ohio,  in  1813;  they  have 
ten  children,  Asa  M.,  Lindley  H., 
William,  Peter  M.,  Harlan d T., 
Henry  H.,  Joseph  E.,  Jacob,  Ra- 
chel, and  Mary  M.  Ar§  members 
of  the  Friends’  church. 

Pickerell,  Jacob,  Sr.,  farmer,  Sec. 
29;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Poe,  W.  E).,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Hew  Sharon. 

Pomeroy,  Harry,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Prine,  G.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

PRINE,  WM.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  108  acres 
of  land  valued  at  $40  per  acre; 
was  born  in  Indiana,  in  1839; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1847;  married 
Priscilla  Coffin,  in  1862;  she  was 
born  in  Indiana,  in  1845;  they 
have  one  child,  Lillie;  wife  is  a 
member  of  the  Baptist  church; 
Mr.  Prine  enlisted  in  Co.  H,  8th 
Iowa  Infantry,  in  1861,  and  was 
discharged  in  1862. 

RECTOR,  ED.  T.,  farmer, 
Sec.  5;P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
280  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35 
per  acre;  born  in  Ohio,  in  1831; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1855;  married 
Charlotte  S.  Dibble,  in  1868 ; she 
was  born  in  Ohio,  in  1838;  have 
three  children : Edgar,  II  omer  and 
Mary.  Mr.  R.  has  four  children  by 
a former  wife:  Milton,  Charlie, 
Oscar  and  Albert;  and  Mrs.  R.  has 
two  children  by  a former  husband : 
Florence  and  Jessie.  Mr.  R.  was 


justice  of  the  peace  three  years, 
and  has  held  different  town  offices; 
are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 
Republican. 

Rothell,  C.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

SEARY,  T.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Shaffer,  Rachel,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Shoeinake,  Wesley,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Shipley,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Shoemake,  Polly,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

SHOEMAKE,  WESLEY,  farmer, 
Sec.  27;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
260  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40 
per  acre;  born  in  Henry  county, 
Iowa,  in  1841;  came  to  Mahaska 
county  in  1843;  married  Elizabeth 
Coffin,  in  1861;  she  was  born  in 
Indiana,  in  1843 ; have  one  child, 
Frank,  born  in  1862. 

SHIPLEY,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  15  ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  120  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $35  per  acre; 
born  in  England,  in  1832;  came 
to  America  in  1855,  and  to  Iowa 
in  1866;  married  Catharine  My- 
ers, in  1859;  she  was  born  in  Ful- 
ton county,  Ills.,  in  1843;  have 
seven  children:  Margaret,  Ann, 
Rose  Plymouth,  John  Henry, 
Elizabeth,  William  Mark,  George 
Jackson.  Mr.  S.  enlisted  in  Co. 
B.  7th  Ills.  Inf.,  in  1864,  and  was 
discharged  in  1865. 

SHE  LEY,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  120  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre ; born 
in  Greene  county,  Ohio,  in  1825; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1848;  married 
Elizabeth  Wadkins,  in  1848;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio,  in  1827 ; have 
two  children:  Mary,  born  in  1862, 
and  Janie,  born  in  1868.  Repub- 
lican. 

SHOEMAKE,  I.  G.,  farmer,  Sec. 
30,  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  250 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 


692 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


acre;  born  in  Indiana,  in  1839; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1841,  and  to  this 
county  in  1843;  married  Ann  Wil- 
liams, in  1864;  she  was  born  in 
Indiana,  in  1846;  they  have  five 
children : Maggie,  Bertha,  Rupert, 
Charles  and  Hattie.  Mr.  S.  en- 
listed in  Co.  H,  8th  Iowa  Inf.,  in 
1861 , and  was  discharged  in  1 865 ; 
was  in  all  the  battles  that  regiment 
participated  in. 

Sloat,  Elias,  farmer  and  preacher, 
Sec.  29;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Slagle,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

SMITH,  C.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  320  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  was 
born  in  Vermont,  in  1818,  and 
came  to  Iowa  in  1855;  married 
Margaret  Rector,  in  1846;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio,  in  1827;  they 
have  seven  children,  Margaret  H., 
Jerome  B.,  Edward  R.,  Percey  T., 
Josephine  H.,  and  Chauncey  H , 
Jr.;  are  members  of  M.  E.  church. 

Stigers,  IJ.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

TROUT,  ELI,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Trout,  Harrison,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 


\ A WHITMORE,  J.  S.,  Sec.  25; 
V V of  the  firm  of  Whitmore 
& Anderson,  proprietors  of  Alpha 
Mills;  owns  160  acres  of  land  val- 
ued at  $16J)00;  born  in  Shelby 
county,  Ky.,  in  1831;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1857,  and  located  in 
Washington  county,  and  removed 
to  this  county  in  1870;  married 
Ann  E.  Braden,  in  1858;  she  was 
born  in  Decatur  county,  Indiana, 
in  1840;  they  have  three  children, 
Charles  B.,  John  C.,  and  George 
A. 

Whitmore  & Anderson,  millers,  Sec. 

25;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

White,  Sarah  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Whalen,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

Winkleman,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  Lacey. 

Winkleman,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Woodward,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

YOUNG,  A.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

ANE,  I.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

Zane,  S.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 


TOTT^KTSXailDF- 


ALLGOOD,  J.  F.,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Comet:  owns  222  acres 
of  land  valued  at  $50  per  acre; 
born  in  Kentucky  in  1830,  came  to 
Iowa  in  in  1848 ; married  Eliza  J. 
Comstock  in  1854,  she  was  born  in 
Kosciusko  county,  Indiana,  in 
1837 ; have  nine  children,  Sarah, 
(now  Mrs.  Shafer)  Martha,  (now 
Mrs.  Ankeney,)  John  N.,  Hester 
A.,  Charlie,  Ida  M.,  Minnie  E., 
James  T.,  and  Alfred.  Mr.  A.  has 
been  justice  three  years.  Demo- 

crat 

Allgood,  C.  A.,  Sec.  36 ; P.  O.  Comet. 
Allgood,  Samuel,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 


Allgood,  J.  E.,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Comet. 

Anderson,  Wm.  G.,  Sec.  19;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

ATWOOD,  HARRIET  E.,  Sec.  24 ; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  an  undi- 
vided one  half  of  1,700  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  was 
born  in  Indiana;  her  father,  Al- 
fred N.  Atwoood,  was  born  in 
Virginia  in  1809,  came  to  Iowa 
in  1849,  and  died  in  1867 ; was 
married  to  Nancy  Kelly:  she  was 
born  in  Kentucky  in  1806,  and 
died  in  1877;  they  have  two 
children,  Harriet  E.,  and  Mary  E. 


ADAMS  TOWNSHIP. 


693 


"j  ^ARR.  M.  S.,  merchant;  Lacej. 

Barber,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

BALLINGER,  J.  J.,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  145  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $25  per -acre;  born 
in  Greene  county,  111.,  in  1826; 
came  to  Iowa  in  about  1838,  and 
settled  on  his  present  farm  in 
1844;  married  Margaret  Starlin 
in  1857 ; she  was  born  in  Ohio  in 
1842;  have  nine  children,  Bar- 
bara, Susan,  Lucinda,  Maggie, 
Sedalia,  Aliva,  Jeremiah,  William, 
James.  Democrat. 

BARR,  ALFRED,  Sec.  19;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa;  owns  210  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born 
in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio,  in 
1815,  came  to  Iowa  in  1854  and 
settled  on  his  present  farm;  mar- 
ried Maria  Marguess  in  1841; 
she  was  born  in  Darke  county,  O., 
in  1823;  have  live  children,  Mar- 
guess,  Moses  S.,  Marinza,  Carlton 
D,.  and  Laura.  Republican. 

Briney,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  9:  P.  O. 
Lacey. 

BRINEY,  JOEL,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa;  owns  240  acres  of 
land  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born 
in  Darke  county,  Ohio  in  1840, 
came  to  Iowa  in  1850  and  settled 
in  Adams  township;  married 
Elizabeth  Roberts  in  1864;  she 
was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1840; 
have  four  children,  Clias.  A.,  Wm. 
F.,  Miranda  J.,  and  John  N. 
Democrat. 

BRINEY,  ALEXANDER,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  112 
acres  of  land  valued  at  $50  per 
acre;  born  in  Darke  county,  Ohio, 
in  1843,  came  to  Iowa  in  1850; 
married  Elizabeth  Fisher'  in 
1865:  she  was  born  in  Dark  Co. 
Ohio  in  1844;  have  eight  chil- 
dren, Magdaline,  Jane,  Henry, 
Johnny,  Lewis  E.,  Lettie,  Martin 
L.,  Carl  A.  Democrat. 

BRINEY,  JACOB,  farmer,  Sec  9; 


P.  O.  Lacey;  owns  175  acres  of 
land,  at  $35  per  acre;  born  in 
Darke  county, Ohio,  in  1825;  came 
to  Iowa  in  1852,  and  settled  on 
present  farm ; married  Nancy  Dim- 
mitt,  in  1848;  she  was  born  in  In- 
diana, in  1833;  have  six  children, 
Sarah  J.,  Miles  D.,  James  O.,  John 
IL.,  Laurinda  E.,  Nancy  Eliza; 
are  members  of  Baptist  church. 
Democrat. 

Busby,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

COLYILLE,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 

28;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Clary,  E.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Cooksey,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Comet. 

CRISS,  STEPHEN, farmer,  Sec.35 ; 
postmaster,  Comet;  owns  80  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Indiana,  in  1841;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1851;  married  Sarah  A. 
Ruby,  in  1861;  she  was  born  in 
Indiana,  in  1843  ; have  four  child- 
ren, Francis  M.,  Ida  Belle,  Martha 
Ann,  and  Emma  Y. ; are  members 
of  M.  E.  Church. 

CULVER,  E.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Comet;  owns  86  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $25  per  acre ; born  in 
Athens  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1836 ; came  to 
Iowa,  in  1354;  married  C.  J.  Jo- 
seph, in  1866;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio,  in  1830;  have  lost  three 
children,  Henrietta,  Jessie  and 
Ira;  wife  is  a member  of  the  Bap- 
tist church.  Democrat. 

Cumpton,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Culver,  Jas.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Cornet. 

Davenport,  jo.seph,  far- 
mer, Sec.  1;  P.  O.  Comet. 
Daugherty,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Darland,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Davis,  Milton,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

DAVIS,  J.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 


694 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  242  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $40  per  acre;  born 
in  West  Virginia,  in  1814;  came 
to  Iowa  in  1869,  and  settled  on 
present  farm  in  1870;  married 
Rachel  J.  Barnes,  in  1841 ; slie  was 
born  in  1817 ; have  live  children, 
Milton,  Leander,  Charles  L.,  Jen- 
nette  and  Matilda;  has  been  town- 
ship trustee  three  years ; are 
members  of  the  M.  E.  church. 
Republican. 

DODDS,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 

P.  O.  Bucyrus;  owns  56  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born 
in  Pennsylvania,  in  1820;  came  to 
Iowa,  in  1861;  married  Lydia 
Bobo,  in  1853;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio,  in  1828;  have  8 children, 
James  P.,  William  E.,  Sarah  E., 
E.  V.  P.,  J.  C.,  M.  F.,  C.  L.  and  L. 
L.;  was  Representative  one  year. 

McDonough,  james,  farmer, 

Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Bucyrus;  owns  160 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre ; born  in  Harrison  county, 
Ohio,  in  1827;  came  to  Iowa,  in 
1849,  and  settled  in  this  county; 
married  Frances  Abbott,  in  1847 ; 
she  was  born  in  Carroll  county, 
Ohio,  in  1830;  have  ten  children, 
John,  Lot  O.,  Jane,  Andrew,  Ma- 
tilda, Marcey,  Frances,  James, 
Thomas  R and  Susie;  enlisted  in 
Co.  I,  7th  Iowa  Infantry,  in  1861, 
and  discharged  in  1865;  was 
wagon-master.  Republican. 

FAUQUIER,  a.  H.?  farmer,  Sec. 
8;  P.  O.  Lacey. 

Fagan,  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Fauquier,  H.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 

Faulkner,  J.,  farmer,  Sec  6;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Fisher,  Catharine,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Ferguson,  Ben.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Fisher,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

FRANCE,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 


P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  265  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Portage  county,  Ohio,  in 
1837;  came  to  Iowa,  in  1869; 
married  Margaret  McKelvey,  in 
1860;  she  was  born  in  Tennessee, 
in  1843;  have  4 children,  II.  C., 
Effie,  Hermon,  Mary  ; are  mem- 
bers of  Christian  church. 

GOTT,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec. 

1 ; P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Good,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  9 ; P.  O. 
Lacey. 

GODDARD,  G.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Lacey;  owns  85  acres,  of 
land,  valued  at  $35  per  acre;  born 
in  Jelferson  county,  New  York,  in 
1828;  came  to  Iowa,  in  1866; 
married  Mary  M.  Wood,  in  1854; 
she  was  born  in  Canada,  in  1824; 
have  three  children,  Francis  E., 
George  L.,  Cora  A.  Democrat. 
Graves,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Graham,  Henry,  farm  re,  Sec.  1 ; P. 
Union  Mills. 

HLARGRAVE,  CHAS.  E.,farm- 

. er,  Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Lacey;  owns 
175  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $50 
per  acre ; born  in  Harrison  county, 
Ohio,  in  1833;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1864;  he  married  Mary  A.  Cad- 
wallader  in  1864;  she  was  born  in 
Jefferson  county,  Ohio,  in  1845; 
they  have  four  children,  Clara  M., 
Charles  Roscoe,  Harry  S.,  and 
Ella;  they  are  members  of  the 
Society  of  Friends. 

Hart,  C.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  19. 
Hartman,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Hanna,  A.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  35 ; P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Hanna,  Thompson,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; 
P.  O.  Comet.  ^ 

Harvey,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Harbour,  E.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

HIBBS,  Wm.,  dealer  in  grain  and 
stock;  P.  O.  Lacey;  born  in  Bel- 
mont county  in  1845;  came  to 


ADAMS  TOWNSHIP. 


695 


Iowa  in  1854,  and  settled  in  Jef- 
ferson county;  removed  to  this 
county  in  1875;  engaged  in  his 
present  business  in  1876;  he  mar- 
ried Anna  J.  Meredith  in  1868; 
she  was  born  in  Indiana  in  1850; 
they  have  three  children,  Elmer, 
Estella,  and  Luther  M. ; he  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  1877 ; 
they  are  members  of  the  Society 
of  Friends. 

T OHN,  E.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
cJ  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Johnson,  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Kirkpatrick,  wm,  farmer, 
Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 
KOOGLER,  JACOB,  farmer,  Sec. 
27;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  200 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40  per 
acre ; born  in  Greene  county,  Ohio, 
in  1819;  came  to  Iowa  in  1854, 
and  settled  in  Adams  township; 
he  married  Nancy  Ankeney  in 
1842;  she  was  born  in  Greene 
county,  Ohio,  in  1819;  he  has 
been  justice  of  the  peace  two 
years,  and  trustee  three  years ; 
they  are  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church. 

Kizer,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Comet. 

LAUGHREY,  JOHN,  farmer, 
Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk; 
owns  320  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
$30  per  acre;  born  in  Knox  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  in  1818;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1865,  and  settled  on  his  present 
farm;  he  married  Harriett  Nash; 
she  was  born  in  England  in  1824; 
they  have  eight  children,  Sarah, 
Melissa,  Francis,  John,  Ross  A., 
Caroline,  Emily,  and  Willie;  they 
are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 
Lee,  M.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P.  O. 
Lacey. 

Long,  James  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

MATEER,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  7; 
P.  O.  Lacey. 

Mateer,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

46 


Martin,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  33 ; P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Mateer,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Mateer,  S.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  35 ; P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

McLandesborough,  A.,  farmer,  Sec. 
14;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

McKinney,  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

McDonough,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

McKnight,  J ames,  farmer,  Sec.  6 ; P. 
O.  Lacey. 

MARTIN,WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Lacey;  owns  320  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born  in 
Licking  county,  Ohio,  in  1829; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1854,  and  settled 
on  his  present  farm;  he  married 
Emily  Nash  in  1851;  she  was  born 
in  England  in  1833;  they  have 
seven  children,  Caroline,  John  W., 
Ida  A.,  Otis  A.,  Nelson  A.,  Cora 
J.,  and  Frank  E. ; they  are  mem- 
bers of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Re- 
publican. 

McLANDSBOROUGH,  AN- 
DREW, farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa;  owns  200  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born  in 
England  in  1822;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1850,  and  settled  on  his  present 
farm  in  1856;  he  married  Nancy 
McDonough  in  1846;  she  was  born 
in  Ohio  in  1828 ; they  have  seven 
children,  Elizabeth,  Sarah  A., 
Jane,  James,  Catherine,  Thomas, 
and  Ida.  Republican. 

ASH,  J.  J.,P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 


N 


NASH,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  640  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $25  per  acre;  born 
in  England  in  1827;  came  to 
America  in  1842;  married  Martha 
J.  McKinney  in  1865;  she  was 
born  in  Licking  county,  Ohio,  in 
1838;  have  three  children,  Ella 
M.,  Frank  T.,  Cora  E.;  he  has 
three  children  by  a former  wife: 
Sarah  J.,  John  J.,  George  C.  Are 


696 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


members  of  Baptist  church.  Dem- 
ocrat. 

NASH,  RICHARD,  farmer,  Sec. 
27;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns  135 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40  per 
acre;  born  in  England,  in  1829; 
came  to  America  in  1842,  and 
settled  in  Ohio;  removed  to  Iowa 
in  1861;  Mr.  Nash  has  been  twice 
married — in  1857  to  Mary  J.  Mc- 
Mullen; she  wTas  born  in  1837,  and 
died  in  1868;  married  again,  in 
1869,  to  Sarah  E.  Graham;  she 
was  born  in  1835,  and  died  in 
1877;  has  one  child,  George  B. 
Is  a member  of  the  M.  E.  church. 
Democrat. 

Nelson,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Comet. 

OGLE,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P. 
O.  Lacey. 

Ogle,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O.  La- 
cey. 

PARKHURST,  A.  J.,  farmer, 
Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Lacey. 
Phillips,  Aaron,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 

QUICK,  D.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  15; 
P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 

Quick,  Reuben,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Oskaloosa. 

REYNOLDS,  J.  G.,  farmer,  Sec. 

13;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 
Reynolds,  L.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Comet. 

Reynolds,  George  A.,  Sec.  35;  P.  O. 
Oskaloosa. 

Roberts,  L.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

ROBERTS,  JONATHAN  9 farmer, 
Sec.  22;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
120  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40 
per  acre;  born  in  Ripley  county, 
Indiana,  in  1838;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1847;  married  Jacintha  Childs 
in  1858;  she  was  born  in  Vir- 
ginia in  1842;  are  members  of  M. 
E.  church;  Mr.  R.  has  been  jus- 
tice of  the  peace  and  township 
clerk.  Democrat. 

Ruby,  Andrew,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Comet. 


Ruby,  W.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P.  O. 
Comet. 

Ruby,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Comet. 

Ruggles,  L.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 

O.  Oskaloosa. 

RUBY,  JOHN  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 

P.  O.  Comet;  owns  80  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born 
in  this  county  in  1848;  married 
Augusta  Green  in  1868;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio  in  1851;  have  three 
children:  Charley  Andrew,  Cora 
May  and  John  Franklin ; are  mem- 
bers of  the  M.  E.  church;  Mr. 
Ruby  has  been  township  clerk 
three  years,  and  is  president  of 
the  school  board  at  present.  Re- 
publican. 

SCOTT,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Bucyrus. 

Shaw,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 

Shaw,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk, 

Smith,  J.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

SPROUL,  WILLIAM,  farmer,  Sec. 
2;  P.  O.  Union  Mills;  owns  126 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40  per 
acre;  born  in  in  Ireland,  in  1814; 
he  came  to  the  United  States  in 
1824,  and  to  Iowa,  and  settled  on 
present  farm  in  1858;  married 
Sallie  McDonough  in  1841;  she 
was  born  in  Ohio,  in  1816;  have 
six  children:  John,  William,  Ad- 
am, James,  Rachael,  Robert  S. 
Republican. 

STEWART,  WILLIAM,  farmer, 
Sec.  34;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
167  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25 
per  acre;  born  in  Johnson  county, 
Indiana,  in  1838;  came  to  Iowa 
in  1846,  and  located  in  this  coun- 
ty; married  Prudence  J.  Ruby  in 
1860;  she  was  born  in  Ripley 
county,  Indiana,  in  1841;  have  ten 
children:  Harriett,  William,  John, 
Albret,  Alfred,  Etta,  James,  Da- 
vid, Harry  and  one  infant;  Mr. 
Stewart  has  been  county  super- 


ADAMS  TOWNSHIP. 


697 


visor  five  years,  and  has  held 
different  township  offices:  clerk, 
assessor,  trustee,  etc.  Republic- 
an. 

STANLEY,  CHARLES,  farmer, 
Sec.  34;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
170  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30 
per  acre;  born  on  Long  Island  in 
1828;  came  to  Iowa  in  1855,  and 
settled  on  present  farm  in  1857; 
married  Emily  Ballinger  in  1857; 
she  was  born  in  Illinois,  in  1830; 
have  one  son  and  four  daughters: 
Mary,  Martha  E.,  Catharine, 
Charley  B.,  and  Emma;  he  was 
Representative  from  this  county 
twTo  years;  he  enlisted  in  compa- 
ny K,  18th  Iowa  Infantry,  in  1862 
and  was  discharged  in  1865;  he 
held  a commission  as  captain 
when  he  was  mustered  out. 

STRINGFELLOW,J.W.,  farmer, 
Sec.  13;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
160  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35 
per  acre;  born  in  Kentucky  in 
1849;  came  to  Iowa  in  1851,  and 
settled  with  his  parents  on  his 
present  farm;  married  Jennie 
Norwood,  in  1875;  she  was  born 
in  Kentucky,  in  1852.  Democrat. 

Stringfellow,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Stone,  F.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  O. 

1 IClT'Q  1 AAQQ 

rT1ALLON,  MICHAEL,  farmer, 
JL  Sec.  3;  P.  O.  Union  Mills; 
owns  430  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
$35  per  acre;  born  in  Ireland  in 
1814;  came  to  America  in  1840 
and  settled  in  this  county  in  1848; 
married  Sarah  Funk  in  1850;  she 
was  born  in  Westmoreland  county, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1818;  have  four 
children:  James  Henry,.  Mary 
Ann,  John  William  and  George 
M. ; are  members  of  the  M.  E. 
church.  Democrat. 

Trag  ger,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Ti  •agger,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Tray,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O.  Lacey. 


UPTON,  W.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 
P.  O.  New  Sharon;  owns 
280  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40 
per  acre;  born  in  Ireland, in  1821 ; 
came  to  America  in  1825,  and  to 
Iowa  in  1855  and  settled  on  pres- 
ent farm ; married  Laura  E.  Paug- 
born  in  1844;  she  was  born  in 
New  York  in  1819;  have  nine 
children : Cynthia  M.,  Alonzo  W., 
Mary  O.,  Angelia,  Charles,  Lucy 
J.,  Hiram  D.,  Hester  A.,  William 
E.;  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
church.  Republican. 

VICTOR,  ADAM,  farmer,  Sec. 
23;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  owns 
200  acres  of  land  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  born  in  Summit  county, 
Ohio,  in  1828;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1855,  and  settled  on  present  farm; 
married  Martha  E.  Williams  in 
1853;  she  was  born  in  Boone  Co., 
Indiana,  in  1830;  they  have  two 
children,  Fred  and  Charlie.  Dem- 
ocrat. 


Y A AHITE,  A.  M.,  farmer,  Sec. 

V V 4;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

White,  J.,  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Willhoite,  W.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  Comet. 

Willhoite,  J.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Comet. 

WILSON,  JOHN  C.,  farmer,  P.  O. 
Lacey;  owns  136  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $35  per  acre;  born  in 
Newark,  Ohio,  in  1816;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1863,  and  settled  in  Oska- 
loosa township;  removed  to  pres- 
ent farm  in  1877 ; married  Eliza- 
beth E.  Needham,  in  1861;  she 
was  born  in  Guernsey  Co.,  Ohio, 
in  1835;  have  two  children, 
Charles  L.  and  Emma  B;  Mr.  W. 
has  five  children  by  a former  mar- 
riage, Theodore  B.,  Benjamin  E., 
John  W.,  Mary  E.,  Nancy  L. ; are 
members  of  M.  E.  church.  Mr. 
Wilson  is  one  of  the  township 
trustees.  Republican. 

WILSON,  MILTON,  farmer,  Sec. 
7 ; P.  O.  Lacey ; owns  240  acres 


698 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Licking  county,  Ohio,  in 
1811;  came  to  Iowa  in  1875,  and 
settled  on  present  farm;  married 
Sarah  Brown  in  1850;  she  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1820; 
their  children  are  Juliette,  Carrie 
B.,  Elizabeth,  Amanda,  Eliza, 
Mary,  Almira  and  Zoah.  Mr. 
W.  has  two  children  by  a former 
marriage,  -Newton  and  Emma; 
are  members  of  M.  E.  church. 
Republican. 

WOODS,  J.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  Lacey;  owns  700  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born  in 
Champaign  county,  Ohio,  in 


1816;  came  to  Iowa  in  1850; 
married  Sarah  Hartman  in  1848; 
she  was  born  in  Wayne  Co.,  Ind., 
in  1826;  they  have  ten  children, 
Martha  Ann,  David  II.,  Mary  F., 
Alfaretta,  Matilda  J.,  Alpheus  B., 
Cora,  Fanny,  James  and  Harry. 
Mr.  W.  has  been  a member  of 
the  board  of  supervisors  four 
years.  Republican. 

Wright,  Win.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Bucyrus. 

Wroughton,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P. 
O.  Lacey. 

YOUNG,  MILTON,  farmer,  Sec. 
29;  P.  O.  Oskaloosa. 


MONKOE  TOT^TISrSZEaXE3- 


ANDERSON,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec. 

26;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 
AUGUSTINE,  ALBERT,  farmer, 
Sec.  28;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns 
436  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30 
per  acre ; born  in  Germany,  and, 
with  his  parents,  came  to  America 
in  his  infancy;  married  Dorthy 
Myers ; she  also  is  a native  of  Ger- 
many; they  have  eight  children, 
Mary,  Daniel,  Michael,  Justina, 
Frank,  John,  Dora  and  Jennie. 
Are  members  of  the  Christian 
church. 

Augustine,  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Bannister,  william  d., 

farmer,  Sec.  14:  P.  O.  Indian- 
apolis. 

Baker,  D.  A.,  P.  M.  Indianapolis. 
Baker,  Letitia,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

BAKER?  S.  P.,  dealer  in  drugs  and 
medicines;  deputy  postmaster, 
Indianapolis;  born  in  this  county 
in  1850;  has  been  engaged  in  his 
present  business  about  seven 
months. 

BASS,  ROBERT,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 
P.  O.  Comet;  owns  405  acres,  val- 
ued at  $30  per  acre;  born  in  Boone 


county,  Kentucky,  in  1827 ; came 
to  Iowa  in  1843 ; married  Martha 
Allgood  in  1865;  she  was  born  in 
Indiana  in  1838;  have  live  chil- 
dren, Mary,  Charlie,  Frank,  Rob- 
ert, Agnes;  Mr.  B.  has  two  chil- 
dren by  a former  wife:  Rosa  and 
John.  Greenback. 
BEDWELL,J.W„  farmer,  Sec.  28; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill ; owns  120  acres 
of  land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre; 
born  in  Lawrence  county,  Indiana, 
in  1828;  came  to  Iowa  in  1843, 
and  settled  in  Monroe  township, 
and  has  been  a resident  of  this 
township  since;  married  Eliza 
Myers  in  1871;  she  was  born  in 
Washington  county,  Iowa,  in  1843 ; 
Mrs.  B.  has  one  child  by  a former 
husband,  Johnny  R. ; Mr.  B has 
been  township  trustee  for  three 
terms.  Are  members  of  Christian 
chureh.  Republican. 

Beans,  W.  I.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

Boyles,  Sylvester,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
6.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Bridges,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Brewer,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 


MONROE  TOWNSHIP. 


699 


Brown,  Hamilton,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Brown,  W.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Bump,  M.  V.,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Bump,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Pose  Hill. 

CLARK,  J.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 
P.  O.Mauch  Chunk;  owns  171-J 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $20  per 
acre;  born  in  Kendall  county,  Illi- 
nois, in  1839;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1865;  married  Mary  Holderman 
in  1865;  she  was  born  in  Kendall 
county,  Illinois,  in  1842;  have  four 
children,  Henry,  Mary  J.,  James 
F.,  Charles  W.  Republican. 
Clarkston,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 

P.  O.  Indianapolis. 

Counts,  P.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Craig,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Currell,  Joshua,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

DALBY,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Dickson,  Haney  A.,  farmer,  Sec  33; 
P.  O.  Pose  Hill. 

Dickson,  Robert  H.,  farmer  Sec.  — ; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Drake,  H.  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Dunbar,  W.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Ellsworth,  l.  f.,  physician 

and  surgeon,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk;  owns  160  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $30  per  acre;  born 
in  Gurnsey  county,  Ohio,  in  1823; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1864;  married 
Mary  Oglebay  in  1846;  she  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  in  1829; 
have  twelve  children,  Celesta  J., 
Sarah  Y.,  Caroline,  James,  Wil- 
liam, Sevellen  H.,  Mary  P.,  Le- 
Poy  W.,  Elmer  E.,  Clara  C., 
Laurian  C.,  Thornton  F.,  Albertta 
A. ; Mr.  E.  was  elected  Representa- 
tive in  1871.  Republican. 


Elkin,  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Pose  Hill. 

Elden,  Henry  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Emry,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

ERDMAN, VALENTINE,  farmer, 
Sec.  29;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns 
197  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $25 
per  acre;  born  in  Germany  in 
1846;  came  to  America  in  1866; 
married  Katie  Eberley  in  1874; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1851; 
they  have  three  children,  Wilfred, 
Charlie  and  John. 

Evans,  J.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

FIFIELD,  PAULINA,  farmer, 
Sec.  34;  P.  O.  Pose  Hill. 
Fifield,  G.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Fifield,  C.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Fuller,  W.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Gatewood,  w.  ii.,  farmer, 

Sec.  17 ; P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 
Grace,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

HARRIS,  B.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Hansel,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  28 ; P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Hansel,  Aaron,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Hawley,  E.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Pose  Hill. 

Hanks,  A.,  physician,  Indianapolis. 
Hatcher,  Joshua,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Hawley,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

Hatcher,  Washington,  farmer,  Sec. 

2;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

HADLEY,  M.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; 
P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk;  owns  133 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  born  in  Maine  in  1829; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1869;  married 
Aurilla  P.  Thorp  in  1858;  she  was 
born  in  New  York  in  1841;  they 


700 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


have  three  children,  John  H., 
Alice,  and  Jennie.  Republican. 
Hensel,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 

O.  Maueh  Chunk. 

Henderson,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Hinkle,  M.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk 

Hickox,  Seth,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Hollingsworth,  John,  farmer,  Sec. 

26;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Hoffman,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

TARED,  GEORGE  W.,  farmer, 
cJ  Sec.  8;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 
Jared,  Joel,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

KAFKA,  F.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 

16;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 
Kafka,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Kent,  G.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Kiser,  Nicholas,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Kikendall,  A.  D.,  wagon  maker;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

King,  Thomas,  Sec.  1;  P.  O.  Indi- 
anapolis. 

Knox,  C.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Leathers,  j.  h.,  dealer  in 

general  merchandise;  owns 
160  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $40 
per  acre;  born  in  Morgan  county, 
Indiana,  in  1836 ; came  to  Iowa  in 
1845;  married  M.  A.  Mattox  in 
1861;  she  was  born  in  Union 
county,  Ohio,  in  1840;  have  two 
children:  Cordelia  J.,*  born  in 
1862,  and  Mary  Adelade,  born  in 
1864;  are  members  of  the  Chris- 
tian church.  Democrat. 

Leathers,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

LXEURANCE,  GEORGE,  farmer, 
Sec.  5;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk; 
owns  142  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
$30  per  acre;  born  in  Clinton 
county,  Ohio,  in  1825;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1844,  and  located  in  this 


county;  married  Amanda  Jared 
in  1844;  she  was  born  in  Ken- 
tucky, in  1827 ; have  four  chil- 
dren: Cynthia  L.,  A.  J.,  Joseph 
M.,  and  Delbert  C.;  Mr.  Lieurance 
enlisted  in  company  C.,  40th  Iowa, 
in  1862,  and  was  discharged  in 
1863;  he  had  a commission  as 
first  lieutenant.  Democrat. 
LIEURANCE,  A.  J.,  physician 
and  dealer  in  general  merchan- 
dise, Sec.  4;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk; 
owns  25  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
$25  per  acre;  born  in  Warren 
county,  Illinois,  in  1853,  and  came 
to  Iowa  in  1853  with  his  parents; 
married  Flattie  Lippard  in  1876; 
she  was  born  in  this  county  in 
1853;  have  one  child:  Thurlow 
W. ; Mrs.-  Lieurance  is  a member 
of  the  Christian  church.  Demo- 
crat. 

Lippard,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Lord,  I.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Lugar,  Jeremiah. 

MALEBY,  H.  B.,  farmer,  Sec. 

11;  P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
Mateer,  C.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

McMAINS,  G.  W.  , farmer,  Sec.  7 ; 
P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk;  owns  125 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30  per 
acre;  born  in  Montgomery  coun- 
ty, Indiana,  in  1833;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1847;  married  Mary 
McMains  in  1856;  she  was  born 
in  Indiana,  in  1832;  have  three 
children:  Jefferson,  Yan  Evrie 
and  Grace;  Mr.  McMains  has  been 
constable  one  term.  Democrat. 
McClain,  B.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

McCance,  R.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

McCann,  E.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

McClure,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

McClure,  J.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 


MONROE  TOWNSHIP. 


701 


Mickey,  Wesley,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Mick,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Mills,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Moore,  Isaac  0.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Moore,  W.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Myers,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

OKEY,  LEWIS,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 
P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

PHILLIPS,  JOSEPH,  farmer, 
Sec.  5;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 
Piersel,  W.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

REED,  WILLIAM,  farmer,  Sec. 

5;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 
Reed,  William  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  11; 

P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
RHINEHART,W.  C.,  farmer,  Sec. 
36;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns  343 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $10,000; 
born  in  Augusta  county,  Virgin- 
ia, in  1825;  came  to  Iowa  in 
1853  and  settled  in  this  county; 
married  Ann  E.  Rowland  in  1853; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1827,  and 
died  in  1878;  have  six  children: 
Laura,  Attie,  Nellie,  Alice,  Wil- 
lie and  Anna;  Mr.  Rhinehart  has 
been  a member  of  the  board  of 
supervisors.  Republican. 
ROBERTS,  M.A.,  milling  business, 
Sec.  4;  owns  43  acres  of  land,  val- 
ued at  $8,000;  born  in  Monroe 
county,  Ohio,  in  1833;  came  to 
Iowa  in  1837  and  settled  in  Des 
Moines  county;  removed  to  this 
county  in  1852;  married  Amanda 
Watson  in  1855;  she  was  born  in 
Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  in 
1838;  have  six  children:  Delila, 
Leon,  Anna,  Cary,  Frank  and 
Mary.  Democrat. 

Rowlands,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Rogers,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 


Roberts,  J.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Roberts,  H.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Rutherford,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

S APP,  H.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Sampson,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Sarvis,  W.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Sarvis,  H.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Sapp,  Hendric,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Scott,  F.  M.,  farmer, _Sec.  27 ; P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Sewell,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

SH A W,WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunch;  owns  80  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $35  per  acre;  born 
in  Licking  county,  Ohio,  in  1842; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1857,  and  marri- 
ed Celesta  J.  Elsworth  in  1866; 
she  was  born  in  Monroe  county, 
Ohio,  in  1846;  have  five  children, 
Anna  B.,  Kate,  Willie,  Maud, 
Jessie  B.,  Harley  H.;  he  enlisted 
in  company  C,  40th  Infantry  in 
1864,  and  discharged  in  1865. 
Democrat. 

Simpson,  John,  Sr.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 

P.  O.  Indianapolis. 

Smith,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

SMITH,  FRANK  E.,  of  the  firm  of 
Smith,  McBride  & Co.,  proprietors 
of  Stone  Ridge  Mill;  was  born  in 
Morrow  county,  Ohio,  in  1850; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1865,  and  locat- 
ed in  Iowa  City;  removed  to  Os- 
kaloosa  in  1868,  and  married  Mi- 
ra Nye  in  1876;  she  was  born  in 
Wisconsin  in  1857;  have  one  child, 
Lena  F.  Republican. 

Snodgrass,  Jeff,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

STRINGFELLOW,JAS.H.,  farm- 
er, Sec.  21;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk; 


702 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY.  * 


owns  130  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
$50  per  acre;  born  in  Kentucky 
in  1834,  and  came  to  Iowa  in 
1857 ; married  Nancy  Duckworth 
in  1854;  she  was  born  in  Shelby 
county  Indiana,  in  1840 ; have  four 
children,  Robert,  Eliza,  Cary, 
Samuel.  Democrat. 

Stringfellow,  James,  farmer,  Sec. — ; 
P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Stringfellow,  II.,  farmer  Sec.  19;  P. 

O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

STANDING,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 

P.  O.  Rose  Hill,  miller;  born  in 
England  in  1844;  married  Emily 
Harding  in  1870;  she  was  born 
in  Ingland  in  1843;  they  have 
two  children,  Eliza  E.,  and  Nellie 
A.  They  are  members  of  the 
Friends’  church. 

STRINGFELLOW,  J.  J.,  farmer, 
Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Rose  Hill;  owns 
160  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $30 
per  acre;  born  in  Owen  county, 
Kentucky,  in  1845,  and  came  to 
Iowa  in  1850;  married  Mary  Wy- 
more  in  1865;  she  was  born  in 
Iowa  in  1851;  have  four  children, 
Willie  A.,  Franklin,  Elma,  Chas. 
Democrat. 

Stringfellow,  William,  farmer,  Sec. 
30;  P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Stringfellow,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Stephens,  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Stephens,  Zedakiah,  farmer,  Sec.  5; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

SUMMERS,  JOSEPH  M.,  farmer, 
Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Mauck  Chunk; 
owns  80  acres  of  land,  valued  at 
$30  per  acre;  born  in  Indiana  in 
1841 ; married  Margaret  McMains 
in  1860;  she  was  born  in  Missouri 
in  1842;  they  have  seven  children, 
Lizzie,  Mary,  John,  Orie,  Henry, 
Clyde  and  Clara.  Democrat. 

SUMMERS,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
17;  P.  O.  Mauck  Chunk;  owns 
200  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35 
per  acre;  born  in  Scott  county, 
Virginia,  in  1817;  came  to  Iowa 


in  1849,  and  married  Nancy  My- 
ers, who  was  born  in  North  Caro- 
lina in  1820;  they  have  eight 
children,  Joseph  M.,  Mary  J., 
John  C.,  Frank  P.,  Isaac  W., 
Welthy  Ann,  Elijah  O.,  Lemuel. 
Democrat. 

TANNER,  D.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; 
P.  O.  Rose  Hill. 

Tate,  Uriah,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Taylor,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 
O.  Rose  Hill. 

Tanner,  L.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P.  O. 
Rose  Hill. 

Thomas,  Abraham,  farmer,  Sec.  8; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Thomas,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Thomas,  Owen,  Jr.,  Mauch  Chunk. 
Tinsley,  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

Turner  L.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P. 

M.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Tucker,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Mauck  Chunk. 

UPDEGRAFF,  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 

11 ; P.  O.  Indianapolis. 

A A T ALKER,  ROBERT,  farm- 
V V er,  Sec.  21 ; P.  O.  Indian- 
apolis; born  in  Pennsylvania,  Oct. 
20,  1804;  in  1808  his  parents  re- 
moved to  Ohio,  where  he  remain- 
ed until  his  removal  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1852,  and  has  resided  on  the 
same  farm  since  that  time;  owns 
120  acres  of  land;  he  married  Miss 
Ruth  Brown,  in  1834;  she  was 
born  in  Virginia;  has  one  daugh- 
ter, Rachel,  wife  of  A.  Sampson* 
WELLS,  ALBERT,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk;  owns  120 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  $35  per 
acre;  born  in  Genesee  county, 
New  York,  in  1830,  came  to  Iowa 
in  1867,  and  located  on  his  pres- 
ent farm;  married  Hannah  Ham- 
mond, in  1847,  she  was  born  in 
Champaign  county,  Ohio,  in  1830; 
they  have  nine  children,  Llenrietta, 
Celia,  Ralph,  Reuben,  Austin, 


PLEASANT  GROVE  TOWNSHIP. 


703 


Ida,  Frank,  Bruce,  Cliarlie.  Re- 
publican. 

Wendel,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O Indianapolis. 

Webster,  T.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 


Wilson,  J.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  — ; P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

Wynor,  F.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 
O.  JVlaucli  Chunk. 


t gkko’v-iei  TOT^TTSTSHCIDF. 


Allen,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec. 

21 ; P.  O.  Agricola. 

BARNES,  JAMES  H.,  farmer, 
Sec.  16;  P.  O.  Agricola. 

Bell,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Berkimer,  S.  E.,  Sec.  18;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Billick,  M.  L.,  Sec.  21;  P.  O.  Agri- 
cola. 

Blancheon,  C.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

Boswell  William,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

Bodenhamer,  J.  S.,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Mauch  Chunk. 

Bodenhamer,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec. 

31;  P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Bracken,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  36: 
P.  O.  Coal  Creek. 

Bradbury,  Sarah,  Sec.'  17 ; P.  O. 
Agricola. 

CARTER,  J.  G.,  farmer,  Sec. 

11;  P.  O.  Agricola. 

Carver,  Asher,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Coal  Creek. 

CARR,  RICHARD,  broker,  Agri- 
cola; born  in  New  York  in  1846, 
came  to  this  county  July  13, 
1874;  he  enlisted  in  the  late  war 
and  received  wounds  that 
have  maimed  him  for  life;  he 
married  Miss  Ellen  Couse  in 
1874;  she  was  born  in  New  York. 
Coffee,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Crull,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

DARLAND,  WM.  H.,  farmer, 
Sec.  3;  P.  O.  Agricola. 

Dixon,  N.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

47 


Dugger,  M.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

ELSTON,  ABRAM,  farmer,  Sec. 

10;  P.  O.  Agricola. 

Evans,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Ewing,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

FIERLING,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec. 

20;  P.  O.  Agricola. 

Fisher,  S.  L.,  Sec.  16;  P.  O.  Agri- 
cola. 

Fisher,  Ell  wood,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Fisher,  Mellissa  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

Fisher,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 

P.  O.  Indianapolis. 

Fisher,  Elizabeth,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

Fisher,  Amasa,  retired  physician, 
Sec.  26;  P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
Fisher,  B.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

France,  Hannah,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
Coal  Creek. 

Gould,  rachel,  widow,  Sec. 

33;  P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
Gregory,  Nathan,  laborer,  Agricola. 
Grubb,  Thos.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

GRUBB,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec. 
35;  P.  O.  Indianapolis;  born  in 
1831,  and  came  to  this  county  in 
1855;  owns  300  acres  of  land; 
has  held  the  office  of  school  direc- 
tor; married  Miss  Mariah  Kelly, 
in  1853;  she  was  born  in  Pa.;  has 
six  children,  Henry,  John,  Sam- 
uel, Rebecca,  Annie,  and  Eliza- 
beth. 


70  4 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Hatcher,  elwood,  farm- 
er, stock  feeder  and  stock 
dealer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O.  Indianapo- 
lis ; born  in  Portage  county,  Ohio, 
in  1833,  and  came  to  this  county 
in  1856;  owns  500  acres  of  land; 
has  held  offices  of  township  trus- 
tee and  school  director;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Clara  E.  Lewis,  in  1855; 
she  was  born  in  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio;  they  have  seven  children, 
Emma  F.,  Charlie  E.,  Albert  L., 
Ida  M.,  Cora  D.,  Edward  J.,  and 
Lewis. 

Hatcher,  E.  R.,  Sec.  36;  P.  O.  Indi- 
anapolis. 

Hawk,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Coal  Creek. 

Harris,  S.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Hazlett,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Hickox,  Stephen,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Houghton,  O.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  28; 

P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
HUTCHINSON,  J.  H.,  merchant 
and  hotel  keeper,  Agricola;  born 
in  Ohio,  in  1842;  came  to  this 
State  in  1857,  and  to  this  county 
in  1874;  owns  217  acres  of  land; 
holds  the  offices  of  justice  of  the 
peace  and  postmaster;  he  married 
Miss  Ellen  Lizor,  in  1863;  she 
Was  born  in  Wayne  county,  Ohio; 
have  two  children,  John  and  Sil- 
las. 

JONES,  D.  A.,  merchant,  Agrico- 
la; born  in  Indiana,  in  1837; 
came  to  this  county  in  1863;  he 
came  to  this  State  in  1857,  set- 
tling in  Poweshiek  county;  he 
married  Miss  Mary  Warman,  in 
1862;  she  was  born  in  Indiana; 
they  have  eight  children,  Nancy 
A.  Albert  G.,  John  P.,  Carrie  B., 
Forris  A.,  Charlie  E.;  lost  two 
in  infancy. 

KANN  AL,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 

27;  P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
Kelly,  Jesse,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  0. 
Indianapolis. 


Kitzman,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
P.  O.  Coal  Creek. 

LESTER,  DAVID,  farmer,  Sec. 

2;  P.  O.  Agricola. 

Lester,  James  R,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

Lester,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

LESTER,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Agricola;  born  in  County 
Doun,  Ireland,  May  10,  1829; 
he  came  to  the  United  States  in 
1848,  and  settled  in  Philadelphia; 
afterward  emigrated  to  Michigan, 
and  came  to  this  county  in  1856; 
he  married  Miss  Jane  Bell,  in 
1851;  she  was  born  in  Ireland; 
they  have  nine  children,  David, 
William,  Betsey  A.,  Jennie,  Ju- 
lia, Louisa,  Joey,  James,  and 
Thomas. 

Lipsey,  L.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  35 ; P.  O. 
Indianapolis. 

Lipsey,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Likins,  William,  carpenter,  Agri- 
cola. 

Low,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

LYONS,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec. 
22;  P.  O.  Indianapolis;  born  in 
County  Doun,  Ireland,  in  1826, 
and  came  to  this  county  in  1856; 
owns  160  acres  of  land;  has  held 
the  offices  of  school  director  and 
treasurer,  township  trustee;  he 
married  Miss  Ann  J.  Lester,  in 
1850;  she  was  born  in  Ireland; 
they  have  two  children,  David 
and  Jennie. 

Lyons,  D.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

MANNING,  R.  T.,  farmer, 
Sec.  20;  P.  O.  Agricola. 
McCartney,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  34 ; 
P.  O. .. 

McMahen,  William  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 

27 ; P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
McSpadden,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

McSpadden,  H.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  19; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 


PLEASANT  GROVE  TOWNSHIP. 


705 


McMains,  Wm.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  31; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

McCartney,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 

P.  O.  Indianapolis. 

McSpadden,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

McSpadden,  S.  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

Miller,  John  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  . 


Middleton,  Aaron,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  Indianapolis. 

Morrow,  James  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  33; 

P.  O.  Mauch  Chunk. 

Morrow,  "Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Morrow,  H.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  17 ; P. 

O. .  Agricola. 

Moore,  N.  J.,  blacksmith,  P.  O.  Ag- 
ricola. 

Musgrove,  James  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  Agricola. 

Mickel,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

PiEIPSELL,  E.  C.,  farmer,  Sec. 

35;  P.  O.  Agricola. 
PLAYLES,  ALLEN,  farmer  and 
dealer  in  organs  and  pianos,  Agri- 
cola; born  in  Kentucky,  in  1826; 
came  to  this  county  in  1851;  owns 
40  acres  of  land;  has  held  offices 
of  postmaster  and  justice  of  the 
peace.  He  married  Miss  Susan  F. 
Parley,  in  1847 ; she  was  born  in 
Kentucky;  they  have  three  child- 
ren: George  L.,  Marietta,  and  El- 
lora;  lost  one  daughter,  Nancy  J. 

REED,  A.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  30; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Riggs,  Tracy,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P.  O. 
Agricola, 

Rumford,  C.  E.,  farmer,  See.  23;  P. 
O.  Goal  Creek. 

RUBLE,  C.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Agricola;  born  in  Parke  county, 
Ind,.  in  1842;  he  came  to  this  Co. 
in  1S63;  owns  45  acres  of  land; 
he  has  held  the  offices  of  township 
trustee,  school  director,  president 
of  the  board,  and  has  been  acting 
assessor  four  years.  He  married 
Elizabeth  Wymore,  in  1874;  she 


was  born  in  Parke  Co.,  Indiana; 
has  one  child,  Sadie;  lost  two, 
Iowa  and  Alvah. 

S AULTS,  JOSEPH,  farmer,  Sec. 
10;  P.  O.  Agricola  ; born  in 
County  Doun,  Ireland,  in  1828, 
came  to  the  United  States  in  1847, 
and  to  this  county  in  1855;  owns 
505  acres  of  land.  He  married 
Miss  Ann  Bell,  in  1850;  she  was 
born  in  the  same  county;  has  five 
children:  Jos.  A.,  Wm.  J.,  Eliza- 
beth, Bella  and  Robert  J. 

Sarvis,  Daniel,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Sarvis,  H.  A.,  farmer,  See.  9;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Sarvis,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Sarvis,  John  U.,  farmer,  Sec  9;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Sharp,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Sharp,  G.  IT.,  farmer,  Sec.  18 ; P.  O. 
Agricola* 

Shion,  D.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  10;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

SMITH,  WM.,  farmei , Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Mauch  Chunk;  born  in  Dauphin 
county,  Penn.,  in  1818;  came  to 
this  county  in  June,  1852;  owns 
167  acres  of  land.  He  has  held 
offices  of  school  director,  township 
trustee,  and  justice  of  the  peace; 
he  married  Nancy  Brinseq,  in 
1845 ; she  was  born  in  Pennsylva- 
nia; has  three  children:  Joseph, 
K.,  Samuel  H.,  and  Sarah  J. 
Soults,  J.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Soults,  Wm.,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Sparks,  James  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
G.  Agricola. 

Sturgeon,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Indianapolis. 

Sturgeon,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

TAYLOR,  AMOS,  farmer,  Sec. 

35;  P.  O.  Indianapolis. 
Taylor,  C.  V.,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

O 


706 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Tunnel,  Wm.  H.  H.,  farmer,  Sec. 
19;  P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

VAIL,  ELISHA,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  Agricola. 

Tail,  E.  G-.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  O. 
Coal  Creek. 

VERMILLION,  J.  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 
6;  P.  O.  Sherman,  Poweshiek 
county;  bora  in  Jefferson  county, 
Ohio,  in  1827 ; came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1869;  owns  160  acres  of 
land;  has  held  offices  of  justice  of 
the  peace  and  school  director;  he 
married  Rachel  R.  Moore  in  1855; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio,  and  died  in 
February,  1873;  he  afterwards 
married  Mrs.  Eliza  J.  Coder  in 
February,  1875;  she  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania;  he  has  four  children 
by  the  first  marriage,  William  M., 
Mary  E.,  Charles  M.,  and  Clarence 
B.  Mrs.  V ermillion  was  previously 
married  to  John  Coder,  who  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  died  in 
1873,  leaving  three  children,  Har- 


rison W.,  Harvey  C.,  and  Hiram 
P.  Coder. 

WATTS,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 

29;  P.  O.  Agricola. 
Warrington,  Nathan,  farmer,  Sec. 

25;  P.  O.  Coal  Creek. 

Walker,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Wells,  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Agricola. 

Wilson,  Jesse,  physician,  Agricola. 
WYMORE,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Agricola;  born  in  Indiana  in 
1832 ; came  to  this  county  in  1850; 
owns  190  acres  of  land;  has  held 
office  of  school  director;  he  married 
Nancy  Sharp  in  1854 ; she  was  born 
in  Indiana;  has  seven  children, 
George  H.,  Daniel,  Sarah  J.,  Wil- 
liam, Charlie,  Cora,  and  Louisa. 
Wymore,  Geo.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

Wymore,  A.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Agricola. 

YEADON,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
7 ; P.  O.  Agricola. 


"crnsrionsr  township. 


ADKLNSON,  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 

32;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
Almond,  W.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

ALMOND,  W.  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  34; 
P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  Ken- 
tucky in  1846;  came  to  this  county 
in  March,  1875;  owns  40  acres  of 
land;  he  married  Alice  Bunting  in 
1868;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  have 
two  children,  Herman  S.,  and  Al- 
vie  S. 

Allen,  Abner,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Anderson,  Andrew,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Andre,  Jonathan,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

ATHERTON,  ABNER,  farmer, 
Sec.  19;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born 
in  Ohio  in  1823;  came  to  this 
county  first  in  1857  and  remained 
two  years;  he  then  returned  to 


Grundy  county,  Illinois,  where  he 
remained  until  his  removal  to  this 
county  in  1876;  he  owns  240  acres 
of  land;  he  married  Miss  Maria 
Hartman  in  1 857 ; she  was  born  in 
Indiana;  have  six  children,  Amos 
P.,  Mary  J.,  Wesley  A.,  William 
H.,  Lue'lla  M.,  and  L.  David. 

Barnes,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec. 

1 ; P.  O.  Sherman,  Poweshiek 
county. 

Bass,  Win.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Bass,  Wm.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

BAUGHMAN,  A.,  miller  and  pro- 
prietor of  Baughman’s  Mills,  Sec. 
17;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1814;  came  to 
this  county  in  1853;  owns  167 
acres  of  land;  previous  to  his  re- 
moval to  this  county  he  lived  in 
Ohio  and  Indiana;  he  married 


f 


UNION  TOWNSHIP. 


707 


Levina  Kauffman  in  1842 ; she  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  died  in 
1868;  he  afterward  married  Phil- 
inda  Bump  in  1863;  she  was  born 
in  Ohio;  has  eight  children  by 
first  marriage,  Elias,  Elizabeth, 
Henry,  Pebecca,  John,  Melissa, 
Abraham,  and  David;  and  two  by 
the  second  marriage,  Francis  A., 
and  Willis  H. 

Biggs,  Meeker,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
0.  Union  Mills. 

Boyce,  0.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

BOLTON,  E.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  Knox 
county,  Ohio,  in  1842;  came  to 
this  county  in  1866 ; owns  80  acres 
of  land;  enlisted  in  the  85th  Ohio 
Infantry  in  the  late  war;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Emeline  McMains  in 
December,  1867;  she  was  born  in 
this  county;  have  two  children, 
Ernest,  and  Della  M.;  lost  one 
son,  Olla  E. 

BOYCE,  A.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  Wash- 
ington county,  N.  Y.,  in  1808 ; for 
seventeen  years  he  was  a sailor; 
came  to  this  county  in  1868;  he 
married  Eliza  P.  Tabor  in  1849; 
she  was  born  in  New  York;  have 
three  children,  Charles  W.,  Mor- 
gan P.,  and  Allen  A.;  lost  two, 
Frank,  and  Phebe  J. 

BROOKS,  T.L.,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; P. 
O.  Sherman,  Poweshiek  county; 
born  in  Maryland,  April  25, 1827; 
came  to  this  county  in  1851;  owns 
272  acres  of  land;  his  door-yard 
is  ornamented  with  the  largest  and 
most  handsome  evergreens  in  the 
county;  he  has  held  office  of  town- 
ship trustee  and  school  director; 
he  married  Miss  Catharine  Mass, 
in  1849;  she  was  born  in  Mary- 
land; has  7 children,  William  K., 
Charles  T.,  Sarah  D.,  Ann  M., 
Alice,  Frances  P.  and  Clara. 

Briggs,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  21 ; P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 


Briggs,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Bryant,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  0. 
Forest  Home. 

Bushby,  Johnson,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Bushby,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  28 ; P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Bushby,  R.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

CAMPBELL,  DENNIS,  farmer, 
Sec.  10 ; P.  O.  Union  Mills. 
CAMPBELL,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
27;  P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in 
Pennsylvania,  in  1826;  came  to 
this  county  in  1853;  owns  160 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Miss 
Belinda  Moore,  in  1849;  she  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  died 
February  13,  1850;  he  afterward 
married  Mary  Mitchell,  April  10, 
1851;  she  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania; has  6 children,  Mary  Be- 
linda, Nancy  R.,  William  J.,  Ella 
J.,  Nevada  A.  and  Ruth  E. 

Cattell  Lewis,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Caster,  Paul,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O, 
Union  Mills. 

Champion,  Rachel,  widow,  Sec.  27 ; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Chamberlain,  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  4 ; P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Chew,  J.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  1 ; P.  O, 
Sherman. 

Chew,  Asa,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Champion,  William  M.,  farmer,  Sec. 

27;  P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Cline,  Henry,  farmer;  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Danielson,  d.  li.,  farmer, 

Sec.  20;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
Darland,  J.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Doze,  A.  C.,  farmer.  Sec.  17;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Dory,  Casper,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

DUDGEON,  HUGH,  farmer,  Sec. 
14;  P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in 


708 


I 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


Knox  county,  Ohio,  April  1, 1835; 
came  to  this  county  in  1867; 
owns  87-|  acres  of  land ; he  en- 
listed in  the  38th  Iowa  Infantry, 
in  the  late  war;  he  married  Miss 
Melissa  Lepley,  in  1865;  she  was 
born  in  Knox  county,  Ohio;  has  2 
children,  Alice  and  Edgar. 
Dutton,  J.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  31 ; P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

EFLIN,  ISAAC,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

EFLIN,  A.  J.,  fanner  and  raiser  of 
Poland-China  swine,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon;  born  in  North- 
umberland county,  Pa.,  in  1839; 
came  to  this  county  in  1866;  owns 
80  acres  of  land ; has  held  office  of 
school  director:  he  married  Miss 
Jane  A.  Scott,  in  1861;  she  was 
born  in  Fulton  county,  Illinois; 
has  6 children,  Ida  M.,  Edson  A , 
Lewis  I.,  Eleana,  George  P.  and 
Baby. 

Erickson,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

EVANS,  WM.  E.,  farmer,  and  pro- 
prietor of  Evans’  Coal  Banks,  Sec. 
8;  P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in 
Wales,  in  1822 ; came  to  this  coun- 
try in  1819,  to  this  State  in  1856, 
and  to  this  county  in  1858;  owns 
1100  acres  of  land;  he  married 
Mary  Jones,  in  1856;  she  was 
born  in  Wales;  has  8 children, 
William,  Lizzie,  Anna,  Lilia,  Nel- 
lie, Grace,  Pannie,  Evan  and  Riva; 
lost  1 daughter,  Lizzie. 

EVANS,  WILLIAM,  farmer  and 
stock  raiser,  Sec.  33;  P.  O.  Union 
Mills;  born  in  Virginia,  in  1829; 
came  to  this  county  in  1860;  he 
has  taken  great  interest  for  years 
in  raising  Norman  horses  and 
mules,  and  the  growing  favor  of 
these  horses,  and  the  improve- 
ment made  in  the  stock  through- 
out this  section,  is  largely  attrib- 
uted to  him;  he  married  Miss 
Sarah  J.  Brown,  in  1849;  she  was 
born  in  Fayette  county,  Pa.;  has  8 
children,  Mary  E.,  Albert  L.,  John 


W.  Adam  B.,  Isaac  E.,  Martha  A,, 
Emily  J.  and  George;  he  enlisted 
in  the  33d  Iowa  Infantry,  in  the 
late  war,  and  served  3 years,  a 
greater  portion  of  the  time  in  the 
detective  service  in  Indianapolis 
EVANS,  ROBERT,  farmer  and 
miner,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  New  Sharon; 
born  in  Wales,  August  25,  1848; 
came  to  this  county  in  1869;  owns 
82  acres  of  land,  on  which  he  has 
a vein  of  coal  averaging  four  feet 
in  thickness. 

Faulkner,  allen,  farmer, 

Sec.  31;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
FERRELL,  F.W.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  Ohio 
in  1816;  came  to  this  county  in 
March,  1857;  owns  200  acres  of 
land ; has  held  office  of  school  di- 
rector; he  married  Hope  Addis, 
in  1840;  she  was  born  in  Penn.; 
has  five  children,  Mary  I.,  Eliza- 
beth J.,  Ann  E.,  John  M.  and 
Cora. 

Foster,  Nicholas,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Fisher,  Rachel,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Sherman. 

Fisher,  Jacob  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

FRY,  JOHN  H.,  physician  and 
surgeon,  Sec.  27,  P.  O.  Union 
Mills;  born  in  Union  county, 
Pennsylvania,  in  1820;  came  to 
this  county  in  1850;  owns  320 
acres  of  land ; has  practiced  medi- 
- cine  thirty  years;  has  held  office 
of  supervisor;  he  enlisted  as 
surgeon  of  the  47th  Iowa  Infantry, 
and  had  charge  of  the  general 
hospital  at  Helena;  he  married 
Miss  Catharine  Cowle  in  1845; 
she  was  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
they  have  twelve  children,  Cora 
J.,  Mary  L.,  Anna  E.,  Seward, 
J.  Willis,  Cassie  I.,  Lutie  S.,  Tim, 
Addison,  Jesse  H.,  Paul  T.,  Edna. 

GOTT,  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec. 

36;  P.  O.  Union  Mills. 
Gorsuch,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; P. 
O.  Sherman. 


UNION  TOWNSHIP. 


709 


Gorsuch  Vm.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Sherman. 

Gorsuch,  E.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 

O.  Sherman. 

Gorsuch,  J.  'M.,  blacksmith,  Sec.  2; 

P.  O.  Sherman. 

GORSUCH,  J.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  Sherman,  Poweshiek  county; 
born  in  Ohio,  in  1831;  came  to 
this  county  in  1857;  owns  350 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Miss  E. 
McMasters  in  1857 ; she  was  born 
in  North  Carolina;  has  seven  chil- 
dren, Samuel,  Martha,  Robert, 
Matilda,  Irene,  James  and  Mary; 
lost  one  son,  Charles. 

Groves,  Benjamin,  farmer,  Sec.  26; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Groves,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Graham,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 

O.  Union  Mills. 

GRAHAM,  E.W.,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  Jeffer- 
son county,  Indiana,  in  1831; 
came  to  this  county  May  2,  1855; 
he  owns  180  acres  of  land;  has 
held  offices  of  township  treasurer 
and  school  director;  he  enlisted  in 
the  31st  Iowa  Infantry  in  the  late 
war,  and  served  three  years;  he 
married  Miss  Margaret  H.  Wat- 
son in  1852;  she  was  born  in 
Indiana;  has  three  children,  Flor- 
ence E.,  Ginn  and  Morton  Y.;  one 
daughter,  Mary  L.,  died  in  March, 
1874,  aged  eleven  months. 

GRAHAM,  J.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  15s 
P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  Jeffer- 
son county,  Iowa,  in  1844;  came 
to  this  county  in  1846;  owns  80 
acres  of  land ; he  married  Hannah 
M.  Ogle  in  1869;  she  was  born 
in  Maryland;  has  four  children, 
Frank  L.,  Wilbert,  Freddie  and 
Baby;  has  served  as  school  di- 
rector; he  enlisted  in  the  Fortieth 
Iowa  Infantry,  and  served  until 
the  close  of  the  war. 

GRAHAM,  L.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  15 ; 
P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  this 
county,  May  8,  1846;  owns  80 


acres  of  land;  has  held  office  of 
township  clerk,  assessor,  and  acted 
as  president  of  the  school  board; 
he  married  Miss  Esther  E.  Pfoutz 
in  1869;  she  was  born  in  Mary- 
land; has  two  children,  Tulla  E. 
and  Elmer  E.;  lost  two  children 
in  infancy. 

H AGE  MAN,  A.  P.,  blacksmith, 
Sec.  22;  P.  O.  Union  Mills. 
Hardman,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  f. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

HEITSMAN,  J.B.,  farmer,  and  pro- 
prietor of  Heitsman’s  Coal  Banks, 
Sec.  8;  P.  O.  New  Shafon;  born 
in  Pennsylvania,  in  1845;  came 
to  this  county  in  1853;  owns  280 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Miss 
Magdalene  Fisher,  March  23, 1871 ; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has  three 
children,  Olive,  John  and  Flora. 
Hevelin,  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Sherman. 

Hedge,  A.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Holder,  J.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Hope,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  3 ; P.  O. 
Sherman. 

HOLT,  J.,  dealer  in  general  mer- 
chandise, Sec.  2;  P.  O.  Sherman, 
Poweshiek  county;  born  in  Phil- 
adelphia, in  1833;  came  to  this 
county  in  1850;  owns  200  acres 
of  land;  holds  office  of  postmas- 
ter; he  married  Miss  S.  E.  Chew, 
in  1861 ; has  four  children,  Charles, 
Bertha,  Susan  and  Effie. 

Hughes,  Joseph,  miner,.  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Hull,  N.  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Hunt,  Abraham,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  Sherman. 

Hughes,  Charles,  miner,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Hughes,  Ed.,  miner,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Hughes,  Mary  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  9; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

T AMES,  S.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
cJ  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  In- 


710 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


diana,  in  1849;  came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1852;  owns  40  acres  of  land; 
he  married  Eliza  Wilson  in  1875; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has  two 
children,  Zella  and  Baby. 

James,  John  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

James,  Barney,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Anderson,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  26 ; P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

James,  Luke,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Jones,  Edward,  miner,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Jones,  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Sherman. 

K INDIG,  SAMUEL,  farmer, 
Sec.  29;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
Kisor,  M.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Kisor,  David,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Kisor,  C.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Kisor,  James,  miner,  Sec.  18;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

KISOR,  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills;  born  in  Knox  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  in  1819,  and  came  to 
this  county  in  1856;  owns  40 
acres  of  land;  has  held  office  of 
school  director;  he  married  Miss 
Mary  Buckingham,  in  1842;  she 
was  born  in  Greene  county,  Pa. ; 
have  five  children,  Cary  M.,  Me- 
lissa C.,  William  S.,  Mary  E.,  and 
Nancy  V. 

Kindig,  W.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  Newr  Sharon. 

KLINKER,  J.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 
P.  O.  Union  Mills;  was  born  in 
Germany,  1807;  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1818,  and  to  this 
county  in  1844,  being  one  of  the 
first  settlers  in  the  county;  he 
owns  360  acres  of  land;  has 
held  the  offices  of  supervisor  and 
school  director;  he  married  Miss 
Margaret  McCabe,  who  was  born 
in  Fairfield  county,  Ohio;  have 
seven  children,  Henry,  Catharine, 


Joseph,  Wesley,  Emma,  Theodore, 
and  Sylvester. 

Klinker,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 

O.  Union  Mills. 

Klinker,  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Klinker,  Wesley,  farmer,  Sec.  24; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Kneudson,  Gunder,  farmer,  Sec.  18; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Kopp,  J.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

T ATCHEM,  JAMES  S.,  farm- 
J — * er,  Sec.  2;  P.  O.  Sherman, 
Poweshiek  county;  born  in  Cam- 
den county,  N.  J.,  in  1826,  and 
came  to  this  State  in  1856;  owns 
152  acres  of  land;  he  married 
Miss  Elizabeth  Porch,  1852;  she 
was  born  in  New  Jersey,  and  died 
October  17,  1866;  he  afterward 
married  Mrs.  Isabell  Watkins, 
May  3,  1868;  has  three  children, 
Belle,  Maggie  E.  and  Nellie  E. ; 
Mrs.  Latchem  was  previously 
married  to  John  E.  Watkins,  in 
1856;  he  was  born  in  Ohio,  and 
died  July  8,  1865;  left  two  chil- 
dren, Ida  I.  and  Laura  A. 

Larson,  Lars,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Larson,  Marsili us,  farmer,  Sec.  7; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Latcham,  Thos,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Sherman. 

Lamond,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P. 

O.  Sherman. 

Litzenburg,  F.  V.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 

P.  O.  Sherman. 

Lockwood,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Lockard,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

McMAINS,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
34;  P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born 
in  Owen  county,  Ky.,  January  18, 
1815;  in  1825  he  removed  to  In- 
diana, where  he  remained  until 
1836,  when  he  came  to  Cedar 
county,  Iowa,  where  he  remained 
eight  years;  he  then  returned  to 
Indiana,  remaining  three  years, 


UNION  TOWNSHIP. 


711 


and  came  to  this  county  in  1847; 
he  settled  on  the  land  he  now 
owns,  and  has  lived  there  ever 
since  that  time;  he  owns  676  acres 
of  land;  has  held  offices  of  town- 
ship trustee  and  school  director; 
married  Jane  Goddard  in  1837; 
she  was  born  in  Kentucky,  and 
died  in  1858;  he  afterward  mar- 
ried Rachel  Chidester,  Jan.  1, 
1861;  she  was  born  in  New  York; 
has  eight  children,  Elizabeth, 
Ann,  Mary  E.,  Isaiah,  William, 
Oliver,  Ida  and  Erastus;  one  son, 
Robert,  enlisted  in  the  8th  Iowa 
Infantry,  and  was  killed  at  Cor- 
inth. 

Marsh,  W.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Marsh,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

McKain,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 

O.  Union  Mills. 

McGrifF,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  New 
Sharon. 

MILLER,  V.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  High- 
land county,  Ohio,  in  1836;  came 
to  this  county  in  October,  1872; 
has  held  office  of  school  director; 
he  married  Miss  Sarah  Larkin,  in 
1860;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has 
three  children,  John,  Charles  and 
Frank;  owns  157  acres  of  land. 

Miller,  Philip,  farmer,  P.  O.  Union 
Mills. 

Mitchel,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Mincer,  T.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Moffat,  Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

NAYLOR,  ALBERT,  farmer, 
Sec.  10;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

OGB0RN,  J.  E.,  farmer  and 
blacksmith,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills;  born  in  Wayne 
county,  Ind.,  in  1828;  came  to 
this  county  in  June,  1855;  owns 
90  acres  of  land;  has  held  the 
offices  of  justice  of  the  peace  and 
school  director;  he  married  Miss 
48 


Martha  Lane  in  1849;  she  was 
born  in  Butler  county,  Ohio;  they 
have  nine  children,  Wiibern, 
Horace  H.,  Frank,  Katie  L.,  Ar- 
thur, Mollie,  Alice,  Ollie,  and 
Fred. 

Ogborn,  W.  II.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Olson,  Erick,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Orrell,  Harry,  farmer,  Sec.  27 ; P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

PFOUTZ,  PETER,  farmer,  Sec. 
33*;  P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born 
in  Maryland  in  1815;  lived  three 
years  in  Ohio,  and  came  to  this 
county  in  1856;  owns  170  acres  of 
land;  he  married  Sarah  A.  Penner 
in  1845;  she  was  born  in  Mary- 
land; they  have  three  children, 
George  W.,  Esther  E.,  and  Tawell 
G. 


Pilgrim,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Porter,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

QUAINTANCE,  E.  O.,  farmer, 
Sec.  18;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

REED,  A.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Rogers,  Daniel  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  20; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Rowley,  Reuben,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Rockwell,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

SCI1ECHTER,  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 

32;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 
Schechter,  A.,  farmer.  Sec.  30;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Sheeley,  Beverly,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Smith,  L.  M.,  farmer,  sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills. 

Smith,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

SMITH,  HUGH,  farmer  and  propri- 
etor of  Smith’s  coal  banks,  Sec.  9; 
P.  O.  New  Sharon;  born  in  Scot- 
land in  1822;  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1851,  and  lived  six  years 
in  Maryland,  and  then  removed  to 


712 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


James,  Lizzie, 


Jackson  county,  Wisconsin,  com- 
ing to  this  county  in  1864;  owns 
72  acres  of  land;  he  has  held 
offices  of  township  trustee  and 
school  director;  he  married  Miss 
Margaret  Moffattin  1848;  she  was 
born  in  Scotland;  they  have 
twelve  children,  Jeanett,  Mary, 
Isabell,  John,  Margaret,  Robert, 
William,  Hugh, 

Albert,  and  Flora. 

Strom,  K.,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

Stout,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  O. 
Union  Mills,  r 

ments  and  live  stock;  Sec.  19;  P. 

THOMPSON,  T.  So  fanner  and 
dealer  in  agricultural  ilnple- 
O,  New  Sharon;  born  in  Trum- 
bull county,  Ohio,  in  1839;  came 
to  this  county  in  1864;  owns  170 
^acres  of  land;  has  held  the  office 
ojj*  township  trustee;  he  married 
Miss  Sarah  Sheldon  in  1863;  she 
was  born  in  the  same  place;  have 
two  children,  Lucius  and  LeRoy. 
Thatcher,  N.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  31 ; P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Tilford>Robert,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Sherman. 

Trager.  Wm.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

PTON,  WALKER,  farmer, Sec, 


U 


32;  P.  O.  New  Sharon. 


Upton  David,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  O. 
New  Sharon. 

VANCE,  H.  B,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 

P.  O.  Union  Mills. 

Vail,  Abraham,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

N A 7 ATKINS,  T.  L.,  farmer,  Sec. 

V V 4;  P.  O.  Sherman. 
Wendahl,.  Andrew,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Wheeler.,  C.  T,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

WESTON,  GEO.,  farmer,  Sec.  36; 
P.  O.  Union  Mills;  born  in  Ohio, 
in  1854;  came  to  this  county  in 
1865;  his  father,  Thomas  Weston, 
was  born  in  Richmond,  Virginia, 
in  1794,  and  came  to  this  county 
in  1865;  he  married  Susan  Thom- 
as, in  1830;  she  was  born  in  Yir- 
ginia; has  four  children:  MaryE., 
George,  Kossuth,  and  Salina  A. ; 
has  lost  seven  children. 

Whiteman,  Elijah,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 

P.  O.  New  Sharon. 

Widows,  Wm.,  farmer  Sec.  15;  P.O. 
Union  Mills. 

Wilkinson,  John  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  1; 
P.  O.  Sherman. 

Widows,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  15>;  P. 
O.  Union  Mills. 

Woolket,  Lyman,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  New  Sharon. 

Wymore,  Thompson,  farmer,  Sec.  4; 
P.  O.  Sherman. 


APPEL,  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P. 
O.  Peoria;  born  in  Bavaria, 
Germany,  in  1827 ; came  to  this 
county  in  1861;  owns  125  acres  of 
land ; has  held  the  office  of  school 
director;  he  married  Miss  Eliza 
J.  Ash,  in  1864;  she  was  bom  in 
Ohio;  has  two  children  by  former 
marriage,  Charles  E.,  Phebe  J., 
and  one  daughter,  Fsances  A.,  by 
second  marriage. 

Appel,  Philip,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 


TOWITSHIP. 

Ashton,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Baldwin, sylyester,  far- 
mer, Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Gran- 
ville; born  in  Champaign  county, 
Ohio,  in  1841 ; came  to  this  county 
with  his  parents  in  1846;  owns 
180  acres  of  land.  He  enlisted  in 
the  33d  Iowa  Infantry  in  the  late 
war,  served  three  years,  and  was  in 
all  the  engagements  in  which  his 
regiment  participated;  he  married 
Miss  H.  J.  Turner,  in  1866;  she 


RICHLAND  TOWNSHIP. 


713 


was  born  in  Maryland;  he  has 
four  children:  Gelene,  Imogene, 
Ernest  and  Nellie  M. 
BALDWIN,  THOMPSON,  farmer, 
Sec.  13;  P.  O.  Granville;  born  in 
Champaign  county,  Ohio,  in  1816; 
came  to  this  county  Oct.  28, 1846; 
owns  400  acres  of  land ; he  mar- 
ried Miss  Sophronia  Phelps,  in 
1837 ; she  was  born  in  Union  Co., 
Ohio;  has  three  children  living: 
Sylvester,  Maria  (now  wife  of  O. 
Hull,  Esq.,  of  Smith  county,  Kan.) 
and  Marley;  lost  five:  Rosaltha, 
Imogene,  Edna,  Caroline,  and  Han- 
nah J. 

Bartlett,  Jerry,  teamster,  Peoria. 
Baldwin,  Marley,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Granville. 

Baker  John,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Berry,  J.  IE,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

BERRY,  WM.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 

O.  Granville;  born  in  Virginia,  in 
1814;  came  to  this  county  in  1848; 
previous  to  his  removal  to  this 
county  he  lived  in  Ohio;  he  is  one 
of  the  oldest  settlers;  his  nearest 
postoffice  when  he  came,  was  Os- 
kaloosa;  he  has  held  the  offices  of 
township  trustee  and  school  di- 
director; he  owns  280  acres  of 
land;  married  Miss  Nancy  John- 
son; she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has 
three  children:  John  II.,  Laurin 
B.,  and  Charlie  G. 

Billings,  J.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

Boyd,  J.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Boyd,  William  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 

P.  O.  Peoria. 

Bonzager,  Evart,  farmer,  Sec  30 ; P. 
O.  Pella. 

Buckman,  G.  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Byers,  G.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

CARTER,  W.  D.,  farmer.  Sec.  35 ; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

CAMPBELL,  J,  N.  H.r  farmer,  Sec. 


35;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Brown 
county,  Ohio,  Jan.  30, 1816;  came 
to  this  county  in  1857 ; owns  203 
acres  of  land;  has  held  the  office 
of  school  director,  and  served 
as  president  of  the  board ; he 
was  also  a Representative  from 
this  county  in  the  Tenth  General 
Assembly;  he  married  Miss  Maria 
McClure,  February,  1840;  she  was 
born  in  Illinois;  has  one  child  liv- 
ing, Chester  C.;  lost  eleven;  one 
son,  Marion,  was  drowned  in  Skunk 
river,  July  24,  1878.  We  copy 
the  following  nbtice  from  the  New 
Sharon  iStar  : “ Captain  Marion 

Campbell  was  born  near  Washing- 
ton,"111.,  March  15th,  1841,  and 
came  to  this  county  with  his  pa- 
rents while  }^oung;  he  enlisted  in 
Co.  H,  8 th  Iowa  Infantry,  in  the 
late  war,  and  was  afterwards  com- 
missioned Capt.  Co.  F,  and  s^ved 
his  country  four  and  a half  years 
with  distinction.  At  the  close  of 
the  war  he  married  and  settled  in 
Mississippi;  he  was  elected  to  the 
lower  house  af  the  State  legisla- 
ture, and  served  two  years  with 
such  efficiency  that  his  constitu- 
ency elected  him  Senator.  Not- 
withstanding his  life  was  many 
times  threatened,  and  he  had  re- 
ceived many  warnings  to  quit  the 
country,  he,  like  the  brave  man 
that  he  was,  stood  steadfast  at  his 
post,  and  ever  dared  to  do  his  duty, 
lie  was  carried  down  to  death’s 
door  with  yellow  fever;  his  wife 
and  children  sickened  and  died; 
he  was  stripped  of  all  his  prop- 
erty, conducted  to  the  depot,  and 
ordered  to  leave.  It  was  then  he 
turned  his  face  northward,  leaving 
that  for  which  he  had  toiled,  and 
that  which  was  dearer  still,  the 
graves  of  his  wife  and  little  ones.” 
CAMPBELL,  JAMES  P.,  farmer, 
Sec.  30;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in 
Tennessee,  in  1829;  came  to  this 
county  in  1851;  owns  200  acres 
of  land:  he  married  Miss  Harriet 


714 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COTJNTY. 


E.  Bacon,  in  1857 ; she  was  born 
in  White  county,  Indiana;  he  has 
four  children : Minerva,  Ira,  Ralph, 
and  Matilda. 

CLEVENGER,  JACOB  W.,  far- 
mer, Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Granville; 
horn  in  Bedford  county,  Penn.,  in 
1833;  came  to  this  county  in  1863; 
previous  to  his  coming  to  this 
State  he  lived  six  years  in  Indi- 
ana; he  married  Miss  Sarah  Hol- 
enshead,  in  1854;  she  was  born  in 
the  same  county;  has  one  child, 
Thomas  J. 

CLEVENGER,  THOMAS  J.,  far- 
mer, Sec.  12;  P.  O.  Granville; 
born  in  this  State  in  1857;  owns 
80  acres  of  land. 

Coakle}T,  J.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Coakley,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Coakley,  Mary,  farmer,  Sec.  7 ; P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Crayton,  M.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

DEBRUIN,  JOHN,  farmer.  Sec. 
28;  P.  O.  Pella. 

Dickey,  Wm.  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

Dunwoody,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Granville. 

DYSART,  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Flint;  bom  in  Henry  county, 
Indiana,  August  18,  1844;  came 
to  this  county  in  1855;  he  married 
Miss  Fannie  E.  Osborn  September 
12, 1872;  she  was  born  in  Connec- 
ticut April  10,  1849. 

DYSART,  JOHN,  retired  farmer, 
Sec.  24;  P.  O.  Flint;  born  in  Vir- 
ginia October  15,  1808;  in  1827 
he  emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  in  1839 
he  removed  to  Indiana,  coming  to 
this  county  in  1855;  owns  86  acres 
of  land;  he  married  Miss  Susanna 
Williams  in  1839;  she  was  born  in 
Virginia,  and  died  in  1866;  has 
four  children,  Margaret,  Mark, 
Phillip,  and  Rachel  A. 

Dysart,  Mark,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 


ELSCOTT,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec. 
32;  P.  O.  Pella, 

Emerson,  J.  D.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

ENGLE,  JAMES,  farmer,  Sec.  16; 
P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Pennsylva- 
nia in  1813;  lived  many  years  in 
Ohio,  coming  to  this  county  in 
1869;  owns  320  acres  of  land;  he 
married  Elizabeth  Swisher  in 
1833;  she  was  born  in  Pennsylva- 
nia; have  two  children,  Susan  and 
George;  lost  three. 

Engbers,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

ESPY,  R.H.,  fanner,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Granville;  born  in  Franklin  coun- 
ty, Penn.,  July,  1832;  came  to  this 
county  in  1855;  owns  87  acres  of 
land ; he  married  Barbara  A.  More- 
liead  in  1851;  she  was  born  in 
Franklin  county,  Penn.;  have  twTo 
children,  Maria  A.,  and  Ellsworth. 
Evans,  Amos,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

FENDERSON,  IVERY,  farmer, 
Sec.  1 ; P.  O.  Peoria. 
Fenderson,  Wm.,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P. 
O.  Granville. 

FLEMING,  R.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Peoria;  bom  in  Harrison 
county,  West  Virginia,  September 
3,  1811;  came  to  this  county  in 
October,  1852;  owns  168  acres  of 
land;  has  held  office  of  assessor, 
school  director,  and  township  trus- 
tee; he  married  Miss  Amy  Mad- 
dox in  June,  1833;  she  was  born 
in  Virginia;  have  nine  children, 
Martha  V.,  Charles,  Orin,  Justin, 
Austin,  George,  Cornelius,  Nancy 
and  Amy  Cornelia. 

Fleming,  Charles,  farmer,  Sec.  10; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

GASTON,  J.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  4 ; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Garner,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

GODBEY, ALLEN,  farmer,  Sec— ; 
P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Indiana  in 
1826;  came  to  this  State  October 
15,  1842,  and  to  this  county  in 


RICHLAND  TOWNSHIP. 


715 


1843  (his  father,  John  Godbey, 
being  the  first  man  with  a family 
to  settle  in  Richland  township); 
he  has  known  his  father’s  family 
to  be  wdthout  bread  from  three  to 
four  weeks  at  a time,  and  lived  on 
bacon  rinds  and  greens,  and  it  has 
taken  them  six  weeks  to  go  to  mill 
to  Iowa  City,  the  river  being  so 
high  it  was  with  difficulty  they 
could  get  across ; the  first  election 
in  the  township  was  held  at  his 
father’s  house;  he  helped  drive 
the  first  drove  of  hogs  to  Keokuk 
that  was  shipped  out  of  the  coun- 
ty; he  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Bart- 
lett in  1848 ; she  was  born  in  Ohio ; 
have  five  children,  Sylvester,  Cam- 
eron, Yiola,  Edward,  and  Luke. 

Goodhart,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Gosselink,  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Gooselink,  G.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Grunden,  Thomas,  farmer,  Sec.  11 ; 

P.  O.  Granville. 

HASSELMAN,  H.  J.,  farmer, 
Sec.  30;  P.  O.  Pella. 

HESS,  SAMUEL,  farmer,  Sec.  17; 
P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Virginia, 
August  7tli,  1833;  his  parents 
removed  to  Ohio  while  he  was 
young,  where  he  remained  until 
1859,  when  he  came  to  this  county; 
he  owns  160  acres  of  land;  he 
married  Miss  Elizabeth  Swisher  in 
1859;  she  was  born  in  Cham- 
paign county,  Ohio;  they  have 
five  children,  George,  Harrison, 
Edward,  Cyrus,  and  William. 
Hess,  O.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  10 ; P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Hewitt,  S.  S.,  blacksmith,  Peoria. 
Hessing,  Dirk,  farmer,  Sec.  29;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

HUNT,  A.,  wagon  maker,  Peoria; 
born  in  Hunterdon  county,  New 
Jersey  in  1805;  came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1852;  he  has  worked  at  his 
trade  since  1823;  he  has  a large 
apiary  and  is  giving  attention  to 


raising  bees;  he  married  Miss  Mah- 
ala  Heaver  in  1 827;  she  was  born  in 
Maryland ; they  have  five  children, 
Nathaniel  B.,  Nancy,  Ellen,  Eden 
and  Mary;  one  son,  Levi,  enlisted 
in  the  33rd  Iowa  Infantry  and 
died  from  disease  contracted  in 
the  army. 

HUNT,  W.  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Peoria;  born  in  Henry  county, 
Ind.,  in  1842;  came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1862;  lie  enlisted  in  the  19th 
Indiana  Infantry  in  the  late  war 
and  was  discharged  on  account  of 
sickness;  he  afterward  enlisted  in 
the  9th  Iowa  Cavalry  and  served 
until  the  close  of  the  war;  he 
married  Sarah  A.  Block  in  1863; 
she  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  and 
died  July  15th,  1873;  he  after- 
wards married  Mrs.  M.  M.  Allen 
in  1873;  she  was  born  in  Virginia; 
he  has  two  children  by  first  mar- 
riage, Wilbur  and  Rosetta  H. 
Mrs.  Hunt  was  previously  mar- 
ried to  Jonathan  Allen,  who  died 
in  1871. 

Holmes,  Dennis,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P. 
O.  Pella. 

Huit,  Levi,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O 
Peoria. 

Huit,  Smith,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Hull,  A.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

Hunt,  S.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Huit,  Nathan,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Huit,  Isaac,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

TACKSON,  G.  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  15: 

cJ  P.  O.  Peoria. 

Jackson,  L.  M.,  farmer,  See.  23;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Jarard,  J.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Jarard,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

JOHNSON,  CHARLES,  farmer 
and  miller,  Sec.  9;  P.  O.  Peoria; 
born  in  Berkshire  county,  Massa- 


716 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


chusetts,  in  1840;  came  to  this 
county  in  1857;  is  the  owner  of 
the  mills  known  as  Johnson’s 
Mills,  with  a capacity  for  sawing 
2500  feet  per  day  and  grinding 
75  bushels  of  feed;  he  married 
Miss  Rebecca  E.  Beale  in  1872; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio;  have  two 
children:  William  B.  and  Melis- 
sa E.;  in  connection  with  his 
mills  lie  has  also  a carding  ma- 
chine. 

JOY,  C.  C.,  harness  maker  and  ho- 
tel keeper;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in 
Ohio  in  1821;  came  to  this  coun- 
ty in  1857 ; owns  93  acres  of  land; 
has  held  offices  of  school  director 
and  township  trustee;  he  married 
Eunice  Davis  in  1842;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio,  and  died  in  1850; 
he  afterward  married  Mary  Foust 
in  1851;  she  was  born  in  Ohio; 
has  four  children  living:  James 
M.,  William  M.,  Benjamin  F.  and 
Solomon  H.;  James  and  William 
both  enlisted  in  the  18th  Iowa  In- 
fantry in  the  late  war. 

JONES,  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  O. 
Granville;  born  in  Virginia  in 
1812;  came  to  this  State  in  1843, 
and  to  this  county  in  1866;  owns 
85  acres  of  land;  he  married  Nan- 
cy Williams  in  1847 ; she  was  born 
in  Wa}'iie  county,  Indiana,  and 
died  in  1851;  he  afterward  mar- 
ried Rachel  Cook,  in  1852;  she 
was  born  in  Wayne  county,  Indi- 
ana; has  three  children:  Saul, 
Mary  E.  and  Henry. 

Jones,  L.,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

Joy,  Solomon,  farmer;  P.  O.  Peoria. 

KELLEY,  E.  S., farmer  and  ma- 
son, Sec.  22;  P.  O.  Peoria; 
born  in  Barbour  county,  West 
Virginia,  in  November,  1830; 
came  to  this  county  in  1856;  owns 
78-J-  acres  of  land;  he  married 
Miss  Amanda  M.  Curry,  a native 
of  West  Virginia,  in  1852;  has 
eight  children:  Lloyd,  Arthur, 


John,  Joseph,  Mary,  Ina,  Duey, 
and  Cleo. 

HITCHING,  A.  P.,  farmer,  Sec.  2; 
P.  O.  Granville;  born  in  Indiana, 
in  1830;  came  to  this  county  in 
1849,  and  to  this  township  in 
1850;  owns  140  acres  of  land; 
has  held  the  offices  of  township 
trustee,  township  clerk,  and  justice 
of  the  peace;  he  married  Miss  Je- 
mima J.  Fansher  in  1855;  she 
was  born  in  Indiana,  and  her  pa- 
rents were  among  the  first  settlers 
of  the  county,  her  father  being 
one  of  the  men  who  carried  the 
chain  when  Oskaloosa  was  laid 
out;  has  six  children : Thomas  B., 
Florence  V.,  Asa  A.,  Willie  C., 
Laura  A.  and  Minnie  M. 

Kizer,  R.  C.,  quarry  man,  Peoria. 

Kiser,  J.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Koontz,  Israel,  farmer  and  black- 
smith, Sec.  33;  P.  O.  Pella. 

LATHROP,  WARREN,  retired ; 
P.  O.  Granville. 

Lane,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Lath rop,  Lord,  retired;  P.  O.  Gran- 
ville. 

Leanhart,  W.,  farmer,  Sec.  6;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Lipps,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Lunt,  G.  F.,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Lucky,  Abraham,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Granville. 

LUNDY,  JOHN,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 
P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Union 
county,  Ohio,  in  1822;  came  to 
this  county  in  1845;  owns  375 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Miss 
Martha  Mershon  in  1842;  she 
died  in  1844;  he  afterward  mar- 
ried Nancy  Godby,  in  1848;  she 
was  born  in  Kentucky;  has  five 
children:  Martha,  Ann,  Milton, 
Lafayette  and  Cornelia. 

LUNDY,  ELI,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 
O.  Granville;  born  in  Union  coun- 


RICHLAND  TOWNSHIP. 


717 


ty,  Ohio,  September  10,  1826; 
came  to  this  county  in  March, 
1845,  being  among  the  earliest 
settlers;  he  has  served  as  township 
treasurer  of  the  school  fund ; he 
married  Miss  Lucinda  Lathrop  in 
1848;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  he 
enlisted  in  the  15th  Iowa  Infantry 
in  the  late  war,  and  served  until 
discharged. 

M ABE RLY,  C , farmer,  Sec.  3; 
P.  O.  Granville. 

McCarter,  Joseph,  postmaster,  Peo- 
ria. 

McCutchen,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Mitchel,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  2*3;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Miller,  John,  blacksmith,  Granville. 
MILLER,  A.,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  O. 
Peoria;  born  in  Starke  county, 
Ohio,  in  1824;  came  to  this  coun- 
ty in4l 856;  owns  227  acres  of  land; 
has  held  office  of  constable;  he 
married  Miss  Sarah  Stokes,  in 
1867 ; she  was  born  in  Ohio,  and 
died  in  1869;  he  afterward  mar- 
ried Miss  Susan  Turner,  who  was 
born  in  Maryland;  has  one  son: 
Ellis. 

MILLEDGE,  ISAAC,  farmer,  Sec. 
9;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  1854; 
owns  88  acres  of  land. 
MILLEDGE,  0.,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Peoria;  born  in  Pennsylvania 
in  1821,  came  to  this  county  J uly 
3,  1854;  owns  310  acres  of  land; 
he  married  Matilda  Runyan  in 
1844;  she  was  born  in  Virginia, 
and  died  in  August,  1872;  he 
married  for  his  second  wife  Mrs. 
Mary  ITeminger  in  1873;  has 
three  children  by  first  marriage, 
Isaac,  Otis  and  Zaira. 

Mortland,  W.  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  35; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Needham,  s.  s.,  merchant, 

Granville;  born  in  Ohio  in 
1829;  came  to  this  county  in  1853, 
and  to  this  town  in  1867,  and  has 
been  engaged  in  general  merchan- 
dise since  that  time;  holds  office 


of  postmaster;  he  married  Miss 
Mary  E.  Croney  in  1856;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio,  and  died  in  October, 
1872;  he  afterward  married  Nancy 
Warren  in  1873;  she  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania;  has  three  children 
by  first  marriage,  Elliott  C.,  Nat- 
tie  H.,  and  Leslie  LI.,  and  two  by 
second  marriage,  John  N.,  and 
baby. 

Noel,  James,  farmer,  Sec.  25; 
Peoria. 


P.  O. 


O 


USTANK,  B..  Sec.  29. 


Osborn,  William,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

OSBORN,  LAUREN,  farmer,  Sec. 
9;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Connec- 
ticut in  1813,  came  to  this  State 
in  1843,  and  to  this  county  in 
1846;  owns  160  acres  of  land; 
has  held  offices  of  justice  of  the 
peace,  assessor,  township  trustee, 
etc. ; he  married  Miss  Lois  Osborn 
in  1839;  she  was  born  in  Con- 
necticut; has  three  children; 
Fannie,  Ann  and  Frank. 
TZ>ARKS,  SIMPSON,  Granville. 


Paisley,  T.  J.,  farmer,  Sec,  1;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

Perfect,  Washington,  farmer,  Sec.  6; 
V O.  Peoria. 

PHELPS,  CHARLES,  farmer,  Sec. 
1;  P.  O.  Granville;  born  in  Ohio 
in  1831,  came  to  this  county  in 
1847;  owns  120  acres  of  land; 
has  held  offices  of  school  director 
and  justice  of  the  peace;  he 
married  Miss  E valine  Walter  in 
1858;  she  was  born  in  West  Vir- 
ginia; has  seven  children:  Emma 
A.,  Edna  S.,  Lida  M.,  William  H., 
Julius  C.,  Leslie  and  Oliver. 

QUINN,  JAMES,  farmer,  Sec. 
26;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in 
Ohio  in  1813,  came  to  this  State 
in  1838  and  settled  in  Scott  Co., 
and  while  living  there  represented 
his  district  in  the  Legislature  of 
the  State;  he  is  also  one  of  the 
original  organizers  of  the  Repub- 


718 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


lican  party  in  the  State;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Patty  Swain  in  1836; 
she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has  four 
children  living,  Flavius  Josephus, 
Aurelius  J.  0.,  Mary  E.,  and  Al- 
fred S.  Aurelius  j.  C.  enlisted 
in  the  2nd  Iowa  Infantry  and 
served  3 years,  and  then  went  as 
a substitute  for  his  brother  who 
had  been  drafted,  but  could  not 
be  spared  from  home;  one  son 
Christopher  enlisted  in  the  8th 
Iowa  and  was  killed  at  Shiloh. 
QUINN,  WILLIAM  D.,  farmer, 
Sec.  46;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in 
Kentucky  in  1805,  came  to  Scott 
county  this  State  in  1837,  and  to 
this  county  in  1867;  owns  211f 
acres  of  land. 

Rhine,  Joseph,  farmer,  Sec. 

2;  P.  O.  Granville. 

RHINE,  WILLIAM,  farmer,  Sec. 
2;  P.  O.  Granville;  born  in  Ohio 
January  16,  1824,  came  to  this 
county  November  16,  1855;  owns 
310  acres  of  land;  he  married 
Cynthia  J.  Eblin,  who  was  born 
in  Ohio;  has  five  children,  John, 
Joseph,  Hugh,  George  and  Har- 
lan; lost  four. 

Ridpath,  J.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P- 
O.  Peoria. 

Ryan,  Absalom,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Ryan,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O.  Pe- 
oria. 

Ryan,  J.  B.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  O. 
Peoria 

Ryan,  J.  R.,  farmer,  Sec  24;  P.  O. 

Peon 

SAMUELS, JAMES,  farmer, Sec. 
36;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Har- 
rison county,  Indiana,  October  26, 
1825;  came  to  this  county  in  1844; 
owns  40  acres  of  land;  he  married 
Miss  C.  Petty,  in  1850;  she  was 
born  in  Ohio;  has  4 children,  Em- 
ily I.,  Gilbert  D.,  Eldora  and  Lucy 
J . 

Sheehy,  Miles,  farmer,  Sec.  5 ; P.  O. 
Peoria. 

SHIELDS,  C.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  21; 


P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Adams  Co., 
Pa.,  in  1812;  in  1842, he  removed 
to  Ohio,  where  he  remained  until 
his  removal  to  this  county,  Sep- 
tember 30,  1868;  owns  97-J  acres 
of  land;  he  married  Susan  Mey- 
ers, in  1860;  she  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania,  has  two  children, 
Mary  E.  and  Julia  A. 

SHIELDS,  C.B.,  farmer  and  mer- 
chant, Sec.  16;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born 
in  Washington  Co.,  Pa.,  in  1834; 
came  to  this  Co.,  in  1868 ; previous 
to  his  removal  here,  lived  21.  years 
in  Champaign  county,  Ohio;  owns 
160  -acres  of  land;  he  is  also  en- 
gaged as  a dealer  in  general  mer- 
chandize, at  Peoria;  has  served  as 
township  clerk  and  township  trus- 
tee; he  married  Miss  Susan  Engle, 
in  1857;  she  was  born  in  Cham- 
paign county,  Ohio;  has  3 chil- 
dren, Eva  M.,  Della  G.  and  George 
E. 

Shene,  Martin,  farmer,  Sec.  5. 

Shroger,  Lewis,  farmer,  Sec.  3 ; P.  O. 
Grandville. 

SHEESLEY,  GEORGE,  farmer, 
Sec.  8;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  inFair- 
fiield  county,  Ohio,  in  1827;  came 
to  this  county  in  1854;  owns  340 
acres  of  land;  has  held  offices  of 
school  director  and  assessor;  he 
married  Miss  Eliza  Pefiers,  in 
1850;  she  was  born  in  Licking  Co., 
Ohio;  has  9 children,  David  E., 
George  P.,  Mary  R.,  William  M., 
John  S.,  Pliebe  A.,  Martha  E., 
Eddie  A.  and  Joseph  L. 

Shelley,  J.  N.,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Smith,  J.  F.,  physician,  Granville. 

Spain,  P.  D.,  merchant,  Peoria. 

Steenhoek,  A.,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pella. 

TIMBREL,  J.  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  13; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Timbrel,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

VER  STEE,CORNELI  US,  farm- 
er, Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Peoria. 
Yan  Engen,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P. 
O.  Pella. 


RICHLAND  TOWNSHIP. 


719 


Van  Gort,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  32; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  der  Kamp,  E.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Van  Roekel,  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  32  ; P. 
O.  Pella. 

Van  Haaften,  0.;  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Valtkuisen,  Jacob,  farmer,  Sec.  29; 

P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  cleave,  Milton,  farmer,  Sec.  23; 
P.  O.  Peoria. 

Van  der  Kroll,  G.,  farmer,  Sec  29; 
P.  O.  Pella. 

Vancleave,  S.  0.,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Vanheaftere,  J.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P. 

O.  Pella. 

Van  der  Waal,  Peter,  farmer,  Sec. 
29;  P.  O.  Pella. 

Vancleave,  C.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  22; 

P.  O.  Peoria. 

Vanclieve,  P.  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P. 

O.  Peoria. 

Van  Middendorf,  Win,  farmer,  Sec. 
28;  P.  O.  Pella. 

Van  Steen  wyk,  J.  J.,  farmer,  Sec. 
33;  P.  O.  Pella. 

VAN  HOUTON,  H.,  farmer,  Sec.  31 ; 

P.  O.  Pella;  was  born  in  Wehe,  pro- 
vince of  Groningen,  kingdom  of 
the  Netherlands,  in  1812;  he  was 
educated  at  Wehe,  until  he  was 
eleven  years  of  age — after  this 
time  until  he  was  seventeen  years 
old,  at  Kloosterburen,  kingdom 
of  the  Netherlands.  In  1835  he 
married  Miss  Indiana  S.  Borg- 
man;  he  came  to  the  U.  S.  in 
1849,  and  located  at  Scotch  Plains, 
Essix  county,  New  Jersey;  his  wife 
died  in  1851;  he  came  to  this 
county  in  1853,  and  settled  on  the 
place  where  he  now  lives;  his 
farm  contains  316  acres;  he  mar- 
ried again  to  Pei  no  Borgman,  wid- 
ow of  Everet  B. ; her  maiden  name 
was  Van  Peyma,  she  is  from  Lan- 
caster, Erie  county,  N.  Y.  Mr.  V. 
has  six  children  by  his  first  mar- 
riage, Nellie  V.,  Elko,  Worp  B., 
Nellie  B.,  Wm.  B.  and  Everet  B., 

49 


and  has  one  child  by  his  second 
marriage,  named  Syke;  Mrs.  V. 
has  four  children,  Wort,  Nellie, 
William,  and  Everet  Borgman. 

VAN  CLEAVE,  THOMAS  J., 

farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  O.  Peoria; 
born  in  Shelby  county,  Kentucky, 
in  1812;  came  to  this  county  in 
1844;  owns  120  acres;  he  marri- 
ed Miss  Mary  E.  Nicholson,  Aug. 
7,  1836;  she  was  born  in  Ohio; 
has  nine  children,  Joshua,  Henry, 
Mary  E.,  Albert,  Milton,  James 
F.,  Amaritta,  Martha  and  Thom- 
as. 

Vermeer,  Brand,  farmer,  Sec.  31 ; . P. 
O.  Pella. 

Verduct,  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Vermeer,  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  31;  P.  O. 
Pella. 

Vogelaar,  T.,  farmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  0. 

• Pella. 

W ARREN,  WM.T.,  farmer, 
Sec,  33;  P.  O.  Pella;  born 
in  Black  Oak  Grove,  in  1850,  his 
parents  being  among  the  earliest 
settlers;  he  married  Miss  A.  Mc- 
Cutcheon  in  1873;  she  was  born 
in  Ohio;  has  three  children,  Clar- 
ence, James  and  John. 

WASSOM,  MONROE,  farmer,  Sec. 
12;  P.  O.  Granville;  born  in  this 
township,  in  1851;  owns  75  acres 
of  land;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Williams  in  1873;  she  was  born 
in  Richland  township;  has  one 
son,  Cyrus  Thomas;  lost  one 
daughter,  Florence  A. 

Warren,  J.  R.,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

WARREN,  R.B.,  miller  and  farmer, 
Sec.  28;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in 
Tennessee,  in  1829;  came  to  this 
state  in  1841,  settling  at  that  time 
in  Lee  county;  in  1843  he  came 
to  this  county,  his  father  being 
one  of  the  first  settlers,  and  built 
the  mill  known  as  Warren’s  Mills, 
in  1846;  they  were  afterwards 
burned,  and  rebuilt  in  1850;  they 
have  three  run  of  stone,  and  do 


720 


DIRECTORY  OF  MAHASKA  COUNTY. 


both  custom  and  merchant  work; 
he  has  held  office  of  township 
trustee,  township  clerk,  and  jus- 
tice of  the  peace;  he  owns  199 
acres  of  land;  he  married  Emily 
A.  Bingaman  in  1855;  she  was 
born  in  Kentucky;  has  eight  chil- 
dren, Ida  E.,  J.  Lincoln, Granville 
E.,  Mary  E.,  R.  Wilbur,  Mattie 
M.,  Orra  E.  and  O.  Lillian;  he 
has  seen  wheat  sold  for  30c  per 
bushel,  and  $2.70  ditto,  and  pork 
from  $1.25  he  cut  dressed,  to  $11 
gross;  they  used  to  go  80  miles 
to  mill,  and  it  took  them  three 
weeks  to  make  the  trip. 

WASSOM,  MOSES,  farmer,  Sec. 
13;  P.  O.  Peoria;  born  in  Tennes- 
see, in  1817;  came  to  this  county 
in  1843;  owns  280  acres  of  land; 
has  held  office  of  school  director, 
constable,  township  trustee,  and 
justice  of  the  peace;  he  married 
Miss  Elizabeth  Wordside,  in  1839; 
she  was  born  in  Tennessee;  has 
three  children,  Monroe,  William 
and  Laura  A. 

Wells,  Hathan,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Granville. 

Wehrly,  Samuel,  farmer,  Sec.  2;  P. 
O.  Granville. 


Wehrly,  John,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O. 
Granville. 

White,  A.  C.,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  O. 
Peoria. 

Wharton,  J.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P. 
O.  Flint. 

Whaling,  O.  M.,  blacksmith,  Gran- 
ville. 

Winters,  J.  O.,  farmer,  Sec.  12;  P. 

O.  Granville. 

Wintermute,  H.  M.,  farmer,  Sec.  14; 

P.  O.  Peoria. 

Wingfield,  F.  G.,  farmer,  Sec.  12; 
P.  O.  Granville. 

WOODWORTH,  E.  N.,  physician, 
Peoria;  born  in  Ohio,  in  1831; 
came  to  this  county  in  1854;  has 
been  practicing  his  profession 
twenty  years;  he  owns  78  acres  of 
land;  he  married  Miss  Emmeline 
Hinkle  in  1858;  she  was  born  in 
Ohio;  has  two  children,  Alice  E. 
and  Cora  E. 

Woolard,  Adam,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Woolard,  Henry,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 

Woolard,  George,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P. 
O.  Peoria. 


The  town  of  Eddyville  is  located  principally  in  the  northwest  corner  of 
Wapello  county,  but  extends  over  into  Mahaska  county,  from  which  it  re- 
ceives a large  portion  of  its  trade.  The  town  was  named  after  J.  P.  Eddy, 
who  laid  out  the  village  in  1843.  He  was  a trader  among  the  Indians,  and 
for  sometime  after  they  left  he  kept  the  only  store  in  this  part  of  the 
country.  Before  rival  points  were  made  and  unmade  by  railroads,  Eddy- 
ville was  a place  of  much  promise,  but  when  the  C.  B.  & Q.  R.  R.  “went 
west”  via  Ottumwa,  the  prospects  for  building  up  a city  at  Eddyville 
waned;  yet  the  town  has  many  elements  of  attraction:  1st.  It  is  beauti- 
fully located  on  the  river,  and  has  two  railroads,  the  K.  & D.  M.,  and  the 
Central  R.  R.  of  Iowa.  2d.  A wagon  bridge  spans  the  Des  Moines  river. 
3rd.  Coal  in  great  abundance  is  found  near  the  city,  also  good-  building 
stone,  brick  and  pottery  clay.  4th.  Among  the  “prospective  speculations” 
through  which  Eddyville  has  hope  of  an  outcbme,  is  a branch  of  the  Burl- 
ington Harrow  Gauge  R.  R.,  which  may  some  day  gravitate  to  that  point, 
and  run  thence  northwest  to  Des  Moines,  or  west  to  connect  with  the 
southern  extension  of  the  D.  M.  & M.  (Harrow  Gauge)  R.  R.  Eddyville 


EDDYVILLE. 


721 


has  about  1,500  inhabitants,  and  has  a fine  school  building  that  cost 
$20,000;  also  Presbyterian,  Congregational,  Baptist,  Methodist  and  Roman 
Catholic  churches,  Odd  Fellows  and  Masonic  halls. 


BAUMSTARK,  A.,  dealer  in 
confectionery,  choice  cigars, 
tobacco,  etc.,  wine  and  beer 
saloon,  Eddy vi lie,  Iowa;  born  in 
Baden,  Germany,  in  1835;  came 
to  Iowa  in  1853,  and  located  in 
Burlington ; removed  to  this  place 
in  1871,  and  engaged  in  his  present 
business;  married  Anna  Singer 
in  1873;  she  was  born  in  Gutten- 
berg,  Germany.  Democrat. 

McCREA,  F.  M„ physician  and 
surgeon;  born  in  Montgom- 
ery county,  Indiana,  in  1848; 
came  to  Iowa  in  1850,  and  located 
in  Oskaloosa;  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  medicine  in  Eddy  vi  lie 
in  1876. 

NOSLER,  JAMES,  dealer  in 
drugs  and  medicines;  born  in 
Montgomery  county,  Virginia,  in 
1802;  he  settled  in  Iowa  in  1843, 
and  removed  to  this  county  in 
1846,  and  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  medicine.  Mr.  N.  has  been 
twice  married ; in  1826  he  married 
J.  Moore;  she  was  a native  of 


Kentucky,  and  died  in  1873; 
married  again  to  Sarah  Kelson  in 
1874;  she  was  born  in  Alabama; 
he  has  seven  children  by  his  first 
wife,  Martha  Ann,  Thomas  M., 
Mary  J.,  Irene,  Armilda  C.,  Ellen 
and  Henry  C;  has  been  a member 
of  the  M.  E.  church  since  1824. 
Greenback. 


STOCKWELL,  W.  W.,  of  the 

firm  of  Stockwell  & Son,  deal- 
ers in  clothing  and  furnishing 
goods;  was  born  in  Licking  Co., 
Ohio,  in  1850;  married  E.  E. 
Fredrick  in  1872;  have  two  chil- 
dren, John  C.  and  James  E.  Re- 
publican. 


\7\T ALZ,  B.,  proprietor  Eddy- 
V V ville  brewery;  born  in  Ger- 
many in  1838;  came  to  America 
in  1859;  married  Mary  Meeher 
in  1867;  she  was  born  in  Musca- 
tine county,  Iowa;  they  have  five 
children,  three  sons  and  two 
daughters.  Mr.  W.  enlisted  in 
Co.  G.,  57th  Illinois  Infantry  in 
1862,  and  was  discharged  in  1865. 


ADDENDA.* 


HON.  WILLIAM  LOUGRRIDGE, 

Attorney-at-law,  Oskaloosa,  is  of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry,  his  grand-parents 
having  emigrated  to  America  before  the  Revolution,  settled  in  Pennsylva- 
nia, where  his  parents  were  born,  llis  father,  John  Loughridge,  was  born 
in  1795;  married  Miss  Rebecca  McRea,  and  in  1820  removed  to  Ohio, 
where  his  wife  died  in  1850.  He  was  a cabinet  and  chair-maker,  which 
occupation  he  followed  all  his  life,  and  died  at  Youngstown,  Ohio,  in  1857. 
The  family  consisted  of  James  M.,  Mary,  William,  Susan,  Samuel  B.,  Eliza- 
beth and  Margaret. 

William,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Youngstown — formerly 
Trumbull — Mahoning  county,  Ohio,  July  11,  1827;  he  had  tlie  advan- 
tage of  a common  school  education.  During  his.  minority  he  worked  in 
his  father’s  shop,  gaining  a practical  knowledge  of  the  business,  and  was  a 
“ tramping  jour  ” for  two  years,  working  in  Rochester,  and  Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania,  and  Stubenville,  Ohio,  studying  law  at  every  spare  moment. 
In  1850  he  entered  the  law  office  of  Judge  James  Stewart,  of  Mansfield, 
Ohio,  and  the  same  year,  at  the  fall  term  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Ohio, 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  practiced  till  April,  1852,  when  he  formed  a 
co-partnership  in  law  with  Gov.  Mordica  Bartley;  subsequently  he  re- 
moved to  Oskaloosa,  Iowa,  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law.  In  18o5 
he  was  elected  mayor  of  Oskaloosa,  and  in  1856  was  elected  to  the  State 
Senate.  In  1856  Mr.  Loughridge  w'as  married  to  Miss  D.L.  Jones,  of  Lon- 
don, Ohio,  the  daughter  of  a feuckeye  mechanic.  She  died  in  October, 
1860,  leaving  two  children,  Charles  and  William.  William  followed  his 
mother  to  the  summer-land  in  March,  1861.  In  1861  he  was  appointed  by 
Gov.  Kirkwood  to  fill  the  vacancy  on  the  bench  occasioned  by  the  resigna- 
tion of  Judge  Stone,  of  the  Sixth  Judicial  District;  and  at  the  fall  election 
of  the  same  year,  he  was  elected  to  the  same  office,  and  re-elected  in  the 
fall  of  1862,  this  time  to  a full  term,  and  served  on  the  bench  till  January, 
1&67.  In  1866  he  was  elected  by  the  Republicans  as  Representative  in 
Congress,  for  the  then  fourth  Congressional  district,  embracing  the  counties 
of  Appanoose,  Monroe,  Wapello,  Keokuk,  Mahaska,  Marion,  Jasper,  Pow- 
eshiek, Iowa,  Johnson,  Benton  and  Tama,  which  was  the  most  populous 
district  in  the  United  States.  He  was  re-elected  to  the  same  office  in  1868, 
and  served  to  March  4,  1871.  His  Democratic  opponent  in  1868  was 
John  P.  Irish,  of  Iowa  City,  and  his  successor,  after  March  4,  1871,  was 
M.  M.  Walden,  of  Centerville,  Appanoose  county. 

* These  few  biographical  sketches  were  obtained  too  late  for  classification,  and  appear 
under  the  above  heading. 


ADDENDA. 


723 


In  1872  he  was  again  elected  as  Representative  in  Congress  from 
the  Sixth  District,  comprising  the  counties  of  Appanpose*  Davis,  Monroe, 
Wapello,  Keokuk,  Mahaska,  Marion,  and  Jasper.  During  his  services  as 
member  of  Congress,  Mr.  Loughridge  stood  as  an  able  exponent  and  de- 
fender of  the  policy  of  the  Republican  party,  and  far  above  the  average  in 
the  advocacy  of  the  interests  of  the  West.  His  career  as  a public  man  is 
too  extensive  for  publication  in  such  a work  as  this,  and  many  of  his 
speeches  in  Congress  have  attracted  attention  throughout  the  Nation;  yet 
Mr.  Loughridge  himself  is  prouder  of  his  office  Of  mayor  of  the  city  of 
Oskaloosa,  in  1855-6,  than  of  any  other  office  he  ever  held.  He  stands 
more  than  six  feet  high,  and  is  a powerfully  built  man,  being  possessed 
of  great  energy  and  force  of  character.  In  his  manner  he  is  quiet  and  un- 
assuming, yet  positive  and  earnest  in  his  sentiments. 


. TERRY  MAY, 

Farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O.,  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Highland  county,  Ohio,  August 
6,  1820;  lived  in  Ohio  until  nineteen  years  of  age,  and  moved  to  Knox 
county,  Illinois,  and  lived  there  ten  years.  He  married  Miss  Phebe  J. 
Haslett,  from  Indiana,  in  1857;  they  came  with  their  own  conveyance  to 
Iowa,  and  located  in  Jasper  county;  lived  there  two  years,  and  came  to 
Mahaska  county  in  November,  1851,  and  located  in  Black  Oak  township, 
and  made  a farm;  is  one  of  the  early  s*ettlers  and  has  lived  in  this  county 
twenty-seven  years;  they  own  a small  farm,  nicely  located,  just  outside  of 
the  city  limits;  they  have  two  children,  William  S.,  engaged  in  the  drug 
business,  in  Oskaloosa,  and  Martha  E.,  now  Mrs.  H.  W.  Fisher,  agent  of 
the  C.,  R.  I.  & P.  R.  R.  at  Oskaloosa. 

PHILLIP  AKERMAN, 

Farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Fremont,  Cedar  township;  born  in  Baverum,  Ger- 
many, in  1829;  his  parents  emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  settled  in 
Butler  county,  Ohio,  in  1833;  he  lived  there  until  1851,  and  then  removed 
to  Fremont,  Iowa;  has  been  a resident  of  this  county  ever  since;  own’s  5394- 
acres  of  land;  November  3, 1851,  he  married  Miss  Rachel  Goehring,  who  was 
born  in  Germany,  and  came  to  the  United  States  in  1848;  they  Iiave  three 
sons  and  three  daughters,  Harman,  Emma  C.,  George  W.,  Albert  M.,  Mag- 
gie M.,  and  Lettie  B. 

PORTE  C.  WELCH. 

Porter  Clay  Welch,  whose  literary  nom  de  'plume  is  “ Proxy,”  was  born 
near  Jacksonville,  Morgan  Co.,  111.,  August  6,  1837.  His  father’s  name 
was  John  Welch,  of  North  Carolina;  that  of  his  mother,  Rachel  Smith, 
of  Tennessee.  His  grand-parents  were  all  born  in  America,  except  grand- 
mother on  father’s  side,  who  was  born  in  Scotland  ; hence  he  is  descended 
from  Scotch  and  Welch  ancestors  on  his  father’s  side,  and  English  on  his 
mother’s  side.  Although  the  life  of  our  subject  is  one  full  of  interesting 
incidents,  and  deserves  to  be  treated  fully,  we  have  but  room  to  give  a brief 
sketch  : 


724 


ADDENDA. 


When  about  eleven  years  of  age  (July  19,  1848)  he  removed  with  his 
father’s  family  to  Iowa,  and  settled  near  the  present  town  of  Otley,  in  Ma- 
rion county.  A year  later  he  removed  to  near  Pella,  and  remained  on  a 
farm  until  seventeen  years  old ; after  which  he  went  to  work  in  a steam 
saw-mill,  and  in  1856,  when  his  father  sold  out,  he  remained  in  charge  of 
an  extensive  lumbering  business,  having,  as  head-sawyer,  at  the  first  steam 
mill  in  Pella,  and  in  other  places  in  that  locality,  sawed  more  than  two 
million  feet  of  the  “ pick  and  choice  ” of  the  great  forests  of  that  vicinity. 

All  told,  he  never  attended  school  twelve  months  as  a pupil,  but  he  ob- 
tained a fair  education  by  studying  at  odd  hours;  he  was  frugal  in  his 
habits,  subsisting  independently  on  the  earnings  of  his  own  hands,  working 
all  day  and  posting  books  and  studying  at  night.  In  1859  he  commenced 
teaching  school,  and  in  1860  learned  the  photographing  business,  pursuing 
these  at  intervals  and  studying  in  the  meantime,  for  a number  of  years. 

At  Knoxville,  Iowa,  July  4,  1861,  Mr.  Welch  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Elizabeth  Harding,  eldest  daughter  of  Mason  Harding,  of  Kentucky  (a 
distant  relative  of  James  M.  Mason  of  “ Mason  and  Slidell”  fame).  Mrs. 
Welch  was  born  near  Rockville,  Parke  county,  Indiana,  January  8th,  1842, 
and  emigrated  to  Iowa  with  her  parents  in  1855;  they  settled  near  Coal- 
ridge,  in  Marion  county,  where  her  mother  died  the  following  year.  Their 
children  are  as  follows:  Porter  C.,  born  in  Pella,  June  12,  1862;  died  in 
Pella,  August  12,  1863  ; buried  at  Knoxville.  John  Mason,  born  in  Pella, 
January  12,  1864.  Rachel  Anna,  born  in  Pella,  January  12,  1866.  Olla 
Mary,  born  in  Oskaloosa,  January  28,  1868.  William  Francis,  born  in  Os- 
kaloosa,  January  8,  1870.  Emma  May,  born  in  Oskaloosa,  May  28,  1871. 
Fannie  Belle,  born  in  Oskaloosa,  May  17,  1874.  Peter  Cooper,  born  in  Os- 
kaloosa, February  6,  1877. 

EAST  OSKALOOSA. 

Y.  D.  CORYELL, 

Farmer,  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Ohio,  April  30,  1801;  came  to  this 
county  in  October,  1849;  owns  200  acres  of  land;  has  held  office  of  school 
director;  he  married  Miss  S.  McClannahan  in  1825;  she  was  born  in 
Adams  county,  Ohio;  has  nine  children,  Sarah,  James  W.,  Isabella,  John, 
Robert,  Elizabeth,  Carry,  Louisa  Matilda  and  Daniel  F. 


1ST.  W.  GRAY, 

Farmer,  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Ohio  in  1828;  came  to  this  county  in 
1855;  owns  180  acres  of  land;  has  held  office  of  school  director;  he  mar- 
ried Ann  M.  Stanley,  in  1858;  she  was  born  in  Ohio;  has  two  children, 
Eva  E.  and  Walter  S. 


ISAAC  M.  YATAW, 

Farmer,  P.  O.  Oskaloosa;  born  in  Indiana  in  1850;  came  to  this  county  in 
1869;  owns  80  acres  of  land;  married  Delia  Merritt,  who  was  born  in 
Michigan;  has  one  son,  Charles. 


